•MEMOIR "'^^ "%.- 
 
 Commodore David Porter; 
 
 UNITED STATES IS AYY. 
 
 ADMIRAL DAVID D. PORTEE 
 
 PORTRAIT AND HELIOTYPES. 
 
 U. S. S. PALOS 
 
 ALBANY, N. Y. : 
 J. MUNSELL, PUBLISHER 
 
 1875. 
 
n n 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1875, 
 
 By DAVID D. PORTER, 
 
 In the ottice of the Librarian of Congress at Washinirton. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Early history of Commodore Porter's life — David and Samuel Porter of 
 the Revolution Captains by Commissions from Gen. Washington — Alex- 
 ander, father of David and Samuel Porter— David Porter Sr., in Command 
 of the Privateer Delight — Active Career against the British — Capture 
 and Imprisonment of David and Samuel Porter — Death of Samuel and 
 Escape of David Porter — David Porter appointed by Gen. Washington a 
 Sailing Master in the Navy, and placed in Charge of Federal Hill, Balti- 
 more, Md.— Children of David Porter Sr.— Birth of David Porter Jr., 
 and his early Connection with, and Fondness for Sea Life — Sails 
 with his Father in the Brig Eliza — Boarded by an English Press 
 Gang, which is Repulsed, with several of the English Killed — Im- 
 pressed in the English Navy, and Escape — Second Impressment, and 
 Escape — Appointment in the U. S. Navy as a Midshipman, 7 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Disgraceful Treaty of Peace with Algiers — Reference to it — French 
 Provocations and failure to obtain Redress — Appointment of Secretary 
 
 . of the Navy — The President empowered to Retaliate upon France by 
 reprisals — Organization of the Navy — War with the French — First 
 actual Naval Establishment — Desire of young Men to enter the Navy — 
 The War popular with Naval Officers — Mid. David Porter ordered to 
 the Constellation, exemplary Conduct and Attention to Duty — Diffi- 
 culties young Officers had to contend with — Difficulty with a Lieut., 
 whom he Strikes — The Lieut, finally dismissed for Drunkenness and 
 becomes a common Sailor in Porter's Boat — Fight of the Constellation 
 and L'Insurgente — Capture of the French Frigate — She is taken into 
 St. Kits by Lieut. Rodgers, Mid. Porter and a Boat's Crew of twelve 
 Men — Porter's Disgust with the Naval Service — Remarks on the French 
 War— John Adams the Father of the Navy —The Surprise of the British 
 at the appearance of a large American Force in the West Indies — The 
 Improvements in Naval Discipline — Porter promoted to Lieut. Oct., 
 8th, 1799 — Melancholy affair at Baltimore, Md., 14 
 
 ^730r)0 
 
iv Contents. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Lieut. Porter ordered to Schooner Experiment 1799 — Battle of Ex- 
 periment with Picaroons in the Bight of Leogane — Porter assumes 
 command — Stewart ordered as Captain of tlie Experiment — Porter 
 remains as 1st Lieutenant — Fight of the Experiment with the Deux 
 Amis — Porter with four men left in Charge, gets her into St. Kits, 
 with all the Prisoners — Fight of the Experiment with the Diana, and 
 Capture of the Latter — Fight with an English Privateer by mistake — 
 Porter detached from the Experiment and ordered as 2d Lieut, of the 
 Constitution, given the Command of Schooner Amphitrite — Capture of 
 a Privateer and a Barge — Reflections on the French War — After the 
 War — Congress directs most of the Ships to be sold, and Officers to be 
 discharged — Porter one of those retained — The ill Effects of placing 
 a Civilian at the Head of the Navy — Jeff'erson a good Politician, but 
 no Sailor — Reflections on the System he adopted for the Navy, and 
 the ill Effects upon the Service, 29 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The Vessels retained at the Close of the French War — Popularity and Effi- 
 ciency of the Navy — Humiliating Positi(ms Naval Officers were placed 
 in — Hostile Manifestations on the Part of the Tripolitans — War with 
 Tripoli — Porter ordered as 1st Lieut, of the Enterprise — Humiliating 
 instructions to Commodore Dale — Fight of the Enterprise, and Cap- 
 ture of the Tripolitan Corsair Tripoli, 14 Guns — The Tripoli allowed 
 to depart after dismantling her — Hesitating Policy of the President in 
 regard to retaining Prizes — Commodore Dale ordered to return Home ac- 
 companied by the Enterprise — Porter ordered as 1st Lieut, of the New 
 York — Ship on fire — Porter leads an Attack on some Tripolitan Vessels — 
 Burns them — He is twice wounded — the Inefficiency of our Vessels 
 for the Work in Hand — Commodore Morris detached and summarily 
 punished — The ill Treatment of Naval Officers, and the Want of Sym- 
 pathy between them and a Civilian Head — Political Influence — Disas- 
 ters to the Navy, 43 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 1803 the Philadelphia, Captain Bainbridge, fitted out for Tripoli — Porter 
 ordered as 1st Lieut, of the Ship — Loss of the Philadelphia by running 
 on a Rock off Tripoli and her Capture by the Tripolitans — Imprison- 
 ment of the Officers and Crew — Hardships during the Imprisonment — 
 High Standard of Chivalry in the Navy in those Days — The Tripolitans 
 save the Philadelphia — Commodore Preble ordered to command the 
 Squadron — By the written Advice of Bainbridge, orders the Philadel- 
 phia to be destroyed by Decatur — The Vessel completely destroyed — 
 Amusements of the American Prisoners — Porter summarily arrested 
 and brought before the Bashaw — His return unharmed to his Ship- 
 mates — Better Treatment afterwards — Frequent Attempts of the Ameri- 
 cans to escape — Peace declared and the Release of the American 
 Prisoners — Commodore Rodgers ordered to command the Squadron - 
 
Contents. v 
 
 Porter ordered to command tlie Enterprise — Exciting affair at Malta — 
 Figlit of the Enterprise with Spanish Gun Boats — Porter promoted to 
 Commander 22d of April, 1806 — Mean Policy of the Government to- 
 wards the Navy — Porter falls in love and threatens to throw his future 
 Brother-in-law out of a Window — He gets married 10th March, 1808, 55 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 A Reference to the History of Louisiana — The Gun-boat System — Foreign 
 Vessels of War violating our Neutrality Law^s — Porter ordered in 1808 
 to command the New Orleans Station — Difficulties he meets with on tak- 
 ing Command — The excitable Condition of the People of New Orleans — 
 Aaron Burr's Expedition — The celebrated Embargo declared by the U. 
 S. — Illegal acts committed by Foreign Privateers — Capture of three 
 French Privateers by Commander Porter — Their Condemnation, and ex- 
 citing times in Court — The Captors receive $25,000 Prize Money — Por- 
 ter becomes dissatisfied witli his Command — Promised the Command of 
 the Essex, after tendering his Resignation in the Navy in 1810 — Prospect 
 of War with Great Britain induces him to remain in the Navy — He 
 carries out all the Restrictive Acts, and breaks up Privateering on the 
 Southern Coast — Death of Commander Porter's Father and the Adop- 
 tion of David Glascoe Parragut — The Commander is presented with a 
 Son, whom he hands around on a Plate — Porter's Disgust at tlie Inaction 
 of our Government in Relation to British Aggressions — Anxious for 
 War — Reference to the British Aggressions — Criticisms on the Action 
 of the U. S. Government — A Letter of Com. Porter's showing the un- 
 wise Conduct of the Gov., in not introducing the Naval Element into 
 the Civil Branch of the Serivce — The Weak Condition of the Navy — 
 Porter ordered to Command the Essex, August, 1811 — His Correspond- 
 ence with Sam. Hambleton, Esq., in Relation to Naval Matters — Pro- 
 moted to Captain 2d July, 1812 — When War was declared, gets his Ship 
 ready for Sea, and sails on a Cruise — Falls in with a Convoy and cuts 
 out a Transport — Captures the British Ship of war Alert, the first Vessel 
 captured — Correspondence with Admiral Duckworth — Ordered to 
 form Part of Baiubridge's Squadron — Spicy Letter to Sam. Hambleton — 
 List of Vessels captured — Sails from the Delaware, Oct. 28th, 1812, 72 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Heavy Gale — Porter's System with Regard to his Crew — Arrival at Porto 
 Praya — Hospitable Reception — Sails in pursuit of Bainbridge— Cap- 
 tures British Brig of War Nocton — Goes off Rio Janeiro — Captures 
 British Schooner Elizabeth — Gives chase to a Convoy, but owing to 
 bad Weather puts into St. Catharines — Hearing of the Capture of the 
 Hornet, sails for the Pacific — Heavy Weather going around Cape Horn — 
 Arrival at Valparaiso, 102 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Pleasant Reception at Valparaiso — Fits his Ship for Sea with expedi- 
 tion. The Chilian Government Renounces their Allegiance to the Span- 
 
vi Contents. 
 
 ish Crown — The Arrival of the Essex received with great Joy at St. 
 Jago — Preparations for Battle and a Disappointment in a Ball — Cap- 
 tain Porter receives Information of a Number of English Whale Ships, 
 and determines to Depart — Sails for Valparaiso — Meets the American 
 Whale Ship Charles — Hears of Depredations upon American Commerce 
 by Peruvians— Falls in with the Peruvian Ship of War Nereyda — 
 Captures her, throws her Guns Overboard, and sends her into Port dis- 
 mantled — Writes the Viceroy of Peru a Diplomatic Letter — Kecaptures 
 the American Ship Barclay — Sails for the Gallapagos Islands — Arrival 
 there — A funny Letter found in the Post Office— History of Pat 
 Watkins — Three enemy Ships in Sight — Great Excitement on Board — 
 Capture of three British Whalers — Addition of a Sloop of War to the 
 American Navy, by Converting one of the Prizes — Half a Million 
 Dollars Worth of British Property captured, 119 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Cruising among the Gallapagos — Large Turtle — Description of the 
 Islands — A Chase of 26 Hours, and a fine Prize the Result — the Letter 
 of Marque Atlantic — Another Sail heaves in Sight, Chase and Capture — 
 Letter of Marque Greenwich, a renegade American Captain in Charge — 
 The Essex supplied from the Prizes — List of Captures up to Date — 
 Importance of the Whale Fisheries to England — Account of Coin et's 
 Voyage — Porter sails for Tumbez, and arrival there — Arrival of 
 Lieut. Downes with three more Prizes — The Greenwich turned into 
 a Ship of War, and Christened Essex Jr. — British Sailors Shipping 
 under the American Flag, to Fight for " Sailors' Rights." 130 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Sailing of the Fleet from Tumbez — Lieut. Downes sent to Valparaiso 
 with some of the Prizes — The Essex returns to the Gallapagos Islands — 
 Three Vessels in Sight, and Chase given — Three Enemy's Ships cap- 
 tured after a smart Fight — One of the Prizes equipped with 22 Guns — 
 Sends the Prize Georgiana to the U. S. filled with Oil — Another Sail in 
 Sight — Exciting Chase and Escape of the Stranger ~ A strange Sail 
 discovered on the 14th — Captured after a Chase it turns out to be the 
 Vessel chased Previously — The Essex over-run with Rats — Deter- 
 mination to go to the Washington Group to heave out — Insubordina- 
 tion on board the Essex — Summary Method of Dealing with the Mat- 
 ter — Essex Jr. arrives with News from America — The British Whale 
 Fishery broken up — Infamy of the British Privateer System, 154 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 Fleet sails for the Washington Islands — Address to the Crew of the 
 Essex — Their Satisfaction thereat — Land Discovered, Hood's Island 
 and Rooahooga — Communication with the Natives — Trade in Iron 
 Hoops and Fishhooks — The Sailors tell wonderful Stories on their 
 Return to the Ship, about Houris — Arrival of the Essex at Nooka- 
 
Contents. ^ii 
 
 heevah — Finds White Men there — No okaheevans and Happahs at 
 War— Porter sides with the Taeehs — The handsome Piteenee — Mar- 
 quesas Women — Hoops, Fishhooks and lovely Natives — Gatta- 
 newa— Repairs of the Essex — Mouina the Nookaheevan Chief— 
 Description of Nookaheevah and its Tribes, 167 
 
 CHAPTER Xn. 
 
 Captain Porter makes War on the Happahs, and subdues them — Shock- 
 ing Treatment of the wounded Happahs by the Nookaheevah Cannibals— 
 Happahs beg for Peace — The Typees become Troublesome, and send 
 the Americans defiant Messages — Capt. Porter builds Fort Madison — 
 The British Prisoners plan an Insurrection — Their Punishment — A 
 Sentry shot — Threatened Disaffection among some of the Crew of the 
 Essex — Prompt Measures — Taking Possession of Nookaheevah in the 
 Name of the U. S.— The Advantage of Nookaheevah commercially — 
 Arrival of an American Trading Ship, 179 
 
 CHAPTER Xni. 
 
 The Typees become so insulting, that War is necessary — Attack by 
 the Americans on the Typees — The Americans have to retreat — 
 The Typees become still more insulting and the Allies of the Americans 
 become doubtful Friends — Second Expedition against the Typees — Sub- 
 jugation of them by the Americans and the Destruction of their Valley — 
 The Typees sue for Peace — Harmony restored throughout the 
 Island, 196 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Refitting of the Essex and Prizes — Love between the Sailors and Island 
 Women — The Sailors unhappy and the Women threaten to commit Sui- 
 cide—The Attractions ot Nookaheevah — The Crew of the Essex grow 
 mutinous — Summary Punishment of the Ringleader — Crew go cheer- 
 fully to Duty — Character of the female Nookaheevans — Some account 
 of the Natives — Their guileless Character before associating with the 
 Whites, 214 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Departure of the Essex and Essex Jr., for Valparaiso, and their Arrival 
 there — Two British ships of War in sight off the Harbor — The Eng- 
 lish Frigate Phoebe enters the Harbor — Comes near fouling the Essex — 
 Porter gives the Order to Board — The British Captain protests that it 
 was an Accident — The Battle between the Essex and the two British 
 Ships — Capture of the Essex, and the Correspondence on the Subject — 
 Captain Porter — Officers and Crew — Allowed to use the Essex Jr., as 
 a Cartel, and proceed to the U. S. — Arrival of the Essex Jr., off Sandy 
 Hook — Detained by a British Ship of War — Captain Porter escapes in 
 a Whale Boat, during a Fog — The Essex Jr., allowed to proceed — Ad- 
 
viii Contents. 
 
 ventures of Lieut. Gamble, after he was left, at Nookaheevah by the 
 Essex, 220 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Arrival of Captain Porter at Babylon, Long Island — His Reception after 
 his Escape — The Government approves of his Escaping — The English 
 advance on Washington — Captain Porter ordered to defend the City, 
 calls upon the Crew of the Essex to go with him — The Enemy's Fleet off 
 Alexandria — Captains Porter and Creightonreconnoiteroa horse back, 
 and try to carry off a Midshipman — Capt. Porter fortifies at the White 
 House on the Potomac — Generals Young and Hiingerford cooperate — 
 Open fire on an 18 gun Brig — Battle between the English Ships and 
 Captain Porter's Batteries — The Enghsh much cut up — Captain 
 Porter's new Ship burnt by the British — Peace declared — Board of 
 Naval Commissioners established — Porter one of the Board' — Its 
 Powers discussed — Disposition of Congress to lay up the Ships of the 
 Navy — Prevented by Rodgers — Decatur and Porter — The Influence 
 of the Naval Commissioners — Porter's Journal — Criticisms on it by 
 the English Reviewers — Porter's Answers — Buys a Farm and builds a 
 House — Plan of Increase of the Navy — List of Vessels at the End of the 
 War — Captain Porter proposes a Survey of the N. W. Coast, etc. — 
 Policy of the Board of Naval Commissioners — Navy Yards — Though a 
 good Sailor, Captain Porter not a judicious Farmer — Starts a Horse 
 Boat, and has too many Dead Heads — Piracy in the West Indies — Por- 
 ter ordered to put it down — Anecdotes, 253 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Capt. Porter's Instructions — Fits out a Flying Squadron — Difficulties 
 with the Governor of Porto Rico — Spanish Fort Fires into one of 
 the Vessels and kills the Commander — Correspondence — Operations 
 against the Pirates — Attacked by the Press at Home for not putting 
 down Piracy — A Number of gallant Affairs takes place with the 
 Pirates — Diablito, the Last of the Pirates, killed — The Yellow Fever 
 breaks out at Key West — Com. Porter taken down with Fever — Re- 
 turns to the U. S. — Fits his Fleet out and Returns to the West Indies — 
 Difficulties with Spanish Authorities at Foxardo — Recalled by the 
 Government — Inconsistency of the Administration — The Commodore 
 is informed that he will be subjected to a Court of Inquiry — Anec- 
 dotes, 278 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Court of Inquiry — Court Martial, and Defense, with Remarks by the 
 Author — The Commodore sentenced to six Months Supension, " For 
 Upholding the Honor of the Flag " — Reflections on the Result and the 
 favorable Decision of John Quincy Adams, in Jackson's Case, under 
 like Circumstances, . 308 
 
Contents. ix 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 War between Spanish America and Spain — Porter invited by the Mexi- 
 cans to enter their Navy — Sails from New York in the Mexican Brig 
 Guerrero — Arrives at Vera Cruz — Is received with great Enthusi- 
 asm — Transit to Mexico — Has an Interview with the Mexican Admin- 
 istration, and resigns liis Commission in the U. S. Navy — Receives the 
 Appointment of General of Marine in the Mexican Navy — Fits out his 
 Squadron at Vera Cruz — Finds it a sorry Affair — Sails for the West 
 Indies — Offers the Spanish Squadron Battle which they DecUne — Fits 
 out Expeditions against the Spanish Commerce from Key West — Letter 
 to Hambleton expressing Regret at leaving the Navy — Commits great 
 Havoc on Spanish Commerce — Returns to Vera Cruz — Fits out the 
 Guerrero, and sends her to the Coast of Cuba — Her Gallant Action 
 and Capture by the Spanish Frigate Lealtad — The Mexican Govern- 
 ment disatisfied and begins to grow Treacherous — Difficulty with Santa 
 Anna — Receives False Orders to go to Mexico — Is attacked by four 
 Assassins on the Road — Kills two of them , and makes some Prize 
 Money — Returns to Vera Cruz — Attempt to Assassinate him in his 
 own House — He kills the Assassin — Loses his son Thomas by Fever — 
 Becomes disgusted with the People and the Country — His Views in 
 regard to a Route across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec — Jackson invites 
 him to return to the U. S. — Offers to appoint him to his Place in the 
 Navy — Resigns from the Mexican Navy and returns to the U. S.,. .846 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Connnodore Porter's Fortunes — Adversity throws him upon the Mag- 
 nanimity of the fortunate ones — Offered several Appointments by 
 Gen. Jackson, which he declines — Desires to be sent back to Mexico 
 as American Minister — Appointed Consul General to Algiers, and soon 
 after Charge d' Affaires to Constantinople — Characteristic Letter on 
 French Affairs in Algiers, 391 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Com. Porter's arrival at Constantinople — Friendly Relations with the 
 Sultan — Hospitality towards all Americans — Buys a Residence at San 
 Stephano near Constantinople — Declines to be friendly with Elliott — 
 Tiie Story of the Decatur Duel — Returns to the U. S. — Is appointed 
 Minister Resident to the Sublime Porte — His Sickness and Death — His 
 Remains sent to the U. S., in a Public Vessel — The Honors paid on his 
 Interment in the U. S. — His Monument and Inscription at Woodland, 
 near Philadelphia, 879 
 
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Commodore Porter, Frontispiece. 
 
 The Constellation capturing the French frigate Vlnsurgente, 20 
 
 The Experiment driving off Picaroons, 28 
 
 The Experiment capturing the Deux Amis, 32 
 
 Capture of the Diane by the Experiment, 34 
 
 The Experiment capturing the British privateer, Louisa Bridger, .... 36 
 
 The Amphitrite recapturing a prize to pirates, 38 
 
 The Enterprise capturing a Tripolitan corsair,. 46 
 
 Lieut. Porter's attack on vessels hauled up at Tripoli, 52 
 
 Loss of the " Philadelphia," 58 
 
 The Enterprise driving off Spanish gunboats, 68 
 
 Capture of French privateers in the Mississippi, 78 
 
 The Essex capturing the British ship Alert, 94 
 
 The Essex capturing the British brig Nocton, 108 
 
 The Essex and her prizes sailing out of the bay of Tumbez, 154 
 
 Tlie Essex and her prizes making the Washington Islands, 168 
 
 The Essex and her prizes at Nookaheevah, 176 
 
 The British frigate Phoebe fouling the Essex, , 122 
 
 Burning of the prize Hector, .... 228 
 
 The Essex offering battle to the frigate Phcebe, 230 
 
 Battle between the Essex and the Phoebe and Cherub, 238 
 
 Captain Porter escaping in a boat from under the guns of the British 
 
 frigate Saturn, 242 
 
 Earthworks thrown up by Captain Porter at White House on the 
 
 Potomac to prevent the passage of the British fleet, . . 256 
 
 The American Squadron at Key West, 1824, 282 
 
 The Mexican Squadron at Key West 1827, 356 
 
 Fight between the Mexican brig Guerrero of 22 guns, and the Spanish 
 
 frigate Lealiad of 64 guns, 374 
 
ERKATA. 
 
 Page 22, 2d line, for " Frenchman," read Frenchman's. 
 
 34, 30th line, for " never afterwards impaired," read never impaired. 
 
 35, 5th line, for "■ French schooner," read latter. 
 
 35, 2d line from bottom, for '• Experiment," read former. 
 35, last paragraph, for ''Enterprise," read Experiment. 
 39, 7th line, for " Porter," read him. 
 47, 22d line, for '' his enemy," read the Corsair. 
 56, 5th line, for "■ strict," read implicit. 
 68, 7th line from bottom, for " gunboat," read gunboats. 
 80, 10th line from bottom, for " Porter," read him. 
 107, 16th line from bottom, for "owner," read owners. 
 
 112, 18th line, for "convey," read convoy. 
 
 113, 4th line, for " ship," read ships 
 
 120, 21st line, for " which was," read then. 
 
 144, 10th line from bottom, for " get windward," read get to windward. 
 
 155, 27th line, for the "Essex," read she. 
 
 163, 10th line from bottom, " for Essex," read frigate. 
 
 164, 14th line, for " the men," read them. 
 
 173, 10th line from the bottom, for " these men," read them. 
 180, 14th line, for "all over," read on. 
 197, 15th line, for " landing," read beach. 
 
 205, 7th line from bottom, omit " besides." 
 
 206, 3d line, for "the determination of the Typees," read their determination. 
 
 207, 12th line from bottom, for "here aud there," read in all directions. 
 226, 23d line from the bottom, for " these songs," read the songs. 
 
 233, 2d line from bottom, for "enemy," read,'"' enemy's ships. 
 
 237, for page " 337," read 237. 
 
 239, for " twelve long guns," read six long guns. 
 
 245, 8th line from bottom read the commander of a ship of war, 
 
 249, 4lh line from bottom read demanded to know. 
 
 295, for "Mclntoch," read Mcintosh. 
 
 368, for "Guatzacolcos," read Guasacualcos. 
 
 376, for " csmall," read small. 
 
 411, Ist line, for "Florida," read Floria. 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 Commodore David Porter. 
 
 INTKODUCTION. 
 
 • 
 
 i HE history of a nation is the history of its dis- 
 tinguished men ; and we neglect a duty, if we fail to 
 do justice to the memory of those, who, either in 
 peace or war, have done honor to the country. 
 
 The events of the last war, with England, once 
 held a prominent place in the public mind ; and it is 
 one of the objects of this book to reawaken those 
 recollections, for the nation seems to have forgotten 
 the events of 1812, and the men who snatched her 
 laurels from the mistress of the seas, and forced an 
 honorable peace. 
 
 The United States Navy had on its rolls, during that 
 war, many gallant spirits who would have rivaled 
 the fame of Blake and Nelson, had the opportunity 
 been offered them. Their country should never allow 
 their names to sink into oblivion. 
 
 Although our navy has always borne a very promi- 
 nent and successful part in all the wars in which the 
 United States has been engaged, yet it has never 
 1 
 
2-\\ ^' j.^ ; MsMOJUr OB^ .Commodore David Porter. 
 
 received full justice from the community. It is true, 
 that while the memory of some of its triumphs was 
 fresh in the popular mind, the service has been the 
 recipient of short lived applause, but such momentary 
 enthusiasm soon died out in default of further excite- 
 ment to keep it alive. 
 
 The proof of this is, that in time of peace the navy 
 is allowed to languish, and maintain only a precarious 
 existence ; and not a single monument has ever been 
 erected by the government to commemorate its heroes 
 or their victories. 
 
 Even that illustrious sailor Paul Jones, who first 
 taught the English to respect our flag, is generally re- 
 ferred to as a bold adventurer, a designation given him 
 by our foes, and which we, to our shame, have accepted. 
 
 The names of Truxton, Hull, Bainbridge, Perry, 
 McDonough, Decatur, Preble, Lawrence, Somers, Bid- 
 die, and others, are occasionally remembered as men 
 who at a remote period performed some gallant 
 service ; but nothing has been done to preserve the 
 memory of those distinguished oflicers ; and it is only 
 within a few years, that anything like an accurate 
 record of their achievements was given to the world. 
 This is inexcusable, for few indeed have any concep- 
 tion of the hardships and sacrifices of those who went 
 forth to battle with the " Mistress of the seas," upon 
 her chosen element. 
 
 We should never forget, that in 1812, we entered 
 into what was considered a hopeless conflict with the 
 greatest navy the world had ever seen, and that but 
 for the gallantry of our seamen we should have been 
 forced to agree to an ignominious peace. 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 3 
 
 The successes of our navy, to quote the language 
 
 of Byron, 
 
 taught her Esau brethren that the flag, 
 
 The floating fence of Albion's feebler crag, 
 
 May bow to those whose red right hands have bought 
 
 Rights cheaply earned with blood." 
 
 Through the efforts of the navy we gained what 
 we went into the war to obtain, and from that time 
 to this, our flag has been respected, as that of one of 
 the great powers of the world. 
 
 The history of that memorable struggle has been 
 ably written by our distinguished countryman. Cooper : 
 and from his naval experience and personal knowledge 
 of the principal actors, he was well qualified for the 
 task ; but in a general description of the war it was 
 of course impossible to give that full account of the 
 public and private life of his heroes, by which alone 
 their merits can properly be estimated. 
 
 Since the war with England, many events have 
 occurred, in which our naval officers figured conspic- 
 uously, the details of which are unknown to the 
 public. Most of those who were distinguished in the 
 war of 1812, have since occupied important positions 
 at home and abroad, and have left the impress of 
 their characters indelibly fixed upon the naval ser- 
 vice ; and the survivors of those who served under 
 their command still delight in the remembrance of their 
 career under these distinguished pioneers of our navy. 
 
 Conspicuous among the gallant spirits to whom I 
 have referred, was the subject of this memoir. His 
 career, in and out of the United States navy, was 
 
4 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 marked with more than ordinary distinction, and his 
 history is unusually interesting from the halo of 
 romance which has been thrown around his exploits. 
 
 The object of the author is to give a simple narra- 
 tive of Commodore Porter's life, which he feels sure 
 will interest all who take a pride in the history of 
 our navy. 
 
 Most of the biographies of our naval men, have 
 been prepared from imperfect materials, often the 
 only ones accessible, and although the author of this 
 memoir is fully conscious of his inability to do justice 
 to the subject, in a literary point of view, he hopes 
 that errors of authorship will not be too severely 
 criticized. 
 
 In his desire to do justice to the memory of a 
 gallant officer, the author may perhaps incur the 
 charge of partiality, but he has endeavored to give 
 Commodore Porter simply the credit which he re- 
 ceived from his cotemporaries. 
 
 The fame he acquired in the service of his country 
 is his only monument ; but that will we trust endure 
 longer than bronze or marble. 
 
 Most of the friends and cotemporaries of Commo- 
 dore Porter have passed away, but their descendants 
 will, I think, find the story of his life worthy their 
 perusal. 
 
 The young officers of the navy will be benefited by 
 a familiarity with the history of one whose example 
 will stimulate them. They will see how determina- 
 tion will overcome all obstacles, how ships in time of 
 war can be maintained by living upon the enemy, 
 and how much an officer can accomplish who depends 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 6 
 
 upon his own resources, and does not wait for specific 
 orders before he dares to make a movement. 
 
 Throughout this narrative, it will be seen that 
 Commodore Porter never hesitated to vindicate the 
 honor of the flag, no matter what might be the con- 
 sequences to himself personally, and it was owing to 
 his undeviating loyalty to the stars and stripes that 
 he was eventually driven from a service of which he 
 was so distinguished a member, and obliged to spend 
 the remnant of his life far from his friends and 
 country — yet he never regretted the action which 
 led to his resignation from the service. He felt that 
 he could no longer associate with the officers as 
 brothers, who had recommended his suspension for 
 the term of six months, "for upholding the honor of 
 the flag ! " 
 
 Yes, incredible as it may seem, such was the sub- 
 stance of the sentence ; and although no disgrace was 
 implied, yet the Commodore's proud spirit would not 
 brook even the intimation of a censure for doing what 
 he considered an imperative duty. 
 
 The author has been, for several years, employed 
 in collecting the material for this memoir, in the hope 
 that some one more accustomed to literary labor 
 might be induced to undertake the task. The work 
 is necessarily incomplete, for many of the Commodore's 
 papers have been lost or destroyed, yet sufficient 
 remains for the reader to form a pretty accurate idea 
 of his character, and to add something to the already 
 published history of our country. 
 
 The author has been led out of his way, frequently, 
 during the course of these memoirs, in discussing mat- 
 
6 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 ters (relating to the navy generally) which may be 
 deemed irrelevant in a work of this kind ; but those 
 discussions are introduced to show the difficulties 
 under which naval officers have labored since the ear- 
 liest foundation of the navy ; and the credit due them 
 for their successes, under such adverse circumstances. 
 The author has no intention or desire to reflect on any 
 one, but merely to point out the defects of a system, 
 which must be apparent to those who have taken 
 any interest in the matter — it is such a discussion as 
 any officer can with propriety enter into, unless it is 
 intended that the men who frequently are placed in 
 positions where* the honor of the nation is in their 
 keeping, and who are the country's sole dependence 
 in case of a foreign war, shall be considered a set of 
 subservients, unworthy to have the same privilege 
 that belongs to every American citizen. 
 
MEMom OF Com. Dayid Porter 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 ±E treating of the early history of our navy and of those 
 who held positions therein, it is often difficult to obtain full 
 facts or the dates of occurrences. In the days of the revo- 
 lution records were imperfectly kept, and when made have 
 often been scattered and lost. There was no regular navy 
 department, such functions having been performed by 
 boards and congressional committees, and by the general 
 commanding the army, who in certain cases seems to have 
 been authorized to issue commissions, and by the state 
 governments, some of which fitted out armed vessels on 
 their own authority to cruise against the enemy. 
 
 But in whatever way the vessels and their officers were 
 commissioned, all were considered as the continental navy, 
 and many gallant affairs took place under these promiscu- 
 ous authorizations, which are not noticed in the histories 
 of the present day. 
 
 On the breaking out of the revolutionary war we find two 
 brothers, David and Samuel Poetee, commanding vessels 
 commissioned to capture and destroy ships carrying stores 
 to the British army. This was a perilous service from the 
 great number of British cruisers hovering on the coast, and 
 the patriots had often to fight their way through desperate 
 odds to make their escape from a watchful and powerful foe. 
 
 The father of these two brothers was Alexander Porter, 
 a native of Massachusetts, where he was born in the year 
 1727, and both had commanded merchant vessels previous 
 to the war. It is very probable that the brothers were 
 commissioned by Washington, to whom they appear to 
 
8 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 have been well known. It is related that when David 
 Porter's little daughter was presented to Washington, on 
 his election to the presidency, with the remark : " This is 
 the daughter of Captain Porter of revolutionary fame," 
 the president laid his hand on her head with the remark, 
 " May God bless his child.'' 
 
 In 1778, we find David Porter in command of the pri- 
 vateer sloop Delight, of six guns, fitted out in Maryland, 
 and pursuing an active career against the enemy; and 
 two years after he was in command of the ship Aurora, of 
 ten guns, belonging to the state of Massachusetts, in which 
 he is represented as having performed valuable service to 
 the united colonies, though the particulars of his service 
 have unfortunately been lost. 
 
 While cruising against the British, Samuel Porter was 
 badly wounded and captured, and was confined in the Jer- 
 sey prison ship, where he underwent the greatest hardships. 
 While lingering in this horrible place he was unexpectedly 
 joined by his brother David, who had also been captured 
 by a superior force. We can imagine the joy of the dying 
 man at meeting with his only brother, and the grief of the 
 latter on seeing the lamentable condition to which his 
 relative was reduced. David was allowed to attend his 
 brother, and to close his eyes in death, which finally ter- 
 minated his sufferings. He was so overcome at the melan- 
 choly termination of his brother's career, as to excite the 
 sympathy of the officers and men, whose duty it was to 
 perform the last offices for the dead, and they exerted 
 themselves to procure for him indulgences not usually 
 granted to a prisoner. 
 
 Porter was of a jovial disposition, and full of anecdotes, 
 and after the duties of the day were over, would entertain 
 both officers and men of the prison ship with his stories of 
 the sea. In fact his conduct was so satisfactory, and he 
 made himself so useful and entertaining to the British, 
 that he was not locked up at sunset with the other prisoners. 
 After some months imprisonment. Captain Porter, by in- 
 gratiating himself with some of the crew, persuaded them 
 to assist him to escape ; so one night, when all was quiet, 
 some of the members of a watering party, that was going 
 on shore at daylight, headed our hero up in a water cask. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 9 
 
 leaving the bung out so that he could breathe. He laid 
 all night in this uncomfortable place, and when day broke, 
 was rolled along the deck and into the launch. There was 
 great danger of discovery, but the jolly tars managed by 
 some means to get the officer of the launch out of the way, 
 and released Porter, who divided with his benefactors 
 what little money he had, and went on his way rejoic- 
 ing. He at once reported his escape at headquarters, and 
 continued to serve his country until peace was declared ; 
 making many valuable captures, and profiting no doubt 
 by his experience as a captive to restrain his too ardent 
 temperament. 
 
 Captain Porter resided in Boston until some years after 
 the revolution, when he was appointed a sailing master in 
 the navy, by General Washington, and was given charge 
 of the signal station on Federal hill, Baltimore, a place 
 for which his nautical experience well qualified him ; and 
 where for several years he enjoyed the society of his young 
 family. He had four daughters and two sons: David, and 
 John, the former of whom is the subject of this memoir. 
 The other son, John Porter, entered the navy in 1806, and 
 died in Watertown, Mass., in 1831; having attained the 
 rank of commander. 
 
 David Porter, whose history will be narrated in the 
 following pages, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on 
 the first day of February 1780, in Charter street, in that 
 old part of the town known as the North End — a 
 quarter which has been the birth place of many distin- 
 guished characters. The house in which Porter was born 
 remained in existence till about the year 1847, when the 
 writer got a glimpse of it just as the workmen were about 
 to tear it down, in order to erect a more pretentious struc- 
 ture. The house was plain and suited to the simple 
 wants of people of the past century, who managed to do 
 without the " modern improvements " which are now so 
 essential to our existence. 
 
 Young David was brought up almost entirely by his 
 mother, his father being absent much of the time at sea. 
 Mrs. Porter is described as beloved by all who knew her, 
 and it was to the faithful training of this excellent woman 
 that her son acquired that strict integrity which distin- 
 2 
 
10 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 guished him through life. The boy, at an early age, 
 manifested the restless energy which ever afterwards char- 
 acterized him, in that respect resembling his father, whose 
 daring spirit would stop at nothing when there was any 
 enterprise on foot. 
 
 To his good mother, David was indebted for his early 
 education, and it was her earnest desire that his progress 
 through life should be guided by the principles of religion, 
 so that his character would receive no stain ; and his most 
 earnest subject of regret, in after life, was the neglect he 
 had paid to many of his mother's admonitions, and the 
 grief he had caused her by his hasty temper and madcap 
 pranks ; for being a boy of ungovernable spirits he was 
 always getting into scrapes w^hich frequently caused him 
 much inconvenience. His constitution was naturally deli- 
 cate and his frame fragile, and much anxiety was felt by 
 his parents lest he should never attain manhood; but such 
 was the strength of his spirit that he passed through fits of 
 sickness that would have carried ofl' many a stronger boy. 
 
 As David grew in years he developed a fondness for a 
 sea life, from hearing his father's account of his various 
 adventures, and when he was about sixteen years old his 
 father, having obtained command of a vessel in the West 
 India trade, took the lad to sea with him (much against 
 his fond mother's wishes), by way of initiating him into the 
 life of a sailor. It was in the year 1796, that the Eliza, 
 commanded by David Porter Sen", sailed from Baltimore 
 bound to the West Indies at a time when the United 
 States was without a navy, and when an English press- 
 gang did not hesitate to board any of our vessels, and 
 carry off such of their crews as might suit their fancy ! 
 
 While the Eliza was lying in the port of Jeremie in 
 the Island of San Domingo, an armed boat from a British 
 man-of-war came alongside and demanded to search the 
 vessel for deserters or for men who owed allegiance to 
 Great Britain. Captain Porter told the British officer 
 that if he came on board the Eliza it would be at his 
 peril, as he was armed and would resist him to the last 
 extremity. The Englishman laughed at the idea of a 
 Yankee skipper bidding defiance to his majesty's forces, 
 and ordered his men to go on board at once. It is not 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 11 
 
 known who fired the first shot, but the order to board 
 had no sooner passed the British officer's lips than Captain 
 Porter called out, "Repel boarders ! " and the Americans, 
 armed to the teeth, rushed upon their assailants and drove 
 them overboard. Several men were killed and wounded 
 on both sides, and one man was shot down by the side of 
 young Porter, who was lending his feeble aid to help drive 
 the press-gang from the ship. The honor of the flag was 
 never more fully vindicated than on this occasion. Captain 
 Porter setting an example which it would have been well 
 if it had been universally followed. In the aflair of the 
 Eliza young Porter received his first baptism in blood, and 
 the circumstances of that event made a lasting impression 
 upon him. 
 
 The traditions of his family and the sufferings which 
 his relatives had endured in the British prison ship, were 
 not calculated to prejudice him in favor of the English ; 
 but this attempt of a powerful ship of war to impress the 
 crew of his father's vessel, filled him with contempt and 
 hatred for a government that could sanction such cowardly 
 actions. This feeling of hostility to the English grew with 
 his years, and in his after life was well understood by them ; 
 and, to use his own expression, his intercourse with them 
 to the last was marked by treachery and duplicity on their 
 part, yet he considered it the highest compliment ever paid 
 him, when the British branded him as a pirate, and sent 
 so many ships to try and stop his career. Perhaps that 
 famous motto that he carried at the mast head of the 
 Essex, "Free Trade and Sailor's Rights," was inspired by 
 the remembrance of the bloody scene on the Eliza's deck, 
 and very likely his desire to enter the navy was that he 
 might help to avenge the continual insults that were 
 offered the American flag. 
 
 The aflair of the Eliza excited much attention at the 
 time, and Captain Porter received great commendation 
 from all quarters when the narrative was published in the 
 newspapers of the day. The government of the United 
 States was so far stirred by public opinion, as to make a 
 mild protest against the impressment system as applied to 
 our vessels; but how little eflect this manifesto had upon 
 " the mariners of England," may be judged from the action 
 
12 Memoir of Commodoee David Porter. 
 
 of a British squadron in boarding an American ship of war, 
 on the 16th of l^ovember, 1798, and taking out part of her 
 crew ; the captain of the United States vessel not striking 
 a single blow in defense of his country's honor. 
 
 As some palliation for this officer's inaction it may be 
 said, that he had received orders from the government on 
 no account to interfere and prevent the capture of our 
 vessels, as the British " would no doubt compensate for 
 such captures illegally made ; " as if national honor was a 
 matter of dollars and cents. The gallantry of old Captain 
 Porter stands out, therefore, in bold relief, a striking con- 
 trast to the timid policy of the United States government 
 at that time. 
 
 After the return of the Eliza from her voyage, young 
 David Porter sojourned a few weeks with his friends, and 
 then sailed, as first officer, in a vessel bound from Balti- 
 more to St. Domingo. He was now a sallow-faced lad of 
 seventeen, with a bright black eye indicating the soul that 
 dwelt within that frail tenement. Until the day of his 
 death the remarkable brightness of those eyes was never 
 dimmed, but would flash up in any moment of excitement, 
 showing that time could not quench the fire that animated 
 his spirit. 
 
 On his second voyage he was to further taste the vicis- 
 situdes of life. The brig in which he sailed was at one of 
 the ports in San Domingo when a boat's crew came on 
 board from an English frigate on the usual errand of im- 
 pressment ; and the master, either taken by surprise, or 
 being of different spirit from old Captain Porter, allowed 
 his crew to be taken on board the frigate, where they 
 were kept until they should be in the humor to enlist. 
 Most of the Americans refusing to perform duty were put 
 in irons, among them Porter, whose example doubtless 
 stimulated his shipmates to resistance. In consequence of 
 their continued refusal to do duty, and as the captain 
 expressed it " the bad example set the crew of his majesty's 
 ship," the Americans were ordered to the gangway. 
 
 When brought to the mast, and seeing the ignominious 
 punishment about to be inflicted, young Porter broke 
 away from the master-at-arms, ran below and stowed 
 himself away in some dark corner of the hold, where he 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 13 
 
 could not be found, the crew of the frigate sympathizing 
 with him and covering his escape. The captain gave 
 orders to let him alone, saying, "he'll come out fast 
 enough when he gets hungry." That night the young 
 man did come out, and crawling cautiously along the 
 main and mizzen chains dropped quietly overboard and 
 swam unobserved to a Danish brig at anchor near by, 
 where he lay concealed in the hold until the brig sailed 
 for Europe, when he came on deck and worked his passage 
 across the Atlantic. At the end of the voyage he found 
 himself in Europe without money and with only the clothes 
 on his back ; but nothing daunted, he soon shipped in a 
 foreign vessel bound to the United States. It was mid 
 winter when the vessel sailed to cross the Atlantic, and 
 great must have been the sufferings of this frail youth, 
 destitute of necessary clothing and exposed to all the hard- 
 ships of a common sailor ; but he bore up manfully, and 
 was ever at his post when the frequent storms required all 
 hands to be at their stations. It seems almost incredible 
 that his delicate constitution could have stood the hard- 
 ships to which he was exposed, but it only affords another 
 instance of a feeble body supported by a strong mind. 
 
 Young Porter made a third voyage to the West Indies, 
 and had the misfortune again to be impressed on board a 
 British vessel of war. While on board this ship he re- 
 ceived very brutal treatment for what was termed his 
 insubordination, but it was not long before he managed 
 to escape and rejoin his friends. Being now naturally 
 somewhat disgusted with life in the merchant service, see- 
 ing little chance of avoiding a press-gang if he went to sea 
 in a private vessel, he obtained through the influence of 
 his friends a midshipman's appointment in the navy. His 
 warrant was dated April 16th, 1798, at which time he was 
 eighteen years of age ; but having passed through two 
 years of great hardship, he had gained a valuable experi- 
 ence, and his bodily frame had become much stronger. 
 From his father he had acquired a fair knowledge of navi- 
 gation, and he was already an excellent seaman. 
 
 Having now launched young Porter into the profession 
 of his choice, we shall endeavor to give an impartial ac- 
 count of his naval career ; and here we must digress a 
 
14 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 little, to show the causes which led as into a conflict 
 with France, our ally in the revolution; for in this con- 
 flict David Porter gained his first reputation in arms. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 iTsT 1795, a disgraceful treaty of peace was signed with 
 Algiers, which cost the government of the United States 
 nearly a million of dollars, a sum quite sufficient to have 
 kept the port of Algiers hermetically sealed until the 
 Algerines should have sued for peace, and permission to 
 send their vessels to sea. The result of our difficulty 
 with this piratical nation was the formation of a small 
 navy, consisting of the Constitution, 44 ; President, 44 ; 
 United States, 44 ; Chesapeake, 38 ; (Constellation, 38 ; 
 Congress, 38 ; which it will be seen, were to be brought 
 in play on a theatre little dreamed of when it was pro- 
 posed to build them. 
 
 During the war in Europe, in which the maritime 
 powers were generally engaged at this time, their hostility 
 to each other led them to trespass on the privileges of 
 neutrals, in which American commerce suflered very 
 severely; and the gradual encroachments on the rights of 
 the American people finally led to a quasi war with 
 France. The French having given great assistance to the 
 Americans during their revolution, presumed upon this 
 circumstance, and the cruisers of France carried their 
 depredations to a height of audacity. They likely mistook 
 the amount of influence of their own country over the 
 great body of the American people, and also considering 
 that the Americans were not much of a naval power, and 
 would not attempt to resist their action (even though it 
 was so detrimental to our mercantile interests). They 
 commenced their acts of hostility by capturing British 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 15 
 
 vessels within the waters of the United States. I^ot con- 
 tent with doing this against our earnest protestations, they 
 committed the same offense against American merchant 
 vessels. All our attempts to obtain redress from the French 
 government failed, and our government determined no 
 longer to submit to this injustice, recommended, in April 
 1798, to congress, to fit out vessels of war for the defense 
 of our rights, hoping this would have the effect of check- 
 ing these aggressions and avert hostilities. The American 
 nation felt very grateful to France for the assistance 
 rendered them during the revolution, but their gratitude 
 did not extend so far as to permit those gross violations of 
 neutrality and oppression of a people for whom the French 
 professed so much love and esteem. Twenty small vessels 
 were recommended to be built and six ships of the line, 
 which were in addition to the six frigates already author- 
 ized by law. The frigate United States, 44 guns, and the 
 Constellation, 38, had been launched the year previous, 
 and were being fitted for sea. A secretary of the navy 
 was appointed at this period, the first time this department 
 had been established by a law of congress. Benjamin 
 Stoddart of Georgetown was the person selected to fill the 
 place. On the 4th of May, of the same year, the president 
 was empowered, by congress, to retaliate upon the French, 
 and to '* instruct all the commanders of public vessels to 
 capture and send into port all French cruisers, whether 
 public or private, that might be found anywhere on our 
 coast having committed, or which there were reasons to 
 suppose might commit, depredations on our commerce ; 
 they were also directed to recapture every American vessel 
 that might have fallen into their hands." Laws were also 
 passed providing for the condemnation of such captured 
 vessels as prizes of war, and for the distribution of the 
 same amongst the officers and crew. 
 
 At this time, the navy consisted of the six frigates build- 
 ing, twelve vessels to be built, carrying between eighteen 
 and twenty guns; and congress authorized the accept- 
 ance of twelve more, should they be offered to the presi- 
 dent by private citizens. 
 
 This was a small navy with which to commence war 
 against a powerful naval power, but the government did 
 
16 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 not hesitate a moment in vindicating its rights, averse as 
 it had shown itself to break the ties of friendship with a 
 nation that had extended to us a helping hand. But our 
 much abused amity could no longer stand the aggressions 
 of these doubtful friends. Congress, by law, solemnly 
 abrogated the old treaty of alliance, which apparently 
 bound France and America together, on the plea that 
 these treaty obligations had been repeatedly violated by 
 France ; and that the French continued, notwithstanding 
 the protestations of the United States, to uphold a system 
 of predatory warfare on the commerce of the republic. 
 
 Although an express declaration of war was not made 
 by congress, yet by the president's instructions, war 
 actually commenced the moment our ships of war put to 
 sea ; and commanding officers were authorized to capture 
 all public and private armed vessels, and authority was 
 also given to issue to private armed cruisers letters of 
 marque, authorizing them to capture French property, 
 upon the high seas, wherever it might be found. 
 
 The above facts are mentioned to show, to those un- 
 familiar with the subject, how it happened that the United 
 States became engaged in war with its ancient ally so soon 
 after the revolution. Were not the facts explained, it 
 might subject us to censure on the ground of ingratitude 
 to a nation to whom we owed so ,much, and without whose 
 assistance we would not so easily have gained that inde- 
 pendence which has allowed us to become a great nation 
 and an asylum for all the oppressed people of the earth. 
 
 Our navy at that time was a badly organized affair. Its 
 officers had received*no regular training at naval schools, 
 or on the decks of well conducted ships of war. The 
 commanders were from the merchant service, as also the 
 subordinate officers, and the seamen were taken from 
 among the hardy fishermen brought up, amid the storms 
 of winter, oji our eastern coast. It was at this period that 
 the marine corps was permanently established, adding a 
 new feature to our naval marine, for though we had pos- 
 sessed marines in the war of the revolution, yet they had 
 been abolished with the navy which then existed. 
 
 This may be said to be the first actual establishment of 
 an American naval marine, the' nucleus from which the 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 17 
 
 present establishment has sprung. A great many young 
 men of the best families and political influence pressed 
 forward to join the naval service, that being at the moment 
 the favorite branch, and many intelligent boys whose age 
 did not preclude their entrance into the navy, were en- 
 rolled as midshipmen. 
 
 Commander, officers and seamen joined heartily in the 
 feeling of the day, and in the desire to wipe out the insult 
 to which the Americans had too long submitted. Barring 
 the want of that strict naval discipline, so necessary to a 
 vessel of war, few ships were better manned than ours were 
 at that time ; but the officers were apt scholars and soon 
 adopted the rules and regulations of the British navy, 
 which then existed and in many respects still exist in our 
 service to this day. 
 
 The activity and determination of our government, as 
 well as the energy of the navy officers, in fitting out the 
 ships and forming a good organization, astonished every 
 one; especially those who looked upon the American 
 people as a set of traders, who would be willing to submit 
 to every insult rather than submit to loss ; which character 
 the Americans had gained by their patient submission to 
 the exactions of the Algerine cruisers, which levied tribute 
 on them for their piratical government. 
 
 Great emulation existed which ship should get to sea 
 first, to carry out the ideas of our government. The fri- 
 gate Constellation, 38, was the second ship that sailed; she 
 was commanded by Thomas Truxton, a brave and experi- 
 enced seaman who feared nothing that floated on the ocean. 
 Previous to the sailing of the Constellation, David Porter 
 was ordered to the ship, as his first introduction to the 
 naval service. He was soon at home on the decks of a 
 ship of war, seeming to imbibe, intuitively, the principles 
 of his chosen profession. At quarters, he was stationed 
 in the Constellation's foretop, a post at that time generally 
 given to the midshipmen of the greatest experience, which 
 we presume he was considering his age and opportunities at 
 sea. Young Porter, in a short time, attracted the attention 
 of the commander and officers of the ship, by his good 
 conduct and attention to duty. His restless energy and 
 3 
 
18 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 activity kept him nearly always on deck, or in the tops, 
 learning the details of his profession ; his waking hours 
 helow being devoted to skylarking and practical jokes on 
 his brother midshipmen, for he was a lively boy and a 
 general favorite on board the ship. Altogether his was a 
 good character with which to commence a naval career. 
 
 In those days the authority of a ship's captain was abso- 
 lute, and it was not unusual for a commander and his 
 watch officers to commit acts of oppression that would not 
 be tolerated at the present time. Even as late as the year 
 1820 midshipmen in the British navy were flogged like 
 messenger boys ; and our commanders, in 1798, following 
 British customs, introduced punishment equally unpleas- 
 ant on board their vessels. It was customary in those 
 days to swear at the midshipmen, send them to the mast 
 head and confine them for slight offenses on bread and 
 water, which usages we are happy to say have long since 
 been abandoned. 
 
 It was then a difficult matter for a young officer to get 
 along on board ship, and maintain the good will of all his 
 superiors. Among the best set of officers there are gener- 
 ally one or two ill tempered persons who would find fault 
 with an angel, if the latter was so unfortunate as to be 
 under their orders ; and who having few good qualities of 
 their own, are jealous of those they see in other people. 
 
 There was an officer of this description, whose name it 
 is not necessary to mention, on board the Constellation. 
 He was of intemperate habits and made himself particularly 
 disagreeable to all on board, especially to young Porter, 
 whom he seemed to take a special pleasure in insulting 
 whenever the opportunity ofiered. The early training of 
 the young man, under his father — who was a strict disci- 
 plinarian — prevented him from noticing these attacks until 
 they became too grievous to bear. He could not appeal 
 to the commander, or any superior officer, for in those 
 days such a course was inadmissible, so he was obliged 
 to bear it patiently though his blood boiled at the indigni- 
 ties heaped upon him. 
 
 His only satisfaction was to see Captain Truxton visit- 
 ing upon the lieutenant's head some of the same kind of 
 indignities the latter showered upon him ; for the lieutenant 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 19 
 
 being a poor seaman, and a poor officer, and frequently in- 
 toxicated, merited the insulting rebukes he received from 
 his commanding officer. Tyrant like, he bore them meekly, 
 feeling that they were deserved, and knowing that he 
 held his commission only at the will of his superior. 
 
 One night, during the first watch, this lieutenant sent 
 Midshipman Porter below with some order which the latter 
 hastened to obey, but on returning to the deck he was 
 assailed with a shower of abuse for not more promptly 
 carrying out the commands he had received. Porter 
 made no reply until the lieutenant commenced swearing 
 at him and calling him by the most abusive epithets. The 
 midshipman's temper would not permit him to bear this 
 in silence, and he answered back in what the officer of the 
 deck considered a disrespectful manner. This to the 
 latter was nothing less than mutiny, and raising his hand 
 he struck Midshipman Porter in the face. Such a thing, 
 in our day, seems hardly credible, for if an officer were to 
 inflict such an indignity upon a common sailor he would 
 be liable to trial by court martial; but in those times 
 similar events were of common occurrence. The young 
 midshipman's blood boiled at this outrage, the greatest he 
 had ever experienced, and forgetting what was due to 
 discipline he dealt the lieutenant a tremendous blow and 
 felled him to the deck, where for an instant he lay stunned 
 and motionless. Of course there was great excitement on 
 the frigate's deck, and the midshipmen of the watch rushed 
 to see what had occurred. The lieutenant sprang to his 
 feet and called for the sergeant of the guard, and in the 
 midst of the confusion Captain Truxton, who was always 
 on the alert, stepped from his cabin to the deck. The 
 lieutenant had seized a cutlass to inflict summary punish- 
 ment on the offender, but the captain's presence put a stop 
 to his proceedings. 
 
 When the captain heard of the complaint against Mid- 
 shipman Porter he was very indignant at the breach of 
 discipline, and the young man was sent below under arrest 
 with the prospect of dismissal from the service ; but when 
 the captain came to learn all the facts of the case, his 
 sense of justice compelled him to restore the midshipman 
 to duty, and ever afterwards he noticed him favorably. 
 
20 Memoir of Commodore J)avid Porter. 
 
 The lieutenant was finally dismissed the service for 
 drunkenness; and years after when Porter was a lieutenant 
 and leading an attack on some Tripolitan vessels, his old 
 adversary pulled the stroke oar in the boat. The vessels 
 were hauled up on the beach in the harbor of Tripoli, and 
 Lieut. Porter had volunteered to burn them up. The 
 quondam lieutenant proffered some advice on the occasion, 
 but at the sound of his voice he was recognized by Porter, 
 who rebuked him for his interference. If ever there was 
 an instance of retributive justice it was exhibited in the 
 case of this person ; yet although the ex-lieutenant was a 
 seaman on board Lieut. Porter's own ship, the latter never 
 in any way referred to the past or let the man see that he 
 even remembered his offense. In fact Lieut. Porter so 
 far conquered his natural aversion to his former persecutor, 
 as to have him appointed a petty officer on his transfer to 
 another ship, justly thinking that his old enemy had been 
 sufficiently punished by his degradation in rank. 
 
 The Constellation sailed on the 20th of August, 1798, 
 and after cruising along our coast and in the "West Indies 
 convoying American merchantmen, she sailed for hei 
 prescribed cruising ground off the Island of I^evis in the 
 West Indies. On the 9th of February, 1799, a large ship 
 was descried to the southward, and the frigate being to 
 windward, ran down to reconnoitre the stranger, who on 
 her approach set American colors. Captain Truxton there- 
 upon showed private signals, but the stranger could not 
 respond, and deeming further disguise useless, hoisted the 
 French flag and fired a gun to windward as a challenge, 
 keeping meantime under easy sail, to invite the Constella- 
 tion to a contest. This was the first opportunity, since 
 the war commenced, that the Constellation had had to get 
 alongside an enemy of a force likely to make a combat 
 certain, and she was not slow to avail herself of the chance, 
 the enemy meanwhile gallantly awaiting the onset. 
 
 "When the Constellation had got abeam of the French 
 frigate, and so near as to have been several times hailed, 
 she opened Jier fire, which was gallantly returned by the 
 Frenchman. The Constellation gradually drew ahead, 
 both ships keeping up a brisk cannonade. The former 
 suffered most in her sails and rigging, and while under 
 
m 
 
Memoik of Commodore David Porter. 21 
 
 the heaviest fire of her antagonist the foretopmast was 
 badly wounded near the lower cap. The foretop was 
 under the command of Midshipman Porter, who on this 
 occasion showed great promptitude and bravery. He 
 hailed the deck several times informing those below of the 
 accident that had occurred to the mast, and finding that 
 his hails were disregarded — his voice not being heard 
 amid the din of cannonading — he took upon himself the 
 responsibility of going aloft in the heat of the conflict, 
 cutting the stoppers and lowering the yard. Had he not 
 done so the mast would have gone over the side in a very 
 few moments, with the pressure of sail on it, and the issue 
 of the battle might have been very difierent. 
 
 In the meantime the effect of the Constellation's fire 
 was telling very severely upon the French frigate, and 
 notwithstanding the partial loss of the foretopsail, the 
 former was enabled to throw in several raking broadsides 
 which soon decided the combat. 
 
 After maintaining a close cannonade for more than an 
 hour, the Constellation shot out of the smoke, wore round, 
 and hauling across her antagonist's stern, was ready again 
 to rake her, when the Frenchman struck his colors. 
 
 The prize proved to be the frigate L'Insurgente, Cap- 
 tain Barreault. She was one of the fastest ships afloat, 
 and had committed serious depredations upon our com- 
 merce, besides recapturing the Ketaliation, a vessel we 
 had originally taken from the French. 
 
 The French frigate was much cut up, and had sustained 
 a loss of seventy men in killed and wounded. The Con- 
 stellation was also much damaged aloft though suffering 
 no material injury to the hull, and had only three men 
 wounded. It was the old story of the Anglo-Saxon 
 . against the Celt at sea, and if the French ships that en- 
 countered the British handled their guns no better than 
 did L'Insurgente, no wonder that an English vessel would 
 sometimes capture a Frenchman twice her size. There 
 was much courage displayed on this occasion by the French, 
 but little professional skill. 
 
 The Insurgente's armament consisted of 40 French 12- 
 pounders, and she carried four hundred and nine men; 
 while the Constellation had 36 guns and three hundred 
 
22 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 and nine men. The main deck battery of the Constella- 
 tion of 26 24-pounder8 was much heavier than the French- 
 man, but as the fire of the latter was so inaccurate that 
 few of her shot struck the Constellation's hull, it mattered 
 little whether she mounted 24 or 6-pounders. 
 
 This action showed an aptitude for naval service on the 
 part of our seamen, and showed what might be expected 
 in the future. When the news of the battle reached the 
 United States our people were as much elated as a young 
 boxer who had won his first victory against an old pugil- 
 ist. In their ignorance of such matters they naturally 
 imagined that our navy was a match for any other in the 
 world; rather a hazardous conclusion to base on the 
 results of a single action. However, it is certain that 
 Captain Truxton, and those under him, did their work in 
 a manner entitling them to the greatest praise, for though 
 there was a disparity of force in favor of the American 
 frigate, it was not sufficient to account for such a disparity 
 in the list of killed, and the efiect on the hull of the 
 French vessel. 
 
 Mr. John Rodgers (afterwards Commodore Rodgers), 
 one of the best seamen that ever trod a ship's deck, was 
 at that time first lieutenant of the Constellation. When 
 the Insurgente struck, Mr. Rodgers was directed to take 
 possession of the prize, which he proceeded to do in a boat 
 manned by eleven men and Midshipman Porter. While 
 Lieut. Rodgers was busy transferring the prisoners to the 
 Constellation, it came on to blow heavily which put a 
 stop to further proceedings. Consequently 173 of the 
 French crew were left on board the prize that night with 
 only the two officers and eleven men to take care of them. 
 The gale rapidly increased and in spite of every effort the 
 two ships became separated in the darkness of the night. 
 The situation of Lieut. Rodgers was now critical. The 
 Insurgente was encumbered with the wreck of the fallen 
 spars and rigging, the dead and wounded were scattered 
 all about the ship, and the prisoners evinced a disposition 
 to rise against their captors. The gratmgs had all been 
 thrown overboard by the crew, and no handcuffs could be 
 found. Fortunately Lieut. Rodgers was a man of hercu- 
 lean strength and of the most determined character, and 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 23 
 
 Midshipman Porter thougli slight in frame showed a reso- 
 lute spirit which elicited the highest encomiums from his 
 superior officer. Finding that the prisoners must remain 
 on board that night they were sent to the lower hold, the 
 firearms were all secured, and a sentry was placed at the 
 hatch with orders to shoot the first man who attempted to 
 come up. 
 
 In this unpleasant situation our people continued for 
 three days and nights, during all of which time they were 
 without sleep, having to manage the frigate in a gale of 
 wind and be constantly on the alert to prevent being over- 
 powered by their prisoners. 
 
 J^ever in the history of our navy has such another feat 
 as this been performed. It was necessary for Lieut. Rodgers 
 to be constantly on deck to manage the half wrecked fri- 
 gate assisted by six or seven men, while Midshipman 
 Porter, with the remainder, was occupied below in taking 
 care of the prisoners. How well the duty was performed 
 the result showed. One of the guns was cast loose, loaded 
 with grape and canister, and pointed down the hatch, over 
 which a bag filled with shot was suspended, ready to be 
 cut away at a moment's notice, all the muskets and pistols 
 were kept loaded and lay by the hatch, and two or three 
 men with pikes and battle axes to be used in case of 
 emergency stood at the opening. The result of these pre- 
 cautior^s was that the Frenchmen were afraid to make any 
 attempt to recapture the vessel, and amused themselves 
 below by committing all the destruction possible. 
 
 It was a happy day for the handful of Americans when 
 the Insurgente was anchored safely in the harbor of St. 
 Kitts, which they finally reached at the end of three days, 
 and found the Constellation at anchor, all hands suppos- 
 ing that the Insurgente had been recaptured. 
 
 This was a rough school for young Porter, but he was 
 fortunate in commencing his career with Captain Truxton 
 and Lieut. Rodgers. Both were officers of the highest repu- 
 tation, strict disciplinarians and men of undoubted probity. 
 Under them Porter formed the character which did so 
 much towards his advancement in the service ; and he 
 often, in after years, congratulated himself in having been 
 brought up in such a thorough naval school. 
 
24 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Severe as was that discipline aud unjust as were some 
 of the decisions of naval commanders of those days against 
 their junior officers, who were liable to dismissal from the 
 service at the mere instance of a captious captain, yet it is 
 acknowledged by those familiar with the subject that the 
 usages of that early period were far better calculated to 
 make officers who will distinguish themselves in war than 
 those of the present day. ITotwithstanding the attractions 
 presented by a naval career, yet so great were the exac- 
 tions and so unceasing the strain on a boy's nervous tem- 
 perament that only the most rugged and determined could 
 remain in the service for any length of time. On the whole 
 it is unfortunate for the navy that this severe discipline 
 was not maintained up to the present time, for if it had 
 been with our advance in nautical science we should be 
 invincible upon the ocean. 
 
 Captain Truxton was a very severe man, and his first 
 lieutenant, Mr. Rodgers, was in no respect behind him. 
 They had both been educated in the rough school of the 
 merchant service, where the officers, having no marines 
 to support them, had to depend upon their own physical 
 powers for the maintenance of discipline among crews 
 often made up of the most desperate men. Few of the 
 present amenities of the quarter deck were practiced in the 
 early days of the navy, and it required a great deal of for- 
 bearance in a high spirited youth to control his temper 
 under the abuse to which he was often subjected. 
 
 Notwithstanding Midshipman Porter's ambition to 
 make his way in the navy, he was several times on the 
 point of resigning. Upon one occasion he told Captain 
 Truxton that his tyranny was more than he could bear, 
 whereupon the honest hearted old seaman took him by the 
 hand and said : " My boy, you shall never leave the navy 
 if I can help it ; why you young dog, every time I swear at 
 you, you go up a round in the ladder of promotion; and 
 when Mr. Rodgers blows you up it is because he loves 
 you and don't want you to become too conceited." Porter 
 finally became much attached to Truxton and Rodgers, 
 and their mutual friendship terminated only with their 
 lives. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 25 
 
 It was during the quasi French war, and under such 
 officers as Truxton and Rodgers that our little navy laid 
 that foundation which earned for ifc so much fame in a 
 war with a greater power even than France, and raised 
 up a body of officers who have never since been equalled, 
 notwithstanding all the later advantages of education. 
 
 Our war with France was not such a trifling affair as 
 many persons seem to suppose, for it was carried on earn- 
 estly for upwards of eighteen months, during which time, 
 as is shown by public records, our navy not only captured 
 and sent in 64 public and private armed cruisers, but 
 recaptured a number of American vessels that had been 
 made prizes to the French. The enemy's cruisers were 
 well armed and manned, the object being to maintain a 
 nursery for their seamen ; while by sending out numerous 
 letters of marque to prey upon our commerce she hoped 
 to prevent the United States from becoming a formidable 
 naval power, and in fact to reduce us to the lowest degree 
 of humiliation. This was felt by naval men more than by 
 our citizens generally, who, not being near the theatre of 
 war, could hardly realize the indignities to which our 
 country was subjected. It is no wonder that our officers 
 strained every nerve to bring naval discipline up to that 
 high water mark which it so long maintained. 
 
 When the aggressions of the Algerines, in 1798, had 
 stimulated congress to authorize the construction of the 
 six ships, formerly mentioned, mounting 246 guns, and 
 orders were issued to officers of the navy to commence 
 hostilities against the French, only the Ganges, Constella- 
 tion, and Delaware were available to teach the second 
 naval power of the world to respect American neutrality 
 and American commerce. Under the circumstances, a 
 declaration of hostilities against France was what an 
 Englishman would call " plucky," and was worthy of the 
 fathers of the Revolution, who were mindful of the glorious 
 traditions of the past. 
 
 By the beginning of the year 1799, thirty-three vessels 
 of war, mounting more than eight hundred guns, had 
 been fitted for sea, and for more than a year this force 
 was maintained afloat; a force actually superior to our 
 navy of the present moment ! 
 4 
 
26 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 It was fortunate for the navy and for the country that 
 we had at that time a statesman like John Adams in the 
 presidential chair. He was well aware of the necessity of 
 a navy to protect our coasts and commerce, and did all in 
 his power to increase it to a size commensurate with the 
 resources of the young republic. John Adams may there- 
 fore be styled the father of the navy, for without the 
 impetus it received under his administration the service 
 would probably never have amounted to much. It was 
 certainly the policy of the succeeding administration to 
 pull down all that Mr. Adams had built up, until necessity, 
 in the shape of the Algerines, compelled it to provide for 
 the defense of our commerce. 
 
 At that day we had no large navy yards as at present, 
 but ships had to be built wherever it was found conveni- 
 ent, and fitted for service under their own officers. The 
 promptness they displayed in getting their vessels to sea, 
 shows the energy with which these officers were imbued 
 and the earnestness of their desire to put a stop to humili- 
 ating aggressions against our flag. 
 
 The British were much surprised when they saw so 
 many American ships of war spreading their sails in the 
 West Indies ; Commodore Truxton having, at one time, a 
 squadron of ten ships under his command. The British 
 received their American cousins kindly, and at first were 
 rather amused at the strenuous eflbrts made by the Yankee 
 cruisers to compete in routine and evolutions with their 
 older rivals, but in a short time John Bull was forced to 
 acknowledge that the young navy contained apt scholars, 
 who would soon equal them in everything relating to 
 ships of war. 
 
 The advent of Truxton's squadron, in the West Indies, 
 was of great assistance to the English in extirpating the 
 swarms of privateers that infested those waters under the 
 French flag, preying indiscriminately upon English com- 
 merce and our own. The success of our countrymen 
 forced the English to acknowledge that the former had 
 performed a feat to which they were not equal, and it is 
 fair to presume that the result was due to the greater 
 energy of Truxton and his officers and men. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 27 
 
 It was during this association with English vessels in 
 the West Indies, that something like a uniform system of 
 regulations was introduced on board our ships of war, and 
 the " Laws for the better government of the navy, " ap- 
 proved May 22, 1800, were taken nearly verbatim from 
 the English regulations of that period, as was likewise the 
 system of naval routine we adopted. It cannot be doubted 
 that our officers benefited very much by this association, 
 profiting by the experience of the older navy and avoiding 
 many of their mistakes. 
 
 In writing the memoirs of a public character it is diffi- 
 cult to avoid trenching upon other matters that more 
 properly belong to the general history of the period, but 
 it would be impossible to give a proper idea of the merits 
 and services of the subject of our biography without giv- 
 ing pretty full particulars of the historical events with 
 which he was an active participator. 
 
 I have tried to give an idea of the school in which 
 Decatur, Bainbridge, Rodgers, Morris, Hull, and many 
 other distinguished officers, received the rudiments of a 
 naval education. Under Truxton and Talbot in the West 
 Indies was laid the foundation, elsewhere the capstone of 
 a fame which the navy will never lose despite the changes 
 in a republic. 
 
 Midshipman Porter was promoted lieutenant Oct. 8, 
 1799, and detached from the Constellation. Previous to 
 his transfer from that ship, Mr. Porter was an unwilling 
 actor in a melancholy aflair, which being, however, an im- 
 portant event in his life, an account is herewith inserted. 
 
 While the Constellation was lying at Annapolis after 
 her return from the West Indies, several seamen deserted 
 from the ship and managed to reach Baltimore on some 
 of the small coasters plying to that port. Commodore 
 Truxton immediately dispatched Mr. Porter in the pilot 
 boat to bring them on board, and he was particularly ad- 
 monished not to let them escape, as it was desired to make 
 examples of them, as they were bad characters. Mr. Por- 
 ter, knowing that he must leave no stone unturned to 
 capture the deserters, went through all the purlieus of 
 Baltimore where such characters would likely take refuge. 
 Now this duty was one very repugnant to an officer at 
 
28 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 that time, for it was one that brought them in contact 
 with the refuse of creation, to say nothing of the obvious 
 danger of attempting an arrest under the circumstances. 
 Mr. Porter wandered all over the town (no great journey 
 in those days), and finally stopped at a common looking 
 tavern where, being fatigued and hungry, he asked refresh- 
 ment at the same time telling the landlord what business 
 had brought him to Baltimore. Now this person was 
 under the influence of liquor, and having for some rea- 
 son a particular dislike to naval officers, he commenced a 
 most abusive attack on Mr. Porter and ordered him out 
 of the house ; which order, to avoid a difficulty, Mr. Porter 
 complied with. His movements, however, were not rapid 
 enough to suit the fancy of the brutal landlord, who struck 
 him a violent blow and knocked him down, following this 
 up by stamping upon him. 
 
 Mr. Porter drew his side arms, at the same time, call- 
 ing on the man to desist ; but the latter renewing the 
 assault, was killed on the spot. Of course this affair 
 created intense excitement, and in a few moments all the 
 people in the neighborhood flocked to the scene, and to 
 avoid further ill treatment the young officer retreated in 
 the confusion to the pilot boat, which immediately sailed 
 for Annapolis, where the Constellation was awaiting its 
 return, and a few hours later the frigate was at sea. At 
 the coroner's inquest which was held over the remains of 
 the unfortunate landlord, the wife, daughter and son of 
 the latter acknowledged that the deceased had committed 
 an unprovoked attack on Mr. Porter, and that the latter 
 had killed him to save his own life. Probably the verdict 
 of the jury was in accordance with the testimony, as Mr. 
 Porter was never summoned to answer to any charge. 
 
 As soon as the war with France was ended Mr. Porter 
 sought out the family of the man whom he had been 
 obliged to kill. He provided for the daughters, obtained 
 a situation for the son, and pensioned the wife as long as 
 she lived. One of his latest acts was, to write and inquire 
 after the family, and send them something out of the small 
 salary he then received. At his death the family mourned 
 him as their benefactor. 
 
 The unfortunate event which we have narrated was a 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 29 
 
 source of great grief to this higli minded man, even to his 
 dying day ; for although he knew himself to be blameless 
 in the affair, yet he felt that it was a dreadful thing to 
 take a man's life even in defense of his own. 
 
 Just after his promotion Mr. Porter was ordered as first 
 lieutenant of the schooner Experiment, Lieut. Command- 
 ant Maley. 
 
 CHAPTER in. 
 
 (JWIKGr to the constant changes that occurred among 
 officers at that time (for they were transferred from ship 
 to ship as circumstances required), it is not possible for us 
 to ascertain, precisely, what were Lieut. Porter's duties 
 between the date of his detachment from the Constellation 
 and his orders to the Experiment. This vessel joined the 
 West India squadron in the latter part of 1799, and was 
 ordered to convoy American merchant vessels, and to 
 cruise against French privateers. 
 
 On the 1st of January, 1800, the Experiment, with 
 several sail of merchantmen under convoy, lay becalmed 
 in the bight of Leogane, in the Island of San Domingo. 
 The vessels were much scattered, and quite at the mercy 
 of any of the Picaroons who might be in the vicinity; for 
 these gentry used to lay in wait in large barges, and over- 
 coming the crew of a merchant vessel, would take her in 
 tow, and by means of their powerful sweeps soon take 
 her out of the reach of the protecting vessel, which for 
 want of wind was unable to follow. While the Experi- 
 ment and convoy were thus lying, not a breath of air stir- 
 ring, and the vessels drifting about as the eddies influenced 
 them. Captain Maley was informed that ten Picaroon 
 barges, each containing forty men, and pulling 26 oars, 
 with swivels mounted in the bows and on the quarters. 
 
30 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 were rapidly approaching. The Experiment had been 
 disguised to look as much like a merchant vessel as pos- 
 sible; so the unsuspecting Picaroons made towards her 
 with the evident intention of boarding. The schooner's 
 crew were sent to quarters, and everything was ready to 
 give the freebooters a warm reception. 
 
 It is our imperative duty in treating of past events, to 
 state the truth, no matter who may suffer from such a 
 course. Lieutenant Porter took it for granted that the 
 schooner was to be defended to the last extremity ; but 
 such we regret to say was not the view of his commanding 
 officer. The latter considered the force about to attack his 
 vessel too superior to contend with, and spoke of sur- 
 rendering ; but Lieut. Porter, backed by Lieut. Joshua 
 Blake and other officers, protested so strongly against 
 such a course, that the commanding officer yielded the 
 command of the vessel to Porter, on whom rested all re- 
 sponsibility in case of failure. In the subsequent proceed- 
 ings the commander never gave a single order, but stood 
 in the lee gangway looking over the side. As soon as it 
 was thought that the Experiment's fire would prove effect- 
 ive, the guns were run out and a shower of grape and 
 canister was poured into the approaching boats, and the 
 yells from the astonished freebooters showed that the battery 
 had told with effect. The fire checked the advancing barges 
 for a short time, when they again attempted to board, but 
 were repelled with great slaughter. The enemy altered 
 their tactics, several times trying to board the vessel over 
 the stern, then over the bow ; while some of the boats 
 kept up a fire from their swivels ; but their efforts availed 
 them nothing, for so well was the Experiment defended 
 that the Picaroons never even succeeded in getting along- 
 side. The crew of the Experiment were kept close under 
 the bulwarks, so as not to expose themselves to the Pica- 
 roon's fire ; but Lieut. Porter, who had necessarily to pre- 
 sent a good mark for, the enemy's fire, while attending to 
 the various duties of the vessel, was struck in the shoulder 
 by a musket ball, inflicting a painful wound, notwithstand- 
 ing which he never left his post. 
 
 For seven hours this unequal contest continued, and 
 there is no telling what would have been the result, had it 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 31 
 
 remained calm much longer. The Picaroons, every now 
 and then, repaired to the shore to leave their killed and 
 wounded, and obtain reinforcements, but at length, find- 
 ing the Experiment so fiercely defended, they gave up the 
 attack, having lost two of their barges, sunk by the 
 schooner's fire, and many of their men killed and wounded. 
 On board the Experiment, there were but two men 
 wounded, one of them Lieut. Porter. Circumstances, 
 which have come to my knowledge, satisfy me that the 
 entire management of this gallant affair devolved on Lieut. 
 Porter, who never, for a moment, thought of surrrender- 
 ing ; and the officers and crew, animated by his example, 
 displayed the greatest bravery against what would seem to 
 have been overwhelming odds. At one time, matters 
 looked very serious on board the Experiment, not so 
 much from any damage received from the Picaroons, as 
 from the fear of heavy reinforcements, who might be 
 attracted by the firing ; and could these freebooters have 
 managed to surround the vessel with a large number of 
 boats, it might have been impossible to prevent them from 
 getting on board. Two of the convoy were seized and 
 plundered by these people, and another vessel was boarded 
 and her captain killed; but, being within reach of the 
 Experiment's guns, the pirates were soon driven ofi:'; and 
 a fresh breeze springing up, the Experiment and her con- 
 voy went on their way rejoicing. 
 
 This little afiair was a good deal discussed, at the time, 
 among the officers and crews of our West India squadron, 
 and Lieut. Porter was unanimously applauded, for the 
 determined stand he took against the weakness of his 
 commanding officer. This case shows the necessity of 
 firmness in time of danger; and of not yielding until 
 forced by superior numbers to do so. Many a timid man 
 has yielded to an imaginary superiority, when even a show 
 of resolution would have given him the victory. 'Eo com- 
 mander has any right to surrender his ship when his 
 officers and crew demand the right to defend her ; and no 
 government will ever consider the protests of officers, 
 under such circumstances, as insubordination. 1:^0 one 
 man has the right to disgrace a ship's company, by sur- 
 rendering (without striking a blow) against the judgment 
 
32 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 of all hands. Perhaps this doctrine may not be in accord- 
 ance with strict naval discipline, but I will venture to say it 
 will be approved by all brave men, in or out of the navy. 
 Had Lieut. Porter been unsuccessful, he would not have 
 been condemned. Brave men must take risks ; and the 
 timid rarely attain to high places. 
 
 In spite of his conduct, the captain of the Experiment 
 received no official censure; but was allowed, by his 
 officers, to retain the credit of having commanded his ship 
 during this gallant affair, and it is in this light that he 
 appears in the published history of the time. 
 
 One of the officers of the Experiment, Joshua Blake, 
 writing to Commodore Porter nearly forty years after the 
 affair, uses this language : "At that time, and ever since, 
 I considered the safety of the vessel and the honor of the 
 flag mainly to have depended on yourself, and that our 
 situation would have been desperate indeed, had you been 
 so disabled as to have been off duty." 
 
 Shortly after the affair of Leogane, Lieutenant Charles 
 Stewart was ordered to command the Experiment. This 
 was the same Old Ironsides^ who afterwards commanded 
 the Constitution ; and the officers and crew of the Experi- 
 ment were much pleased with the idea of having for their 
 commander an officer, who already gave promise of the 
 high reputation which he afterwards acquired. Lieut. Por- 
 ter continued as first lieutenant of the Experiment under 
 Stewart, which was a very gratifying arrangement to both 
 of them ; and here commenced a friendship, between these 
 officers, which lasted while they lived ; such a friendship 
 as can only exist between brave men, uninfluenced by 
 pitiful jealousies. 
 
 Though the Experiment had not been long in commis- 
 sion, her discipline and appearance was equal to that of 
 any vessel in the fleet ; and was such as to occasion Lieut. 
 Commandant Stewart much gratification when he took 
 command. 
 
 It is seldom that we find two such officers as Stewart 
 and Porter occupying the positions of captain and first 
 lieutenant on board the same vessel ; and seldom, under 
 such circumstances, does harmony prevail, for enthusiastic 
 spirits are apt to differ, and cling with tenacity to their 
 

Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 33 
 
 own opinions. In this case, there was a mutual regard for 
 the fine qualities possessed by each, which no time or cir- 
 cumstances could ever dim. 
 
 Not long after Stewart joined the Experiment, he had 
 an opportunity to test his crew, and to judge how far they 
 deserved credit for the high state of efficiency claimed for 
 them, under the management of Lieut. Porter. It must 
 be remembered, that the latter was yet barely twenty 
 years old, and had been only three years in the naval 
 service. In fact, he was about the age when the midship- 
 men of to-day graduate from the naval academy ; and are 
 then generally considered too young to be entrusted with 
 much responsibility. Lieut. Porter had, however, been 
 educated in a severe school of experience, which had given 
 him such a knowledge of his profession as few men of his 
 years have ever possessed. Such was the effect of the early 
 training of that day, in developing qualities, that under 
 present circumstances lie dormant until many years later, 
 and we are convinced that the present system of " cod- 
 dling " midshipmen instead of making them rely upon their 
 own resources, is not as well calculated to bring out the 
 highest qualities of an officer, as the method pursued in 
 the early history of the navy. Under such instructors as 
 Truxton, Talbot and Preble, the navy produced a rare set 
 of officers ; for in those days, midshipmen devoted their 
 whole time to their profession, urged on by the strict dis- 
 cipline which reigned in the navy. The influence of the 
 older officers prevailed over every thing with which they 
 came in contact ; and the result was, a corps of young men 
 who had not their equals in any navy in the world. 
 
 Soon after assuming command of the Experiment, 
 Lieut. Com. Stewart, cruising on his station, fell in with 
 the privateer Deux Amis, mounting eight guns and carry- 
 ing forty men. This vessel had created great havoc 
 among our merchant vessels ; and she was waiting in the 
 track of commerce to pounce upon ■ fresh prey, when the 
 Experiment hove in sight. The Frenchman, evidently 
 mistaking the schooner for a merchant vessel, waited for 
 her to come quite near, and then made sail to attack ; but 
 the moment she came within range of the Experiment's 
 guns, Lieut. Com. Stewart opened his battery so effect- 
 5 
 
34 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 ivelj, that after a short resistance, the privateer surrend- 
 ered ; and everybody astonished that the encounter should 
 terminate so quickly. Lieut. Porter, with a boat and four 
 men, took possession of the prize, with orders to follow 
 the Experiment, which made sail in chase of the Diana, 
 another armed vessel that had hove in sight. Thus, for 
 the second time, Lieut. Porter found himself on the deck 
 of an enemy's vessel, with ten times the number of his 
 own men around him ; and having to depend entirely 
 upon his own resources, and the courage of the few per- 
 sons he had under his command. The moment the Ex- 
 periment made sail away from the prize, the prisoners 
 began to evince a spirit of insubordination ; and were evi- 
 dently getting ready to recapture their vessel; but the 
 lieutenant immediately secured all the arms and ordered 
 the crew forward, with the assurance that he would shoot 
 any man who dared to cross a prescribed line. He then 
 loaded one of the small guns with canister, pointed it for- 
 ward, and stationed one of his men with a lighted match 
 over it. For three nights and nearly four days, did the 
 Americans remain in their embarrassing and dangerous 
 position, having to guard ten times their own number and 
 manage the vessel at the same time ; but finally, Lieut. 
 Porter succeeded in getting the prize into the same port 
 of St. Kitts, where Lieut. Rodgers and himself had brought 
 the frigate L'Insurgente under very similar circumstances. 
 
 The conduct of Mr. Porter, upon this occasion, increased 
 the already high opinion of his commanding officer; and 
 Stewart now gave him his entire confidence, which was 
 never afterwards impaired during their future service to- 
 gether. The prize was sent to the United States, and 
 yielded a good harvest of prize money to the officers and 
 crew of the Experiment. 
 
 About a month after the foregoing occurrences, while 
 the Experiment was cruising on her station, two sail hav- 
 ing the appearance of French cruisers were made out. 
 They proved to be a brig of 18 guns, and a three masted 
 schooner of 14 guns ; each vessel superior to the Experi- 
 ment. Lieut. Com. Stewart having soon satisfied himself 
 that his own vessel could outsail the enemy, manoeuvred 
 in a way to separate the two vessels, and to keep them at 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 35 
 
 a distance until after dark. At length, perceiving that 
 the Frenchman had apparently given up the chase, and 
 that the brig was three or four miles ahead of the schooner, 
 he cleared his ship for action ; and putting the helm up 
 ran down and closed with the French schooner, by run- 
 ning on her weather quarter and pouring in a broadside. 
 The attack was so vigorous, and at such close quarters, 
 that every shot told with dreadful effect, and in a few 
 minutes the Frenchman surrendered. Throwing his first 
 lieutenant (Mr. Porter) into the prize, Lieut. Com. Stewart 
 made sail after the brig ; but she had gained so much 
 headway, while the fight with her consort was progress- 
 ing, that Stewart soon lost sight of her altogether, and had 
 to give up tlie chase. The Experiment then returned to 
 her prize, which she carried safely into the port of St. 
 Kitts, which would appear to have been the general rendez- 
 vous at that time. The captured vessel was the schooner 
 of war Diane, of 14 guns and sixty men ; she was bound 
 to France, and in addition to her ship's company, had on 
 board a French general and thirty invalid soldiers. Her 
 commanding officer had been first lieutenant of the Insur- 
 gente, when captured by the Constellation, and he seemed 
 fated to fall into the hands of the Americans. 
 
 A short time after this action, while the Enterprise was 
 cruising on her station, a suspicious looking sail was de- 
 scried beating up towards the schooner; but orders being 
 given to chase, the stranger made off". She was followed 
 until dusk when she disappeared and no hope of seeing her 
 again was entertained, as it was supposed she would double 
 on the Enterprise during the night and escape. Still the 
 schooner kept on her course till midnight, when she tacked 
 and shortly afterwards the strange sail was discovered at a 
 little distance to windward. The Experiment went to 
 quarters and running close under the stranger's lee, Lieut. 
 Com. Stewart hailed him, and no reply being given, ordered 
 a gun to be fired at the supposed enemy which was re- 
 turned with a broadside. The Experiment now opened 
 fire with all her guns, and began to close with the stranger, 
 intending to carry the latter by boarding. It was blowing 
 quite fresh at the time, and the Experiment being very 
 light, owing to a short supply of provisions in the hold, laid 
 
86 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 over so much on her side as to be unable to depress her 
 guns sufficiently to strike the supposed enemy's hull ; and 
 all her shot was expended among the rigging. But this 
 difficulty was soon remedied, and the resources of the 
 trained seamen made manifest; planks were cut and 
 placed under the trucks, which expedient made it possible 
 to depress the Experiment's guns sufficiently, and the fire 
 told with so much effect that in a few minutes the stranger 
 struck her colors. Lieut. Porter was immediately sent to 
 take possession, but on going alongside the strange vessel 
 he was hailed and told to keep off", or he would be fired at. 
 The boat was then moved out of the line of fire and the 
 Experiment was about to recommence the action, when 
 the stranger hailed again to say that he submitted. This 
 vessel proved to be a privateer out of Bermuda with an ar- 
 mament of eight guns, and a crew of forty men : she was 
 much cut up, and had four feet of water in her hold. As 
 soon as Lieut. Com. Stewart learned of his unfortunate 
 mistake, he rendered all the aid in his power to the pri- 
 vateer, and the Experiment laid by her all the next day to 
 assist in repairing damages. The Experiment had one man 
 killed and suffered a good deal of injury in her rigging. 
 
 This action showed the superiority of the Experiment's 
 fire ; and it will be observed that in all the fights in which 
 this vessel was engaged the battle was finished in a short 
 time. The vessels captured by the schooner were not, it 
 is true, ships of war, except in the case of the Diane, which 
 was a superior vessel to the Experiment in guns and men, 
 if we include the thirty soldiers on board ; and when we 
 consider the rapid manner in which that contest was 
 brought to a close, we cannot but admire the precision of 
 the Experiment's fire. Up to this time, the Experiment 
 had given an excellent account of herself, and the reputa- 
 tion of her commander and first lieutenant stood high ; a 
 compliment not to be despised when so many gallant 
 fellows were vieing in a noble zeal for their country's 
 service. 
 
 In the whole squadron only one vessel, the lucky Enter- 
 prise, Commander Shaw, took the lead of the Experiment 
 in gallant actions, and her career was so wonderfully bril- 
 liant, that the recital seems at this day almost like a 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 37 
 
 romance. In short the Enterprise was the most fortunate 
 vessel ever known in the United States navy. 
 
 At the time of which we are writing, the only means of 
 communication between the vessels of the squadron and 
 the United States, were the prizes which conveyed the 
 news of their own capture ; and after the meagre particu- 
 lars were slowly printed in the few newspapers which then 
 existed along the seaboard ; it was often weeks before the 
 intelligence was transmitted by lumbering mail coaches or 
 slow post riders to distant parts of the country. The old 
 farmer receiving his weekly paper would read of the doings 
 of our navy with astonishment ; and no wonder that he 
 considered it the greatest in the world and a match for 
 Great Britain and France combined. 
 
 The United States government that had entered upon 
 the war with France with many doubts and misgivings, 
 was rejoiced at the reputation the navy was acquiring for the 
 country, and the manner in which the wisdom of the declara- 
 tion of hostilities had been vindicated. Mr. Jefferson and the 
 republican or anti-federalist party had, from the beginning, 
 opposed the war against our former allies ; predicting the 
 worst results, and reproaching the administration party 
 with a fondness for extravagant naval and military estab- 
 lishments. However, after this war had closed, the officers 
 and men who had served in the navy were the most popu- 
 lar people in the country; but the opposition no sooner 
 came into power, than, unmindful of what the navy had 
 done to show the world that the United States would not 
 submit to insult or aggression, from any quarter, it began 
 to pull the navy to pieces as fast as the other party had 
 attempted to build it up. In fact the state of things was 
 pretty much what exists to-day, only on a smaller scale. 
 Congress, then, as now, seemed to be uncertain whether 
 our experimental republic would succeed, and to this day, 
 the legislative branch of the government has sometimes 
 shown itself deficient in that wisdom which encourages 
 liberal expenditures in order to maintain efficiency and 
 true economy. Had the United States, in the first instance, 
 after securing their independence, shown the world that 
 they were determined to hold the position which nature 
 evidently intended they should occupy, they would never 
 
88 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 have been involved in that expensive struggle with France 
 at the outset of their career, l^o doubt in the future his- 
 tory of our country, difficulties with foreign nations will 
 be again precipitated upon us, by that false economy which 
 has marked the nation's course in so many respects, par- 
 ticularly in regard to the navy. 
 
 After the events we have recited, Lieut. Porter was 
 detached from the Experiment, and ordered as second lieu- 
 tenant to the frigate Constitution, the flag ship of Commo- 
 dore Talbot who commanded the squadron. When Porter 
 joined the Constitution he was suffering from the wound 
 received in the fight of Leogane in the contest with the 
 Picaroons ; but we do not find that the impaired condition 
 of his health interfered at all with his efficiency. A short 
 time after he joined the Constitution, the commodore gave 
 him a command, an account of which will be found in the 
 following extract of a letter from Isaac Hull, the first lieu- 
 tenant of the Constitution, who afterwards, in command 
 of that vessel, obtained a glorious victory over the British 
 frigate Guerriere. 
 
 Lieut. Hull says: "Soon after you joined the Constitu- 
 tion, Commodore Talbot gave you command of the Amphi- 
 trite, a small Baltimore built schooner, that had been made 
 prize of by the Experiment when you were first lieutenant of 
 that vessel. While we were fitting this vessel and putting 
 her guns on board (which were small brass howitzers, taken 
 from the tops of the Constitution), we discovered some 
 barges in shore, inside a reef of rocks, where they were 
 discharging an American vessel they had made prize of. 
 You were ordered to stand in with the schooner and 
 bring them out. ISTot a moment was lost, you instantly 
 left the ship, stood in boldly and brought the barges to 
 action. As they considered their force superior to yours, 
 they did not wish to abandon the prize, but in a very short 
 time you captured and brought off' the largest barge, and 
 prize brig, and, no doubt, you would have taken the other 
 had you not been prevented from pursuing her by your 
 vessel's grounding on the reef, and thumping her rudder 
 off". All this was done in a very short time, and in very 
 gallant style, and met the entire approbation of Commo- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 89 
 
 dore Talbot ; as did every act of yours while you were 
 under his command." 
 
 This letter was drawn forth from Commodore Hull in 
 1838, in consequence of an application to him to state 
 whether he considered Porter entitled to a pension, and the 
 result of several such communications from distinguished 
 officers in his favor finally procured for Porter the magnifi- 
 cent sum of ten dollars per month, that being the amount 
 (for half disability pension), at which the law estimated 
 the value of one arm disabled, a bullet through each thigh 
 and a shattered constitution. And here we cannot help 
 digressing, to show the difierent manner in which such 
 things are estimated in the British navy. When E'elson 
 lost his arm the law allowed him to go straight to the pen- 
 sion office and receive his smart money, amounting to 
 some hundreds of pounds sterling ; when he afterwards 
 was wounded and went as before to draw the amount due 
 for disability it was promptly forthcoming, being again 
 some hundreds of pounds, the pension agent saying 
 pleasantly, ^^ I hope soon to see you minus a leg which 
 will give you a good round sum." "I hope so too," said 
 ISTelson, "as it is very pleasant to receive these little re- 
 minders." With us an officer would have to work hard 
 to get his ten dollars a month, as was the case with Porter 
 in 1838. It cost him as much to get his allowance as it 
 was intrinsically worth. 
 
 On the third of February 1801, a treaty of peace between 
 France and the United States was signed, thus ending the 
 struggle which laid the foundation of a navy destined, after- 
 wards, to make itself so famous. Looking at this quasi- 
 French war, from any point of view, the successes of 
 our countrymen, upon the ocean, will appear remarkable. 
 The war was not, as is popularly supposed, a mere brush 
 between the two nations lasting a few weeks, and marked 
 by the interchange of two or three broadsides; for the fact 
 that war against France was not formally declared by con- 
 gress did not make the struggle less earnest. Both parties 
 went to work resolutely, the French, from their superior 
 force, considering it presumption in her former ally try- 
 ing to contend with her, and the Americans indignant at 
 the treatment received from a nation that should have 
 
40 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 acted their friend to the last. In this war the Americans 
 displayed an intuitive knowledge of naval affairs which 
 showed them to he worthy descendants of the " Mistress 
 of the seas. " We had really no right to expect such suc- 
 cesses as crowned our arms ; and it was natural that our 
 officers and men should have been somewhat elated with 
 their exploits, and the nation proud of its navy. The com- 
 parative ease with which we had gained successes over the 
 French gave the officers of our navy rather a poor opinion 
 of Gallic prowess on the ocean. They did not, however, 
 relax their own discipline because that of their enemies 
 was not good ; but, on the contrary, they exerted them- 
 selves, still more, to improve the condition of their fleet, 
 so that they should lose none of the advantages already 
 gained. It w^as the ambition of our officers to outstrip 
 even the British in the perfection of discipline, for many 
 of them saw, in the future, a strong probability of war 
 between the United States and England ; and many who 
 had received slights from the English officers, even hoped 
 the time would come when they could try their youthful 
 skill on their more experienced rivals. 
 
 With the incoming of Jefferson's administration, con- 
 gress decided that most of the ships should be sold or laid 
 up ; and the hope of seeing a respectable navy that would 
 grow up with the country was abandoned. When the 
 ships were sold, many meritorious officers were discharged 
 from service, but Lieut. Porter was fortunate enough to 
 be retained ; the reputation he had gained, during his short 
 service, having brought him prominently to the notice of 
 the government. 
 
 In the desire of the Anierican people to ignore all 
 the precedents, established by the monarchial govern- 
 ments of Europe, and even to avoid the semblance of 
 imitating their institutions, they tried to maintain a strictly 
 civil form of government in all departments, irrespective 
 of their requirements. In addition to the influence of this 
 sentiment, was the misfortune to the navy of having the 
 president opposed to all military establishments, and in 
 consequence a system was adopted not at all suited to a 
 branch like the naval service. Had it been otherwise, the 
 navy would probably have started upon its journey under 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 41 
 
 very much better auspices. As it was, a civilian was 
 placed at the head of the navy department who had no 
 knowledge whatever of naval affairs, and without a single 
 naval assistant to advise with him on matters purely pro- 
 fessional. l!^o civilian can by any accident be familiar 
 with all the details of a naval organization, no matter what 
 his opportunities have been, the experience of three quar- 
 ters of a century has demonstrated this. 
 
 The policy of Jefferson's administration was diametric- 
 ally opposed to that of John Adams, owing to the extreme 
 political feeling which then prevailed. Mr. Jefferson was 
 strongly in favor of reducing the navy to a very small 
 figure; and so much opposed had he been to hostilities 
 against France, that he seemed now to be anxious to 
 remove from the minds of the French people every un- 
 pleasant feeling, and to destroy the navy which had humili- 
 ated them before the world. So, although congress had 
 authorized a naval peace establishment of moderate dimen- 
 sions, the discretionary power allowed the president enabled 
 him to reduce it to a low condition, and finally, to cripple 
 it altogether, by the introduction of the gun-boat system. 
 At this epoch, the navies of Europe were administered by 
 naval men, of whom, the best were selected as ministers 
 of marine ; and a system of bureaus prevailed under the 
 supervision of professional experts, pretty much the same 
 that obtains at present. At that time, so perfect a system 
 was maintained in France and England, that, notwith- 
 standing their gigantic naval establishments, great economy 
 was practiced. It was their naval organization that made 
 them powerful, and no country ever yet arrived at a respect- 
 able condition in this respect until they adopted a purely 
 naval administration in the management of their fleets. 
 
 Since the days of Jefferson, our navy department has, 
 with brief exceptions, been conducted in the most hap- 
 hazard style ; and there has frequently been an immense 
 deal of extravagance committed under the plea of economy, 
 whenever it has been suddenly necessary to equip a fleet 
 for some emergency, or to lay one up after the emergency 
 had passed. Had we in 1801, formed a proper naval peace 
 establishment with one of the distinguished ofiicers of the 
 French war at its head, and had this system been continued 
 6 
 
42 Memoik of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 to the present day, witli such modifications as time and 
 circumstances required, we should have had at this moment 
 a navy second to none. Since 1798 we have spent on our 
 navy one billion, four hundred millions of dollars, and yet 
 have comparatively nothing at the present moment to show 
 for this immense outlay. 
 
 A political disquisition may seem out of place in a work 
 of this kind ; but we can hardly avoid it when glancing at 
 the history of the past, and reflecting what magnificent 
 opportunities have been neglected to build up a navy, ade- 
 quate to the wants of the country ; for, even if we had no 
 commerce, we must always depend upon a navy to defend 
 our coasts. 
 
 It is a fact that our national legislators have displayed a 
 very creditable liberality towards the navy, especially 
 within the last twenty-five years ; but they have committed 
 one grave error, in not keeping all the departments of the 
 navy outside the arena of politics, by the enactment of ^ 
 such laws as would assure the proper disposition of the 
 money appropriated for its support. The politicians who 
 have taken the most interest in getting naval appropria- 
 tions through, have never desired to see naval officers 
 holding positions independent of their control, and intro- 
 ducing systems of economy and responsibility which would 
 naturally tend to lessen political patronage. The navy, 
 instead of being considered a branch of the government 
 never to be diverted from its legitimate purposes, has been 
 looked upon as a necessary aid to the party in power ; and, 
 it is to be feared, that the liberality extended to it, has 
 been due to that fact, rather than to any other circum- 
 stance. The naval patronage has become a stepping stone, 
 to enable a few men to attain power without regard to 
 the great injury inflicted upon, what must be, the chief 
 bulwark of the nation against foreign aggression. To 
 these causes is chiefly due the slow growth of our navy ; 
 the liberal appropriations, made by congress, being too 
 often diverted to subserve political interests. Whatever 
 may be done in other directions, such a system should be 
 strictly excluded from the navy, or the consequences will 
 be severely felt ; especially should a war break out with 
 any European power. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 43 
 
 The system of naval administration, from 1801 to 1812, 
 was a great hindrance to our commanders in the last war 
 with Grreat Britain, and the system practiced during several 
 wars has cost the United States government many extra 
 millions. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 As we have once before remarked, it would be out of 
 the question to write a memoir of Commodore Porter 
 without entering into the causes and consequences of the 
 naval movements in which he to a greater or less degree 
 participated, although these matters may be already fa- 
 miliar to many of our readers who have interested them- 
 selves in the his1;pry of those times. At the close of the 
 French war, a law of congress decreed a small peace estab- 
 lishment for the navy, to form a basis on which to expand, 
 should the necessity arise for an increase of force. Four- 
 teen vessels were accordingly retained, viz : 
 
 
 Gnna. 
 
 
 Guns 
 
 Constitution, . 
 
 44. 
 
 N'ew York, . 
 
 36. 
 
 United States, 
 
 44. 
 
 Essex, . . . 
 
 32. 
 
 President, . . 
 
 44. 
 
 General Greene, 
 
 28. 
 
 Congress, . . 
 
 38. 
 
 Boston, . . . 
 
 28. 
 
 Constellation, 
 
 38. 
 
 Adams, . . 
 
 . 28. 
 
 Chesapeake, . 
 
 38, 
 
 John Adams, 
 
 28. 
 
 Philadelphia, 
 
 38. 
 
 Enterprise, 
 
 12. 
 
 Many of the vessels bore prominent parts in the history 
 of the country, and some of them are in the navy at the 
 present moment. 
 
 Notwithstanding the great popularity which the navy 
 had obtained in consequence of its brilliant services dur- 
 ing the French war, the above named vessels were all that 
 
44 Memoir of Commodoee David Porter. 
 
 escaped the auctioneer's hammer, and though it was almost 
 certain that we should soon be involved in a war with the 
 Barbary powers if we refused to continue paying them 
 disgraceful tribute, few efforts appear to have been made 
 in or out of congress to prevent the sacrifice of vessels 
 which had lately performed such gallant service for the 
 country. 
 
 Although the ocean swarmed with privateers the com- 
 merce of the United States did not diminish during the 
 continuance of hostilities with France. Our merchantmen 
 followed their avocations as usual, only taking the precau- 
 tion to go to sea well manned and armed. Their confi- 
 dence, however, may be attributed to the exceeding 
 vigilance of our cruisers, and to the enemy's caution in 
 approaching an American vessel. It seems hardly credi- 
 ble that the United States, after going to war with her best 
 friend (one of the most powerful nations of the world), 
 should in the flush of victory consent to pay tribute in 
 money, ships and naval material to Algiers, Tripoli and 
 Tunis ; but such was the case, and in the year 1800 the 
 George Washington, Captain Bainbridge, was sent to 
 Algiers with tribute for the dey. What must have been 
 the feelings of the gallant Bainbridge, who after fighting 
 so bravely in defense of his country's honor, was entrusted 
 with this humiliating duty. But naval oflicers must obey 
 their orders, no matter how unpalatable they may be. Had 
 our government left more to their discretion in dealing 
 with the Barbary powers we should have had little trouble 
 with those freebooters. Let the reader imagine what 
 would be his feelings, at this day, if he heard that congress 
 had made an appropriation of |100,000, to be sent out in 
 a national vessel, by way of bribing the dey of Algiers not 
 to molest our merchant ships on the high seas ; yet the 
 men who did this thing were as. patriotic as those of to day 
 if not more so ; but it was not until the navy had taken the 
 initiative against these piratical governments, and taught 
 them to respect our flag, that the country began to ques- 
 tion the propriety of paying tribute to any one. The only 
 consolation, in this humiliating business, is to be found in 
 the fact, that nearly all the governments of Europe paid 
 tribute to the Barbary pirates ; and instructed their officers 
 
. Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 45 
 
 to maintain friendly relations in this way. This seems all 
 the more strange, as most of these powers could, in a week, 
 have hermetically sealed all the Barbary ports. 
 
 War with Tripoli had been threatening for some time, 
 and as soon as peace with France was declared, we pre- 
 pared to send a small squadron to the Mediterranean. In 
 1800, the usurper bashaw of Tripoli, Yusef Caramalli, 
 showed a disposition to hostilities with the United States 
 on the ground that we had not treated him so well as we 
 had the bey of Tunis, who had received a frigate, while 
 he had received none ; that the dey of Algiers had received 
 a higher bribe than he had been paid to refrain from 
 troubling American commerce. So this mighty potentate 
 wrote threatening letters to the president, informing the 
 latter that his performances must agree with his promises, 
 and that any delay would be very prejudicial to American 
 interests. Imagine a barbarian writing such letters, now- 
 a-days, to the president of the United States. In spite of 
 all our caution and indisposition for any more war, the 
 government found that the time had arrived for action, 
 and the idea of sending a squadron was to avert the neces- 
 sity of hostilities. But before the ships could be got to sea 
 the barbarian bashaw, tired of waiting for his present of a 
 frigate, proceeded to cut down the American consular flag- 
 staff at Tripoli, which was at once in his opinion the great- 
 est insult he could offer, and a declaration of war against 
 the United States. 
 
 The American squadron consisted of the President 44, 
 Capt. James Barron; Philadelphia 38, Capt. S. Barron; 
 Essex 32, Capt. Bainbridge; and Enterprise 12, Lieut. 
 Com. Sterrett, all under command of Commodore Dale, 
 who hoisted his broad pendant in the President. Lieut. 
 David Porter held the position of first lieutenant on 
 board the Enterprise. When the squadron was fitting 
 out, he might easily have obtained the position of first or 
 second lieutenant on board one of the large ships ; but ex- 
 perience had taught him that the best chance for active 
 service and promotion was to be found in a small vessel ; 
 and the Enterprise had made such a brilliant record under 
 her former commander (Shaw), that Porter felt proud to 
 be on board of her. 
 
46 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 In sending this squadron to the Mediterranean our 
 government proceeded with great caution. It seemed to 
 have lost sight of the recent successes of its navj, and only 
 required the officers not to submit to exactions except 
 under certain circumstances ; that is, if the Barbary 
 powers had not formally declared war, Commodore Dale was 
 to pay the tribute, which was carried out in the ships to 
 Algiers, Tripoli and Tunis ; but if war had been declared 
 by those powers, the commodore was ordered to act against 
 them, but was particularly directed to leave the Mediter- 
 ranean by the first of December, as it was not considered 
 safe to cruise there in winter. Such instructions were cer- 
 tainly not very encouraging to a high spirited officer like 
 Commodore Dale, the ci-devant lieutenant of Paul Jones ; 
 but there was nothing for him to do but to carry out his 
 orders, and the squadron accordingly sailed for Gibraltar, 
 where the ships came to anchor on the first of July. Here 
 they found the Tripolitan admiral, a renegade named 
 Lisle, in command of a ship mounting 26, and a brig 
 mounting 16 guns. ]^o doubt this person was all ready to 
 proceed to the Atlantic ocean, for the purpose of captur- 
 ing American merchant vessels, but the timely arrival of 
 the squadron prevented such a movement. The commodore 
 immediately sent all his vessels to cruise, in difierent direc- 
 tions, with orders to protect our commerce against these 
 freebooters, in case they should get out. He also visited 
 Tunis and Algiers in the flag-ship, and had the satisfaction 
 of promoting the peace by his presence. It may be that 
 the expected arrival of the George Washington with 
 tribute, contributed to the peaceful attitude now assumed 
 by the Barbary powers, who probably wanted to get all 
 they could before proceeding to hostilities. 
 
 The Enterprise was the first vessel that had the satisfac- 
 tion of humbling the pride and lowering the flag of these 
 corsairs. N"otwithstanding the Tripolitan admiral had 
 assured Commodore Dale that no war existed against the 
 United States, on the part of Tripoli, on the first of Au- 
 gust, 1801, the Enterprise fell in with a polacre-rigged vessel, 
 near the island of Malta, mounting 14 guns (and carrying 
 Tripolitan colors), that was known to be cruising against 
 our commerce. As soon as the colors were recognized, 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 47 
 
 tlie Enterprise cleared for action, and ran down close to 
 the enemy. As Lieut. Com. Sterrett got within pistol 
 shot he opened his batteries, and continued for three hours 
 to pour in a heavy fire, at the end of w^hich time the Tri- 
 politan struck his colors. The polacre was superior in 
 every respect to her antagonist, but the precision of the 
 American's fire told fearfully upon the enemy and her 
 crew, while the beautiful manner in which the Enterprise 
 was handled (taking whatever position she chose and rak- 
 ing her enemy several times), elicited the admiration even 
 of the corsairs. There are no braver people than the 
 Turks, but on this occasion though they fought desperately 
 they exhibited very little skill. The corsair lost fifty men 
 in killed and wounded, and the ship was a perfect wreck, 
 her mizzen mast shot away and her yards and sails cut to 
 pieces. On the other hand, owing to the skill with which 
 the Enterprise was handled she received little damage. 
 Three times during the combat did the Tripolitans strike 
 their colors, renewing the fight again when they thought 
 they saw an opportunity of redeeming the fortunes of the 
 day; till at length Lieut. Com. Sterrett, irritated by this 
 treachery, opened fire, with a determination to sink his 
 enemy ; when the Tripolitans threw their fiag into the sea 
 and cried out for quarter. The Tripolitan proved to be 
 the Tripoli commanded by Mahomet Sous, and the latter 
 confessed that his orders from the bashaw were, to cap- 
 ture American merchant vessels. 
 
 Captain Sterrett hardly knew what to do with his prize 
 now that she had fallen into his hands. His instructions 
 had been so carefully worded, that he was not allowed to 
 carry the vessel into port as a prize ; so after beating the 
 pirate vessel, he had to let her go again, to prey upon 
 American commerce as opportunity oftered. It is difficult 
 to ascertain, at this late day, who was the author of this 
 miserable policy ; certainly no naval officer had anything 
 to do with it, and it will be noticed how difierent was the 
 policy pursued towards our French opponents. At length, 
 after consultation with his officers, Lieut. Com. Sterrett 
 ordered Lieut. Porter to dismantle the prize, which order 
 was effectually carried out ; all her armament, powder and 
 shot was thrown overboard, and to use a nautical expres- 
 
48 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 eion, the ship was " stripped to a girtline," having left but 
 a single spar and sail with which to creep into port as best 
 she could. The captain, Mahomet Sous, looked very woe- 
 begone on seeing the dilemma in which he was placed, and 
 doubted if he should be able to reach port at all; but 
 fortunately it was the summer season, when the weather 
 is generally good, and Lieut. Com. Sterrett, after doing 
 what humanity required for the wounded Tripolitans, and 
 admonishing Capt. Mahomet to behave himself in future, 
 started the rover on his homeward voyage, amid the jeers 
 of the Yankee tars, whose amusement at this novel pro- 
 ceeding was perhaps not unmingled with disgust at the 
 loss of their prize money. The rage of the bashaw may 
 be imagined, when his vessel finally managed to reach 
 Tripoli, and instead of a ship loaded with plunder he had 
 only an empty hulk with a disgraced captain and crew. 
 
 The stupid brutality of those Barbary despots, seventy- 
 five years ago, is almost incredible. They had been ac- 
 customed to prey upon the commerce of nations of ten 
 times their own strength, and the idea of a small power (as 
 they considered the United States), daring to resist one of 
 their cruisers and then send her into port in such a pitiable 
 plight, was more than Turkish temper could endure. The 
 effect of sending the vessel home turned out to be better than 
 keeping her as a prize, for the whole Tripolitan community 
 had a chance to satisfy themselves that the Christian dogs 
 had indeed defeated a Tripolitan ship of war ; and the crew 
 of the corsair could tell them how the Giaours were 
 obliged to fire enchanted shot before they could overcome 
 the followers of the prophet. All the excuses of Captain 
 Mahomet Sous, however, went for nothing in the estima- 
 tion of his master, the bashaw, and although he showed 
 his wounds, and told how desperately he had fought a 
 formidable vessel with a great number of guns, yet the 
 despot would not listen to his appeal for mercy. He had 
 the unfortunate captain paraded through the streets of the 
 city tied to a jackass (the utmost degradation that could be 
 inflicted on a mussulman), and then bastinadoed until he 
 could not stand. The sailors of the Enterprise would 
 have been consoled for the loss of their prize money could 
 they have known the rage and mortification of the bashaw, 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 49 
 
 and the pitiful condition of " Mahomed Sous." If, how- 
 ever, this worthy potentate supposed that his treatment of 
 the Rais Mahomet Sous would have the effect to make his 
 corsairs fight better in future, he was greatly mistaken, 
 for the panic, among the sea going fraternity, became so 
 great between their dread of defeat at the hands of the 
 Americans on one side, and their fear of the bastinado on 
 the other, that it was found difficult to obtain seamen for 
 the corsairs then fitting for sea. In fact the wholesome 
 lesson given by the Enterprise was not lost upon the Tri- 
 politans, who were exceedingly cautious about venturing 
 to sea the whole time the war with the United States was 
 carried on. 
 
 Could the administration have foreseen the effect of the 
 first naval measure against the Barbary pirates, it is not 
 likely that Commodore Dale's powers would have been so 
 restricted, and the pirates would have been brought to 
 terms in a very few months. The curious idea seemed to 
 prevail with our government, that a ship of war, in case of 
 attack, could not without express sanction of congress, do 
 anything more than defend herself; that is, must let a 
 vessel depart after thrashing her well, so as to repair 
 damages and be able to renew the attack. This was a 
 kind of international courtesy that the navy did not appre- 
 ciate, and notwithstanding the sagacity with which Presi- 
 dent Jefferson is credited, he would seem in this matter 
 to have been very far out of his reckoning, and not to 
 have at all comprehended the situation of affairs. While 
 the president was arguing in his message to congress, that 
 the government could only act on the defensive against a 
 nation that had declared war against the United States, 
 and that he required authority from congress to enable 
 him to act offensively, the commodore, taking a common 
 sense view of the case, had blockaded the port of Tripoli 
 and had captured neutral vessels attempting to enter the 
 harbor. Commodore Dale's orders required him to return 
 to the United States by the first of December, and after 
 making what he considered the best disposition of the 
 vessels under his command, he returned home with the 
 frigate President, and the schooner Enterprise. Thus 
 ended what is considered the first year of our war against 
 7 
 
60 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 the Barbary powers, which was only relieved from obloquy 
 (consequent upon the pusillanimous orders of our govern- 
 ment), by the exertions of the navy. The only guns fired 
 during this time, so far as appears from the record, were 
 those of the Enterprise, and from what we know of the 
 energy and ingenuity of Lieut. Porter, we are justified in 
 the belief, that to him was due a large share of credit in 
 the capture and ultimate disposition of the Tripolitan 
 cruiser. Certain it is, that this aftair contributed more 
 towards securing good behavior from the corsairs than 
 could have been hoped at the time ; and two vessels, that 
 lay at Gibraltar ready for sea, on hearing the news of their 
 comrade's fate, dismantled the ships and sent their crews 
 across the straits to Tetuan, and thence by land a distance 
 of 1,300 miles to Tripoli. Whether the captains of these 
 cruisers were treated to a jackass ride, k la Ginevra, wind- 
 ing up with the bastinado, history does not inform us. 
 
 On the arrival of the President and Enterprise in the 
 United States, their crews were discharged and a new one 
 shipped for the Enterprise, which vessel was attached to a 
 new squadron originally fitting out under Commodore 
 Truxton, who was however succeeded by Commodore 
 Morris, who hoisted his broad pendant in the frigate 
 Chesapeake. The vessels of the squadron not being all 
 ready and there being a necessity for their services in the 
 Mediterranean, such as were equipped were ordered to 
 proceed to sea. (Commodore Morris assumed command 
 of this squadron under much more favorable auspices than 
 his predecessor (Dale), for he could now hope to be allowed 
 to punish the Barbary pirates and maintain the honor of our 
 flag without the risk of censure from the United States 
 government. In 1802, congress virtually declared war 
 against Tripoli, at least they enacted laws which were suffi- 
 cient to quiet the constitutional scruples of President Jefler- 
 son. Authority was given to our naval officers to capture 
 and condemn any Tripolitan vessels they might encounter. 
 
 Commodore Morris had under his command what was 
 considered to be the most efficient squadron ever put afloat 
 by the United States, and on his arrival in the Mediter- 
 ranean he proceeded to blockade the harbor of Tripoli, 
 hoping by this means to bring about a peace. The general 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 51 
 
 operations of this squadron are too numerous to particu- 
 larize in these pages, as they are fully described elsewhere ; 
 our object is simply to trace the career of David Porter, 
 now first lieutenant of the frigate 'New York, to which 
 vessel, on the reduction of the squadron. Commodore 
 Morris had shifted his broad pendant. The squadron now 
 comprised the New York 36, Adams 28, John Adams 28, 
 and Enterprise 12. On the 10th of May, 1802, while the 
 ISTew York was on the passage to Tripoli, at the moment 
 the drum was rolling to grog, a heavy explosion was heard 
 in the vicinity of the magazine, and the lower part of the 
 ship became filled with smoke. The order was given to 
 beat to quarters, and the men went quietly to their stations, 
 observing perfect discipline. The situation was critical, 
 for a considerable quantity of powder had exploded. Com- 
 mander Chauncy, followed by Lieut. Porter, proceeded 
 immediately towards the magazine through the passages 
 filled with smoke, and after great exertions succeeded in 
 putting out the fire. 
 
 In the latter part of April, 1802, Commodore Morris 
 arrived off Tripoli with the New York, Adams, and 
 Enterprise, and as the squadron stood in towards the har- 
 bor several small vessels, convoyed by gun boats, were 
 seen close in with the land and making the best of their 
 way to the port of Tripoli. The squadron immediately 
 gave chase, and the enemy finding themselves cut off from 
 the harbor, sent the merchantmen into the port of old 
 Tripoli ; while the gun boats, by means of their sweeps, 
 were enabled to pull under shelter of the batteries. The 
 merchantmen were small lateen-rigged craft loaded with 
 wheat, and as soon as they got into port preparations were 
 made for their defense. It was impossible for the squadron 
 to follow them in, for the port was full of reefs and there 
 were no reliable charts. A large stone building stood on 
 a bank, near the shore, which was occupied by a body of 
 soldiers, and on each side were thrown up breastworks, 
 composed of sacks of wheat taken from the merchant 
 vessels, which were themselves finally hauled up high and 
 dry on the beach close to the building, and a large rein- 
 forcement of troops was brought over from the city to 
 man the breastworks. The best engineer could not have 
 
52 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 made a better disposition of forces, and the Tripolitans 
 might well consider their works impregnable to an assault 
 by boats and sailors. When we look at the chart we can- 
 not exactly see why the Tripolitan vessels should have 
 escaped from our squadron, but such was the fact, how- 
 ever mortifying to Commodore Morris. Lieut. Porter 
 seeing the annoyance of the commodore, immediately 
 volunteered to go in that night with the boats of the squad- 
 ron and destroy the vessels ; but the commodore decided 
 to wait until daylight next morning, that the ships might 
 cooperate, hoping to intimidate the Tripolitans by a show 
 of force. However, Lieut. Porter was permitted to recon- 
 noitre the place under cover of night ; but in the per- 
 formance of this duty, was discovered and driven off by a 
 heavy fire of musketry. iN'ext morning, the commodore 
 accepted Porter's ofier, and Lieut. James Lawrence of the 
 Enterprise volunteering to accompany him, he set out 
 backed by a strong party of officers and men from the 
 several ships. When the attacking party got within 
 musket shot of the enemy, the Tripolitans opened a heavy 
 fire which the Americans had no opportunity of returning, 
 for in that day boats were not provided, as at present, with 
 howitzers firing shrapnel, so beautifully fitted with fuzes, 
 as to burst at the exact time and place required ; they had, 
 in fact, none of those modern improvements in ordnance 
 which would soon have disconcerted a party behind breast- 
 works such as protected the Tripolitans. So on the 
 Americans kept without firing a shot, and landing, in face 
 of a greatly superior force, set fire to the vessels and re- 
 gained their boats ; which opening, to the right and left, 
 allowed the ships to complete the work by the fire of their 
 batteries. Notwithstanding this was a gallant attack, it 
 was barren of results except to show the Turks the deter- 
 mination of the people with whom they had to deal ; for 
 although it was supposed that the fire from the ships would 
 deter the enemy from any attempt to extinguish the flames, 
 yet impelled by the fanaticism which sometimes seizes on 
 the followers of Islam, they persevered in spite of the hail 
 of shot poured in by the ships, and finally succeeded in 
 putting out the fire and saving their vessels. While lead- 
 ing the assault, Lieut. Porter received a severe wound 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 63 
 
 from a musket ball in the left thigh, and a slight wound 
 in the right thigh ; but in spite of these he continued in 
 command to the last. " During the attack the contending 
 parties were so near each other, that the Turks actually 
 threw stones at their opponents." The Tripolitan fire was 
 very heavy, twelve or fifteen Americans being killed and 
 wounded. The loss of the Turks was never ascertained. 
 Lieut. Porter was laid up, for a time, with his wounds; 
 and it was greatly to his annoyance that he could not par- 
 ticipate in several handsome afiairs that came off while he 
 was disabled, though notwithstanding his wounds he had 
 volunteered to renew the attack that same night. 
 
 The Americans soon found that their appliances for 
 carrying on the war against Tripoli were entirely inade- 
 quate for the purpose. It had recently become the fashion 
 to mount carronades on board our vessels of war, for the 
 purpose of firing shot of heavy calibre at close quarters ; 
 but, although this kind of ordnance answered well enough 
 in a fast sailing ship, that could get alongside her anta- 
 gonist, they were wholly unsuited against stone walls, at 
 long range ; as were, likewise, the light twelve and eight- 
 een pounders, which composed a considerable portion of 
 our vessels' armaments. Vessels fitted out for such ser- 
 vice as battering the stone walls that constituted the de- 
 fenses of Tripoli, should have been armed with long guns 
 of the heaviest calibre and accompanied by a force of good 
 mortar boats. The Tripolitans had a sufficient number 
 of long brass twenty-four pounders, mounted on their 
 works, which could reach a ship outside the line where it 
 was prudent for the American vessels to come (owing to 
 the depth of water), to render it imprudent for a few 
 ships to attack the town. The enemy had also a number 
 of gun boats and galleys, good sized vessels heavily armed 
 and capable of going to sea, in emergencies, having been 
 constantly employed in convoying vessels along the coast, 
 and in cutting ofi'any stray store ship or other small vessel 
 that might get too far from the protecting guns of the 
 larger ships. Some of these gunboats had mounted a 
 brass gun llj feet long and weighing 6600 pounds with a 
 bore to receive a twenty-nine pound shot. Each gunboat 
 had, besides the long gun, two brass howitzers mounted 
 
54 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 aft to keep off boats. These vessels then, when formed in 
 line to act conjointly with the forts, made a powerful addi- 
 tion to the strength of the place. As they were able to 
 move at will from one point to another by means of their 
 sweeps, they formed a naval force, which, if it had been 
 skilfully managed, would have rendered it hazardous for 
 even a large vessel to venture within range. The gun 
 boats were generally kept moored inside the rocks and 
 under the guns of the town. Several attacks were, by 
 order of the commodore, made on these defenses ; which, 
 though exhibiting the gallantry of our officers and seamen, 
 were not productive of any benefit, neither party suffering 
 materially in the encounters. 
 
 Cooper, in his iTaval History, has done justice to the 
 subject in his account of these events ; and not to recapitu- 
 late, I will merely mention that Commodore Morris was 
 recalled by the government, which did not feel at all satis- 
 fied with the management of the force entrusted to his 
 care. When the commodore reached the United States 
 he was severely punished for not doing more when he 
 really lacked the means to accomplish anything. Of this 
 the government were ignorant, but found out their mistake 
 when obliged to send large reinforcements which should 
 have been sent in the first place. 
 
 As late as 1812, no professional man was ever employed 
 to stand between an officer in command and the displeasure 
 of the government; and so much injustice was committed 
 in consequence, that it is a wonder how any man, of high 
 spirit, could be found to command our squadrons abroad. 
 Owing to the fact, that through partiality or political in- 
 fluence, men were appointed to command who were not 
 always suited to the service required of them, disappoint- 
 ment was the result, and upon the individual was too often 
 thrown the odium of failure, which properly belonged to 
 the administration. This course it is probable was thought 
 necessary by a popular government to justify themselves 
 before the people, and keep themselves in office ; but had 
 a little professional ability been called to assist in the 
 councils of the nation, there would have been fewer mis- 
 takes in naval management and much less national humilia- 
 tion. The history of our government unfortunately shows, 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 55 
 
 that some of the politicians who have presided at the head 
 of our navy, have oftener lent themselves to breaking 
 down the reputation of officers, than exerted themselves in 
 efforts to uphold them ; and have frequently failed to judge 
 them impartially, or to protect them when unjustly as- 
 sailed ; and nearly all the secretaries of the navy have 
 exerted their political influence to curtail the authority 
 granted by congress to naval boards or bureaux, when- 
 ever the authority of the said boards came in conflict with 
 their wishes, or interfered with their political patronage, 
 without regard to the injury such action might inflict upon 
 the navy. The acts of a department not properly repre- 
 sented by professional men particularly in the army 
 and navy are frequently characterized by petulance and 
 harshness to officers in command, whose actions, very 
 likely, have been strictly governed by orders from head- 
 quarters; and there is little likelihood that an officer of 
 high rank will ever receive that courtesy and consideration 
 to which he is entitled, when the department is not influ- 
 enced by that sense of justice which is characteristic of the 
 naval profession. 
 
 CHAPTER Y. 
 
 IlT the latter part of 1808, the Philadelphia 38, Capt. 
 Bainbridge, was directed by the commodore to proceed to 
 Tripoli accompanied by the schooner Vixen, Lieut. Com- 
 mandant Smith, and keep up as close a blockade of that port 
 as the weather would permit. It was getting late in the 
 season and the perils of that coast would not permit a con- 
 tinuous blockade in mid winter. Lieut. Porter had been 
 transferred from the Il^ew York to the Philadelphia, as 1st 
 lieutenant. He was now twenty-three years of age, and 
 had been five years in the service, but in common with 
 
66 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 other young officers of the period he exhibited remarkable 
 proficiency in his profession, and handled a ship with as 
 much skill as many old seamen could have done. Edu- 
 cated in the school of Truxton and Rodgers, he was a strict 
 disciplinarian, exacting strict obedience and attention to 
 duty from all under him, while exhibiting in his own per- 
 son an example of subordination to his commanding 
 officers' wishes, which gained for him the lasting esteem of 
 Capt. Bainbridge. It could not be expected that an officer, 
 brought up in so severe a school as Porter had been, would 
 not sometimes be guilty of harshness to his inferiors. He 
 was impulsive and sometimes too severe, but his impetu- 
 osity was tempered by a generous spirit, and he always 
 endeavored to repair, by every means in his power, any act 
 of injustice which he felt he had committed. With all his 
 severity, therefore, Porter was very popular, especially with 
 the crew, in whose care and comfort he took great interest, 
 a quality in an officer which seamen highly appreciate. 
 For the midshipmen's welfare he was also solicitous, 
 though the latter thought him unreasonable for insisting 
 on their close application to study ; and never on any ac- 
 count to neglect a duty. This was what his models Truxton 
 and Rodgers had required from him, and Porter, in turn, 
 exacted it from others. He was of a chivalric nature, and 
 would not for the world have had any body think that he 
 took advantage of his position as Ist lieutenant to perse- 
 cute him. He was once told by a young officer of about 
 his own age, " that he was wanting in magnanimity, in 
 treating with harshness one beneath him in rank who had 
 not the privilege of holding him responsible." This mor- 
 tified Porter exceedingly at the time, and his first impulse 
 was to place the officer under arrest (which he could have 
 done with propriety), but soon recovering his equanimity, 
 he said : " The inequality of our rank need not interfere with 
 any demand you may think proper to make on me, and I 
 shall demand satisfaction of you for reflecting on the in- 
 tegrity of my motives." Now this was not exactly a pro- 
 per position for a first lieutenant to place himself in, but 
 it was a generous impulse that induced Porter to waive 
 his rank to a junior who considered himself aggrieved. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 57 
 
 This affair was, however, amicably settled, and the two 
 remained friends the rest of their service together. 
 
 The navy of those days was a fine school to bring out 
 in relief the noble qualities of those brave spirits who 
 were ready to make any sacrifice, and run any risk in the 
 cause of their country. All seemed ready to share each 
 other's dangers, and divide equally the honors won by all. 
 There was little jealousy, but like a community of brothers 
 the officers of the navy rejoiced in each other's good for- 
 tune, and contributed to it by every means in their power. 
 Honor was the watch word, and those selfish feelings 
 which are apt to creep into a military profession in time 
 of peace, inducing officers to seek their own advancement, 
 regardless of the claims of others, had no existence in the 
 Mediterranean squadron. When we remember the noble 
 emulation which then existed, when seniors were even 
 willing to serve under their juniors, and where applications 
 for desperate enterprises were so numerous that it was 
 difficult to say who should not join in an expedition, we 
 can well understand how success should follow the efforts 
 of such gallant souls, and what sacrifices they stood ready 
 to make for their country when led by Preble, the master 
 spirit amon^ a throng of young heroes. It was an era of 
 chivalry, never we fear to come again, for it can only exist 
 at that youthful age when men's selfish passions have not 
 begun to usurp the place of generous impulses. Porter's 
 character, however, underwent little change as he grew 
 older ; with him the child was really the father of the man. 
 
 Under the care of her experienced captain and energetic 
 first lieutenant, the Philadelphia was in most excellent 
 order, and under the gallant Preble (who was expected 
 shortly to take command of the squadron), the officers ex- 
 pected glorious opportunities for distinction ; but all were 
 doomed to severe disappointment by the loss of the ship 
 oft' the harbor of Tripoli. At 9 a.m. on the 31st of October, 
 1803, while the frigate was about five leagues oft* shore, to 
 the eastward of Tripoli, a ship was descried in shore stand- 
 ing to the westward before the wind. Chase was immedi- 
 ately given to the stranger, who hoisted Tripolitan colors, 
 and continued her course close al ong the coast. About eleven 
 o'clock, the frigate was so near the shore that the water 
 8 
 
58 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 shoaled to seven fathoms. The Philadelphia then com- 
 menced firing on the enemy, which was kept up by run- 
 ning before the wind for half an hour, when, finding it 
 impossible to prevent the vessel's escape, the pursuit was 
 abandoned. The frigate then bore off* the land to get into 
 deep water, but ran on to some sunken rocks, leaving her 
 with only twelve feet of water forward, and seventeen aft. 
 In spite of all the precautions which had been taken to 
 prevent such a disaster, by keeping three leads constantly 
 going, the ship struck the rocks with about eight knots 
 headway. All sail was immediately set to force her over 
 what was supposed to be a bank, but which was in reality 
 a smooth shelving rock, on which the vessel had run as far 
 as her impetus would carry her, and there lay hard and 
 fast. Finding that his attempt to force the ship over did 
 not succeed. Captain Bainbridge asked the advice of the 
 first lieutenant as to what was best to be done, and the 
 latter advised a consultation with the commissioned officers. 
 Meanwhile perfect order reigned throughout the vessel, 
 and all hands were busy in efforts to get her off*. 
 
 Boats were lowered, and soundings soon showed that 
 there was no deep water near the vessel, and it was ap- 
 parent to all that without some stroke of good fortune she 
 would be lost. The enemy's gun boats, nine in number, 
 were soon seen coming out of the harbor of Tripoli, and 
 cautiously approaching to reconnoitre the Philadelphia, of 
 whose condition they were apparently aware. At length 
 repeated soundings showed deep water astern, when the 
 sails were braced aback, the guns run aft, and the anchors 
 cut from the bow ; but all attempts to move the ship were 
 unavailing. All the guns were then hove overboard, with 
 the exception of a few reserved for defense against the ad- 
 vancing gun boats. Meanwhile the frigate had heeled 
 over very much to port, in which position she remained 
 fixed, and the enemy passing under the fire from the stern 
 battery, took up a position on the starboard and weather 
 quarter, where no guns could be brought to bear on them. 
 
 It was now that Capt. Bainbridge realized the mistake 
 he had made in sending off the Yixen in search of a 
 Tripolitan cruiser, that had got to sea a short time previ- 
 ous. This had left him alone in the frigate to blockade 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 59 
 
 a port where the chasing had to be done in-shore and in 
 shoal water, a duty which could be far better performed in 
 a vessel of light draft. Moreover, had the Yixen been 
 present she could have kept the enemy's gun boats at bay 
 while the frigate was being extricated from her perilous 
 position. Capt. Bainbridge now summoned another coun- 
 cil of war, who were of opinion that the water in the hold 
 should be started and pumped out, then all heavy articles 
 were thrown overboard, and finally the foremast was cut 
 away ; but all this had no effect in moving the ship. Orders 
 were then given for the carpenter to bore holes through 
 the bottom, and for the gunner to drown the magazine, in 
 fact every precaution was taken to render the ship useless 
 to the Tripolitans, should they unfortunately obtain pos- 
 session of her. 
 
 During all these operations, the enemy having taken a 
 position where they could not be harmed by any fire from 
 the Americans, kept up the attack from half past one 
 o'clock until sunset ; but the Philadelphia appears to have 
 suffered from it only in her spars and rigging. It was 
 now evidently impossible to prevent the capture of the 
 Philadelphia ; and to prevent a useless sacrifice of the lives 
 of his ofiicers and men, Capt. Bainbridge gave the order 
 to strike the colors. Up to this time the enemy had kept 
 at a respectful distance, but no sooner were the colors 
 hauled down, than the gun boats made a rush for the fri- 
 gate, and in ten minutes the decks were swarming with 
 the pirates, who began to plunder the unfortunate Ame- 
 ricans of everything they possessed, even stripping off their 
 clothing, and leaving them nearly naked. 
 
 The officers were soon carried before the bashaw, who 
 was highly delighted at this capture of prisoners to add to 
 his list of slaves, but on the whole his reception of them 
 was not unkind, and they were conducted to the late Ame- 
 rican consulate, and placed under the particular charge of 
 the minister of foreign affairs, Mahommed D Ghies, with 
 whom they had no difficulty in communicating as he spoke 
 French fluently. Considering that the bashaw was a bar- 
 barian his treatment of the prisoners was generous. They 
 were supplied with sufficient food, but suffered greatly for 
 want of clothing. Most of the officers had laid in a three 
 
60 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 years outfit, and had lost every thing except what they 
 stood in when captured. How they were to be clothed 
 in future, unless they adopted the Turkish costume, they 
 were at a loss to imagine. Fortunately, they found a friend 
 in the person of Mr. Mssen, the Danish consul, who was 
 introduced to Capt. Bainbridge by Mahommed D Ghies, 
 and this gentleman immediately relieved the prisoners' 
 anxiety, promising them every assistance in his power, 
 which promise he kept to the letter. The minister, Ma- 
 hommed D Ghies, also manifested the most friendly disposi- 
 tion, intimating to the prisoners that they might depend 
 upon his humanity ; and Mr. Nissen, having done all that 
 he could for them at the time, the officers found them- 
 selves much better situated than they had reason to expect 
 from the rough treatment to which they were subjected 
 when first captured. 
 
 Up to the time of the capture of the Philadelphia, the 
 bashaw had received from the Americans nothing but 
 humiliation, or to use the figurative language of the Turks, 
 " The Christian dogs had made him eat dirt." He had 
 made few or no captures of American merchant vessels, 
 and his corsair ships had been either captured or block- 
 aded in some foreign port. The capture of the Tripoli, 
 and the treatment of the vessel, was the greatest indignity 
 that this Barbary despot had ever received; and, under the 
 circumstances, it seems wonderful that the bashaw should 
 have been so complaisant as to address words of consola- 
 tion to his prisoners. The bashaw had begun to feel very 
 despondent, for independently of his losses he felt that his 
 influence among his subjects was declining, and when this 
 feeling arises in barbarous countries, especially when dis- 
 trust occurs among the troops, the distance from the 
 throne to the grave is short, the bow string is put in requi 
 sition, and does its work eflectually. But this night the 
 bashaw felt particularly joyous, and so he said, " Let the 
 Christian dogs eat, drink and be merry, for they will 
 bring us a ransom more than the value of the vessels we 
 have lost." 
 
 Fext morning the Tripolitans set to work to get the 
 Philadelphia afloat. The frigate was on shore about three 
 miles from Tripoli, and as the corsairs had plenty of large 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 61 
 
 launches, anchors, and cables, and an unlimited number of 
 men, they felt sanguine of saving the vessel. Two days 
 after they got to work the wind came out strong from the 
 northwest, and forcing the water up on the African coast 
 the ship's stern floated. Anchors were now carried out 
 astern, the whole force at the disposal of the bashaw was 
 applied to the work, and in three days from the commence- 
 ment of operations the Tripolitans had the Philadelphia 
 afloat. She was towed to within a short distance of the 
 town, and there remained until the weather abated ; the 
 Tripolitans pumping night and day to keep her free of 
 water. The Americans supposed that they had effectually 
 destroyed the pumps by dropping shot into them, but if 
 such was the case the Tripolitans soon rigged up others, 
 and the carpenter had scuttled the ship so imperfectly that 
 the holes were stopped without much trouble. Barbarians 
 as they were, the Tripolitans were smart sailors, and taking 
 advantage of the good weather following the northwest 
 gale, they not only succeeded in taking the Philadelphia 
 into port, but in weighing all the guns and anchors which 
 lay in the clear shallow water around the ship, so that there 
 was scarce an article thrown overboard that was not re- 
 covered. The American prisoners were deeply mortified 
 to see the Philadelphia repaired as well as circumstances 
 would admit, the guns all mounted, and the anchors in 
 their places. They had confidently expected that she 
 would have thumped her bottom out in the northwest 
 blow, but it happened she was to leeward of a reef, and the 
 sea broke over her without lifting her much, which ac- 
 counts for her not going to pieces. 
 
 The unwonted kindness of the bashaw did not long 
 continue. From the first he had intended to treat his 
 prisoners as circumstances might occur. He had no doubt 
 that the United States government would now listen to 
 reason, and enable him to propose his own terms of peace. 
 He had three hundred and fifteen prisoners, including 
 twenty-two quarter-deck officers, and rightly supposed 
 that there would be great excitement in the United States 
 over the reduction of all these people to slavery; and 
 hoped to obtain a large amount of money by way of ran- 
 som. Previous to this, the bashaw, rather alarmed by the 
 
62 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 determined attitude of our government, had seemed inclined 
 to listen to terms of peace, but having now gained what 
 he considered a great advantage, he was anxious to con- 
 tinue the war. 
 
 Commodore Preble, who was now in command of the 
 squadron, immediately on hearing of the capture of the 
 Philadelphia, made a proper disposition of his forces, and 
 arrived off Tripoli in the latter part of December 1803 ; 
 but after communicating with Capt. Bainbridge and learn- 
 ing the situation of affairs ; he returned in the Constitution 
 to his headquarters at Syracuse, as hostile operations could 
 not be conducted at that season of the year. The first 
 proposition to destroy the Philadelphia came from. Capt. 
 Bainbridge and his officers, who took every opportunity, 
 before they were rigorously confined, to ascertain what 
 were the facilities for an active enemy attempting such a 
 task; and the commodore was notified, through Bain- 
 bridge, that the vessel was slowly fitting to cruise at sea. 
 
 We have all read of the gallant affair of the burning of 
 the Philadelphia by Stephen Decatur in the ketch Intrepid ; 
 and as our history will deal as little as possible with 
 matters in which Porter was not personally an actor, we 
 must refer our readers to the chronicles of those times. 
 The rage of the bashaw at the destruction of the Phila- 
 delphia was unbounded, and one effect was to increase 
 very much the rigors of his prisoners' confinement. The 
 satisfaction of the latter, when they saw the flames which 
 destroyed their old ship lighting up the harbor of Tripoli, 
 was of short duration. The sailors were put to work 
 carrying stones on their heads and shoulders to repair the 
 fortifications; and at this laborious employment they were 
 kept from morning till night, exposed to the burning sun, 
 and supplied with very insufficient rations. Instead of 
 beef, tough camel's meat was served out to them, and the 
 bread was a miserable article composed of beans instead 
 of wheat. The officers, although not compelled to labor, 
 had their comforts much curtailed; and the provisions 
 served out to them were of the poorest description. Thus, 
 for upwards of nineteen months, were the unfortunate 
 Americans subjected to a rigorous confinement; the United 
 States government paying no heed to the exhorbitant de- 
 
Memoik op Commodore David Porter. 63 
 
 mands of the bashaw, who required as a ransora for his 
 prisoners the sum of $160,000 ; for, by noticing favorably 
 such a demand, they would have virtually abandoned the 
 principle for which they had been contending. Thus our 
 government was reduced to the painful alternative of leav- 
 ing their citizens to remain in prison ; but resolving to 
 adopt the most energetic measures against their piratical 
 enemies. ISTotwithstanding the uncomfortable predica- 
 ment in which our officers and crew were situated, they 
 never murmured at this determination of the government ; 
 but, on the contrary, were most anxious that no terms 
 should be entered into for their relief, not strictly honor- 
 able to the United States. The officers, seeing that their 
 confinement was likely to be a long one, endeavored to 
 provide against that dullness which is the invariable ac- 
 companiment of captivity. 
 
 Consul Kissen continued his kind offices and supplied 
 the captives with books ; and Porter, whose spirits never 
 flagged, and who never lost an opportunity of encouraging 
 those around him, established a school of instruction for 
 the younger officers, in which all joined. These exercises 
 consumed a greater portion of the day ; and evening was 
 spent in such pastimes as could be invented or remembered 
 from among those of their younger days. In this way time 
 passed, if not joyously, at least not uselessly. Lieut. Porter 
 instructed the midshipmen in fleet-sailing, seamanship, 
 navigation, and gunnery, for which all expressed their in- 
 debtedness to him in after years. His own education had 
 been very deficient, for his father could only send him to 
 elementary schools ; and he, therefore, took advantage of 
 this opportunity to improve his own mind. He pursued 
 the study of mathematics and the French language, read 
 history carefully, devoted much attention to English gram- 
 mar, became proficient in right-line drawing, and obtained 
 a fair knowledge of the art of landscape drawing, all of 
 which he considered necessary parts of an officer's educa- 
 tion. It can easily be imagined what a dreary time these 
 captives would have had, shut up in prison for nearly two 
 years, and without the opportunity of communicating with 
 their friends, had there not been some leading spirit to 
 animate them. Captain Bainbridge was allowed a room 
 
64 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 to himself, in consideration of his rank ; his health was 
 not good, and his spirits being greatly depressed in conse- 
 quence of the loss of his ship, he passed many lonesome 
 hours shut up in his apartment ; thus the responsibility of 
 keeping alive the spirits of the party devolved upon his 
 first lieutenant. 
 
 The prisoners made many ineffectual attempts to escape, 
 in which Porter always took a conspicuous part ; but these 
 attempts had no other result than to increase the severity 
 of their imprisonment. One day they opened communica- 
 tion with the seamen, who on going to their daily work 
 had to traverse a narrow passage past the quarters where 
 the officers were confined. The seamen working on the 
 walls had frequent opportunities of witnessing the opera- 
 tions of the American squadron, and of seeing the prepara- 
 tions of the Tripolitans. By some means a hole was cut 
 through the wall between the officers' room and the passage, 
 and written communications handed through. This con- 
 tinued without discovery for a considerable time, until at 
 length, grown bold by frequent success, an officer one day 
 undertook to converse with the men going through the 
 passage. The sound of the conversation was overheard by 
 one of the officials appointed to urge the prisoners in their 
 work, the plan was discovered and immediately reported 
 to the Tripolitan officer on duty. The moment this man 
 was informed of what had transpired he rushed into the 
 captive officers' quarters, his eyes glittering with rage, and 
 demanded to know who had dared to open that hole in the 
 wall ; when Lieut. Porter, without a moment's hesitation, 
 stepped forward and took the blame upon himself. A 
 guard was summoned and Mr. Porter was marched off to 
 the bashaw ; his companions, much alarmed at his prospect- 
 ive fate, anxiously waiting to hear what had befallen him. 
 In a few hours Porter returned uninjured to his companions. 
 He had frankly acknowledged his offense to the bashaw, 
 at the same time taking the opportunity to tell Jusef 
 Caramelli how harshly the prisoners were dealt with, pro- 
 testing in the name of his government against such treat- 
 ment. Strange to say, the despot, instead of displaying his 
 usual rage, promised to give the matter his consideration, 
 and restored the offender to his anxious friends. The hole 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 65 
 
 was stopped by the bashaw's order ; but from that time 
 their treatment was much improved. 
 
 It was a very disheartening thing for those officers to be 
 cooped up when they knew their friends in the squadron 
 were reaping such a harvest of fame, and from Lieut. Por- 
 ter's character we can imagine what a conspicuous part he 
 would have taken in the difierent encounters which were 
 continually taking place between the hostile parties, had 
 he been at liberty to offer his services. They had all to 
 remain quiet, much against their will, and their only con- 
 solation was the news of the glorious feats of their com- 
 rades outside, which was communicated by their friend 
 Mr. Mssen. The prisoners were frequently in danger 
 from the shot and shell of the United States squadron, 
 which often struck their prison. Once a heavy shot passed 
 through the castle wall into Captain Bainbridge's room, 
 knocking the stones and mortar on to the bed where the 
 captain was lying and nearly burying him in the rubbish. 
 Bainbridge was instantly pulled out of the debris by his 
 officers, severely injured ; and, notwithstanding the danger 
 to which himself and companions were exposed by the 
 bombardment, he wrote to Commodore Preble urging him 
 to keep up the fire with the mortars, at every opportunity, 
 as it demoralized the Tripolitans very much, and would do 
 more than anything else to bring them to terms. 
 
 All things will have an end, and the Tripolitan war was 
 no exception to the rule. . The United States government 
 at last discovered, that the economical system pursued 
 towards the navy in the early part of Mr. Jefferson's ad- 
 ministration, was not the one to ensure success against a 
 stubborn enemy; so after many earnest appeals from 
 Commodore Preble, who on his return to the United 
 States in 1804-5, gave all the necessary information on 
 which to base further arrangements for prosecuting the 
 war, a squadron was ordered to be prepared for sea, 
 which, when completed, would increase the force before 
 Tripoli to fourteen large vessels carrying 304 guns, ten 
 gun boats carrying 17 guns and two bomb vessels. The 
 Tripolitans, seeing that the United States were determined 
 to prosecute the war until they were conquered, concluded 
 9 
 
66 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 at length to succumb, and on the third of June, 1805, the 
 treaty of peace was signed. 
 
 It was agreed that the United States should never be re- 
 quired to pay tribute to Tripoli, but after exchanging pri- 
 soners man for man it was settled that $60000 should be 
 paid to Tripoli for the excess of prisoners in her possession. 
 This latter clause in the treaty sounds rather strangely 
 after such loss of life and outlay of money in prosecuting 
 the war ; and, no doubt, the United States could have 
 made better terms by carrying on hostilities a little longer, 
 but the sufferings of the prisoners in Tripolitan hands 
 were exciting so much sympathy at home, and the expense 
 of further warfare would have been so great that, perhaps, 
 the course pursued may have been the wisest. It was a 
 joyful day when all these poor fellows were released, and 
 received the congratulations of their friends ; but amid all 
 their joy at being relieved from confinement, the prisoners 
 could not but experience deep sorrow when they missed 
 the many comrades who had fallen before the walls of 
 Tripoli. A few years had made sad havoc among their 
 friends, but such is ever the result of war. 
 
 In this conflict the American nation, which had been 
 fighting for the rights of civilized nations, had won great 
 renown through its navy, and the thanks oi" Christendom 
 for setting an example that was soon followed by all 
 Europe. When we look at these insignificant Barbary 
 powers to-day we can hardly realize that we ever consented 
 to pay tribute to them in the first place, and in the last act 
 abandoned all the principles for which we had contended 
 by paying that ransom of $60000. With all this, however, 
 the navy had nothing to do, and had the matter been left 
 to them to decide, the barbarians would never have got 
 anything, since they knew that they could conquer a peace. 
 Throughout the trying ordeal they had to undergo, the 
 honor of the navy remained untarnished; and painful as 
 had been the imprisonment of the officers and crew of the 
 Philadelphia, yet it produced good fruit, for without the 
 loss of that vessel and its results, the government might 
 have abandoned a contest which in the end put a stop to 
 the enslaving of Christian people. 
 
 At the close of the war, Commodore Eodgers remained 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 67 
 
 in command of the Mediterranean squadron, which had 
 been considerably increased, in order to overawe the Bar- 
 barj powers from any further molestation of American 
 commerce. He immediately gave the command of the 
 favorite Enterprise to Lieut. Porter, and ordered him to 
 Tripoli, with discretionary power to cruise through the 
 Mediterranean for a time and recruit his shattered health, 
 the result of his long imprisonment. Porter had, previous 
 to taking command of the Enterprise, performed the duty 
 of captain of the Constitution, the flag ship of Commodore 
 Rodgers. 
 
 Much as the navy had done to raise the reputation of 
 the American flag, there were not wanting those who 
 took every opportunity to depreciate its achievements ; and 
 this was particularly the case with the officers and men of 
 the British navy, who on several occasions treated those 
 on board the Enterprise in such a manner as to call forth 
 the prompt resentment of Porter and his officers. On one 
 occasion, while the schooner was lying in the harbor of 
 Malta, an English sailor came alongside in a shore boat 
 and heaped the most abusive epithets upon the whole 
 ship's company, incited, no doubt, by the cavalier manner 
 in which certain of the British officers at that time treated 
 our navy — not that there were no honorable exceptions, 
 for many of those in the royal navy fully appreciated the 
 gallantry of our countrymen in the late contest with 
 Tripoli. The officers of the Enterprise had, on several 
 occasions, been mortified by the treatment they had re- 
 ceived in Malta, and were much incensed by the conduct 
 of the sailor whom they considered as merely an agent 
 acting for others. The man was ordered away from the 
 side and threatened with the displeasure of the authorities, 
 which only called forth further abuse and taunts towards 
 the American flag, which seemed to be the special object 
 of his disgust; and finding that neither persuasion nor 
 remonstrance had any eflect, the commander of the Enter- 
 prise had him brought on board and administered to him 
 a good flogging at the gangway. This, it must be con- 
 fessed, was rather an arbitrary proceeding, but it was the 
 result of impulse which did not stop to consider what 
 might be the consequences. Lieut. Com. Porter thought 
 
68 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 only of resenting an aggravated insult in what seemed to 
 him the most appropriate manner. This event created 
 considerahle excitement in Malta, people not taking time 
 to consider the provocation offered by the sailor. The 
 governor took the matter up with great warmth, and with- 
 out paying the American commander the courtesy of in- 
 quiring into the merits of the case, he directed that the 
 Enterprise should not sail until the affair was investigated, 
 ordering the commanders of the forts in the harbor to 
 prevent her passing out. Captain Porter informed the 
 governor that he intended to sail at a certain hour, that 
 any complaint against him must be made to the United 
 States government ; and that he would defend his vessel 
 if attacked. Accordingly at the appointed time the Enter- 
 prise got under way and proceeded to sea, the crew at 
 quarters with lighted matches all ready to fire upon the 
 town in case the vessel was molested. The governor, no 
 doubt, when he came to reflect upon the matter, saw that 
 Porter's action towards the sailor was just what that of a 
 British officer would have been under the same circum- 
 stances ; and, moreover, knew that he had no right to de- 
 tain a ship of war for a matter that could be settled by a 
 reference to the United States government. As no such 
 reference was ever made, it is fair to suppose that the 
 governor finally came to the conclusion that Capt. Porter 
 had done what was about right. 
 
 The Enterprise continued her cruise down the Mediter- 
 ranean, and along the coast of Morocco, looking out for 
 American interests ; and while passing through the straits 
 of Gibraltar, in sight of the town and the British squadron 
 lying at anchor in the harbor, the schooner was attacked 
 by twelve Spanish gunboats that ran out from the harbor 
 of Algeciras. What was the object of this unexpected 
 attack we are not informed. As soon as Capt. Porter saw 
 the gunboat approaching with hostile intent, he hoisted 
 his colors and prepared for action ; the Spaniards took no 
 notice of the flag but attacked the schooner at once. There 
 was no doubt of the Spanish superiority, the gun boats 
 were latteen-rigged vessels of some size, and each armed 
 with a long gun ; but, in a very short time, the fire of the 
 Enterprise caused them to ignominiously retire, and left a 
 
f \ 
 
 ^ 
 
Memoie of Commodore David Porter. 69 
 
 lasting impression, upon the minds of the Spaniards, of 
 the efficiency of an American vessel of war, and the spirit 
 which animated its commander. Porter had now heen 
 nearly five years in the Mediterranean, and the Barbary 
 pirates being all comparatively quiet he returned to the 
 United States. 
 
 On the 22d of April, 1806, he received his commission 
 as Master Commandant (commander). At this time 
 congress authorized the president to employ as many pub- 
 lic vessels as he might deem proper, but limiting the 
 number of officers and seamen. By this act, the number of 
 captains was increased to 13, and that of master command- 
 ant to 8 — Porter standing number 5 on the list of the 
 latter. At this time the navy, considering its record and 
 the necessity which existed of keeping up a respectable 
 force, had fallen into rather a disreputable condition as 
 regarded the vessels. The Tripolitan war had been rather 
 an expensive affair for those days, and it was no sooner 
 over and the matters of dispute arranged with the other 
 Barbary powers, than the government proceeded to hastily 
 reduce the navy expenses within the limit of their resources. 
 Unfortunately, they proceeded to an extreme economy not 
 justified by the financial condition of the country, which 
 was certainly able to maintain as large a navy as the one 
 we had on hand when hostilities with Tripoli terminated ; 
 but no effort seems to have been made to increase the navy 
 so that it might be useful in the future. Our commerce 
 had extended to a remarkable degree, and the sails of our 
 merchant ships whitened every sea. Our enterprising 
 countrymen were now competing successfully with Great 
 Britain, a fact which began to attract the attention of the 
 British government, who ever alive to their own interests 
 began to manifest towards us those unfriendly feelings 
 which finally brought us into hostile collision with them. 
 The policy of our people, then as now, seemed to be averse 
 to maintaining a naval establishment of any size, although 
 our political relations were never free from embarrassment, 
 and we were open to the aggressions of the smallest naval 
 power which chose to be unfriendly towards us. Our 
 coasts and harbors were notoriously indefensible, except 
 by a naval force ; yet it was now determined to introduce 
 
70 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 a new system to protect our shores, which it is certain 
 could not have been thought of had the naval element 
 possessed any influence in the administration of the de- 
 partment. This was the famous " gun boat system," of 
 which so much was expected and from which so little was 
 realized. During the time the discussions were going on, 
 in congress, in relation to abolishing the old system and 
 adopting the new, there was little employment for officers, 
 notwithstanding the small number retained in the navy ; 
 consequently Porter was not able to get a command afloat. 
 He was now at the age of twenty-six, a commander after 
 only eight years' service, a rapid promotion compared with 
 the present day, when a man under thirty is hardly con- 
 sidered competent to take charge of a steamer's deck ! 
 There must be something radically wrong in the present 
 condition of affairs unless we are to believe that very in- 
 experienced officers were in early days placed in command 
 of our ships of war. As the results obtained at that time 
 were in most instances highly satisfactory to the govern- 
 ment and people, perhaps it would be well to introduce the 
 same system again in the service. 
 
 The great success of our infant navy was mainly owing 
 to the indomitable energy and fearless bravery which are the 
 concomitants of vigorous youth, and those dashing quali- 
 ties are often more than a match for the vaunted experi- 
 ence which is too often accompanied by timidity, when 
 the blood is beginning to circulate sluggishly. Age has 
 its attributes and is valuable in council, but it would be 
 unnatural, when the vigor and elasticity of youth are gone, 
 to expect successes such as would be secured by younger 
 and hardier men. 
 
 When naval officers are unemployed they are apt to 
 seek solace in the society of the softer sex, a rule to 
 which, as we shall see. Commander Porter was no ex- 
 ception. Hitherto, during his eventful life, he had had 
 few opportunities to mingle in society, and the only 
 woman who had held a place in his heart was his good 
 mother, whose death had caused him great affliction. This 
 void in his aff'ections had to be filled, and with his natural 
 impetuosity he set about filling it. Commodore Tingey, 
 who then commanded the Washington navy yard, had 
 
Memoir of Commodoee David Porter. 71 
 
 visiting in his family a very pretty young lady, Miss Eve- 
 lina Anderson, daughter of William Anderson, a wealthy 
 gentleman of Chester (Pennsylvania), and a member of 
 congress from that district. "When Commander Porter 
 was introduced to the young lady he found her playing 
 with a doll ; for although she was in society she had just 
 left school, and was barely fifteen years of age. As, in 
 duty bound, he fell in love with the young lady, and 
 after a very short courtship solicited her hand, and was 
 referred by Commodore Tingey to Mr. Anderson (the 
 young lady's father), wno was at the time in Chester, Penn. 
 Commander Porter posted at once to Chester, and the 
 family being apprised of his coming had prepared to give 
 him a flat refusal, for a naval officer was considered by no 
 means an eligible match, his pay being small and his rov- 
 ing life a bar to connubial happiness. The young lady's 
 only brother, Mr. Thomas Anderson, was highly indig- 
 nant at the idea of a naval officer wanting to marry his 
 sister ; and, being, in his own opinion, somewhat of a fire 
 eater, he was deputed by the family to receive the auda- 
 cious suitor (instead of the more amiable and yielding 
 father), and give him a flat refusal, the young lady's feel- 
 ings not being taken into consideration' at all. So when 
 Porter made his appearance he was shown into the parlor, 
 whither young Anderson soon repaired, and in a freezing 
 tone asked him his business. The young officer replied 
 that he wished to see Mr. William Anderson in relation to 
 his daughter, and could only communicate to that gentle- 
 man what he had to say. " Then sir," said the brother, 
 " you have come on a fool's errand, my father cannot see 
 you and you cannot marry my sister or be connected with 
 this family." The Commander jumped from his chair, his 
 eyes flashing fire. '' Sir," he exclaimed, "you are meddle- 
 ing in a matter that does not concern you. I came here 
 about marrying your sister, I didn't come to marry you, 
 and d — n you if you don't leave the room Pll throw you 
 out of the window." The young gentleman was (][uite 
 taken aback, and thinking the fierce looking little fellow 
 might carry out his threat, and that discretion was the 
 better part of valor, sought his father, whom he informed 
 that there was a piratical looking man down stairs who in- 
 
72 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 sisted upon marrying his sister ; he was certain that the 
 man would cut every body's throat if he didn't get her, 
 and he washed his hands of the matter. The result was 
 that after a week's acquaintance all the family took a 
 great liking to the would be bridegroom, and the re- 
 quired consent was given to the marriage. Young Ander- 
 son, who had a strong sense of humor, often related this 
 incident to show Porter's rough way of wooing, which was 
 in fact his impulsive manner of doing everything. 
 
 Commander Porter and Miss Anderson were married on 
 the 10th of March 1808, and received as their marriage 
 present from the young lady's father, what was at that 
 time a very handsome residence on the banks of the Dela- 
 ware in the borough of Chester. The house though erected 
 in 1721, as shown by an inscription on the gable, is still 
 standing and the massive stone walls are yet in good pre- 
 servation. It was originally the residence of the colonial 
 governor, and still remains in possession of the family. 
 
 The Commander was not long permitted to indulge in the 
 quiet of domestic life, but was soon called away to active 
 duty, where we propose to follow him. 
 
 CHAPTER YI. 
 
 JL RIOR to 1800, when Louisiana was tributary to Spain, 
 there had been granted to the United States, by treaty 
 with that power, the right of deposit at New Orleans, which 
 right was reserved in the treaty ceding Louisiana to France. 
 The suspension of this privilege by his Catholic majesty, 
 created a great sensation throughout the country bordering 
 on the Mississippi and its tributaries ; for it was evident 
 that the continuation of this prohibition would be very in- 
 jurious to the United States ; and it was agreed, that an 
 appeal to arms would be far preferable to quiet submission 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 73 
 
 to an edict, that would shut us out from the navigation of 
 the great outlet to the ocean. In the first excitement, 
 congress, moved by a determination to maintain our 
 boundaries and commercial rights, prepared for an appeal 
 to arms in case of a failure in negotiations ; and hence 
 originated the act requiring a certain number of gun boats 
 to be built and equipped to be used as the president might 
 think proper; but when the matter was investigated, it 
 seems to have been the opinion that the breach of contract 
 was the unauthorized misconduct of the local authorities 
 rather than an intentional violation of the treaty on the 
 part of the home government. Upon this the United States 
 government ceased the equipment of gun boats intended 
 for the Mississippi. 
 
 When, in 1803, Louisiana was ceded to the United States, 
 fifteen of these gun boats were finished and sent to N'ew 
 Orleans to assist in maintaining the authority of the 
 government among what was then a very turbulent popu- 
 lation. A station was established at 'New Orleans in com- 
 mand of a naval officer who was entrusted with far greater 
 powers than he would be at the present day, and the 
 officers and men under his command amounted to nearly 
 four hundred. This was the origin of the gun boat system 
 which subsequently increased to such proportions as to 
 almost swamp the navy, although for most of the duties of 
 vessels of war the gun boats were totally useless. As it 
 may not be uninteresting to follow up the increase of this 
 kind of force, and to note the various circumstances that 
 occasioned it, I present a brief summary of the progress of 
 a system from which so much was expected and so little 
 realized. 
 
 On the 2d of March, 1805, twenty-five additional gun 
 boats were authorized. Several distinguished naval officers 
 were consulted as to the efficiency of these vessels for 
 harbor defense, and they all agreed that in conjunction 
 with land batteries they might, if well armed and manned, 
 be very useful ; but this recommendation only extended to 
 a particular kind of service. At that time our coasts were 
 infested by foreign vessels of war which paid little regard 
 to our neutrality. ^Americans were looked upon as a set 
 of traders too mean to have a naval policy, and who would 
 10 
 
74 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 not resist encroacbment at the risk of involving themselves 
 in war. Our harbors had also been watched by private 
 armed vessels which had committed piratical acts beyond 
 the authority of their commissions. The president, accord- 
 ingly, fitted out a small squadron to cruise on our coasts to 
 arrest all such offenders for trial as pirates. The public 
 armed vessels of foreign powers were hardly less oppressive 
 to our commerce, and in fact we were considered fair game 
 for anybody to pluck, and actually invited aggression by 
 failing to keep up a naval force adequate to the wants of 
 the country. In consequence of having their attention 
 called to these aggressions, by the president, congress 
 passed an act to hmld Jifty more gun boats ! although half 
 a dozen brigs or schooners would have been ten times as 
 efiicient. The capture of the Chesapeake on the 22d of 
 June, 1807, aroused a feeling of indignation throughout 
 the United States and, consequently, on the 18th of De- 
 cember, of that year, congress enacted that the number of 
 gun boats should be increased to one hundred and eighty-eight 
 Of these gun boats it may be remarked that they were ab- 
 solutely useless except as an auxiliary to fortifications or 
 for the defense of shallow waters. 
 
 The first gun boats for service in the waters of Louisiana 
 were built under the superintendence of Commander John 
 Shaw, the ofiS.cer who made such a brilliant record while 
 in command of the Enterprise during the French war, who 
 in 1806, was ordered to command all the naval forces in 
 the waters of the new territory of Louisiana. Shaw re- 
 tained this command until the close of 1807, when he and 
 Porter were members of Barron's court martial. At the 
 close of the trial. Porter in 1808, just after his marriage, 
 was ordered to proceed to New Orleans and ^assume com- 
 mand of all the naval forces, including the station on shore, 
 and the naval forces afloat consisting of some twenty of 
 the aforementioned gun boats. This was an important 
 appointment, as great responsibility devolved on the Com- 
 mander, who being far from the seat of government was 
 frequently called upon to act in very delicate cases. The 
 government at that time seemed to be always in great fear 
 of becoming involved in war, and had submitted to every 
 conceivable humiliation to avoid such a contingency; and 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 75 
 
 although eminently successful in redressing grievances 
 when the task was once fairly undertaken, they had not 
 learned from past experience how to provide against ag- 
 gressions. 
 
 The bays and inlets of Louisiana were the rendezvous 
 of privateers and pirates claiming to sail under the flags of 
 England, France and Spain. These gentry were continually 
 hovering on our coasts, and in default of finding enemy's 
 ships would seize upon our own, upon one pretext or another, 
 for which outrages our people obtained little redress. isTew 
 Orleans being at that time an ungarrisoned place, not 
 frequented by foreign ships of war, many of the privateers 
 resorted there for supplies ; and, as they spent their money 
 freely, the local authorities rather encouraged their pre- 
 sence. These desperadoes, mixing with the dissolute part 
 of the population, kept the town in a continual state of 
 turmoil. During the administration of Governor Claiborne 
 in Louisiana, in 1807, the greatest excitement prevailed in 
 regard to the alleged design of Aaron Burr to seize the 
 city of New Orleans, and take from the banks the large 
 amount of specie therein deposited. The apprehension 
 that Burr had many adherents among the desperate cha- 
 racters who infested ]^ew Orleans, intensified this feeling 
 of dread. General Wilkinson had been ordered to Louis- 
 iana with a large body of troops, and the officer in com- 
 mand of the naval station, anticipating an attack from some 
 quarter, had, on his own responsibility, enlisted four 
 hundred seamen to man the gun boats, and afford assist- 
 ance to the civil authorities in case of necessity. Governor 
 Claiborne writing to the federal government says : " My 
 solemn belief is, that the seizure of this city and her riches 
 was the primary object of the conspirators, and the dis- 
 memberment of the union the ultimate aim of the leaders. 
 I believe the horrid plot has been promoted by foreign 
 influence, and that Spain has furnished Burr with his 
 pecuniary means," etc. It may be conceived how excited 
 the people must have been at the rumors of Burr's opera- 
 tions along the Mississippi, and the movements of their 
 Spanish neighbors, who were supposed to be endeavoring 
 to narrow the western limits of the United States by incit- 
 ing dissensions among our people. TsTew Orleans was 
 
76 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 tremendously excited. When the arrest of Burr put an 
 end to this excitement, other troubles arose ; for New- 
 Orleans was never quiet for any length of time ; an emeute 
 was always forthcoming on the slightest provocation. 
 
 On the fourth of July, 1807, several gun boats were 
 anchored off the city, and a planter in their vicinity under- 
 took to whip a female slave, whose shrieks being heard by 
 the naval officers, three of them accompanied by a few 
 sailors entered the planter's enclosure and released the 
 woman by force. This affair caused another tremendous 
 excitement, and the fury of the populace could hardly be 
 controlled. The naval officers were looked upon in a 
 measure as the tools of an oppressive government. In the 
 case of Edward Livingston, the navy had to be called into 
 support the local government in putting down a tumult 
 that was near ending in bloodshed, and in fact there were 
 so many '' choice spirits " in and around 'New Orleans 
 always ready for desperate enterprises, that the forces of 
 the army and navy were always in readiness to preserve 
 order. 
 
 It was just after the Livingston affair, and in the midst 
 of excitement, that Commander Porter was ordered to 
 Kew Orleans. The appointment was a high compliment, 
 the general government evidently placing great reliance 
 on his ability to assist the territorial governor in putting a 
 stop to any measures which might affect our interests. In 
 the beginning of August, 1808, just after Commander 
 Porter had relieved the naval officer in command at l^ew 
 Orleans, several serious affrays between American sailors 
 and French, Spaniards and Italians of the same class took 
 place, which occasioned the governor great uneasiness. 
 The contending parties met on the levee in battle array, 
 and many were killed and wounded on both sides. Some 
 persons supposed that the foreign sailors had been stimu- 
 lated to this quarrel, in order to cover a more dangerous 
 conspiracy ; but, whatever might be the cause of these 
 riots, there was certainly a large number of dangerous 
 characters in Il^ew Orleans requiring the utmost vigilance 
 on the part of the authorities to keep them in subjection. 
 At this time the celebrated embargo was declared by the 
 United States, and war, at any time, was now expected 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 77 
 
 with Great Britain. To complete the list of troubles ever 
 since the cession of Louisiana to the Union, constant losses 
 had been experienced by the inhabitants living near the 
 borders of the Spanish possessions, and many Escaped 
 negroes resorted to the protection of the Spanish flag. At 
 ]N'achidoches, large numbers of negroes, mounting the 
 Spanish cockade, had marched off to Spanish territory, 
 singing " Long live Ferdinand the seventh." Under the 
 circumstances, it was not unlikely that we would soon 
 have war with England and Spain at the same time. 
 About the only defense to the Mississippi river at this 
 critical moment was its strong current, and there was no 
 knowing when a hostile fleet might overcome that obstacle 
 and appear before New Orleans. 
 
 The census of 1806, showed the entire population of the 
 territory to be 52,900 souls, of which nearly one-half were 
 slaves, and upwards of three thousand free people of color, 
 leaving but 26,069 white persons. Of these 13,500 were 
 natives of the territory and descended from French an- 
 cestors, and only 3,500 were natives of the United States. 
 The rest of the inhabitants were made up from a mix- 
 ture of all the nations of Europe, who were loyal to that 
 extent that they did not care to risk their lives against a 
 foreign foe who was their superior. All together the con- 
 dition of afiairs, while Porter was in command of the New 
 Orleans station, was anything but pleasant, and under 
 frequently embarrassing circumstances, he acquitted him- 
 self with great credit. In fact he never exhibited greater 
 judgment than he showed amid the difficulties which sur- 
 rounded him in New Orleans. 
 
 Owing to the several attempts to obstruct the execution 
 of the laws, congress by an act approved March 3d, 1807, 
 authorized the president " in all cases of insurrection or 
 obstruction of the laws, either of the United States or any 
 individual state or territory, where it is lawful for the 
 president to call forth the militia, for the purpose of sup- 
 pressing such insurrection, or of causing the laws to be 
 duly executed, it shall be lawful for him to employ for the 
 same purpose such part of the land and naval forces of the 
 United States as shall be adjudged necessary." This act 
 legalized all naval proceedings at New Orleans. 
 
78 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 So many illegal acts had been committed by the pri- 
 vateers of the several European powers that were warring 
 against each other, that congress, on the representation of 
 the executive, felt justified in passing the " Restricting 
 act," compelling all vessels within the waters of the United 
 States to abstain from interfering with European com- 
 merce or our own, under the penalty of confiscation ; yet 
 notwithstanding the careful wording of these laws, the 
 privateers found little diflS.culty in evading them, and made 
 ^^Tew Orleans the place of sale for their illicit gains. The 
 sea, in fact, at that time swarmed with legalized pirates ; 
 and the Spanish government, and our own, were oflfering 
 large rewards to any one who would capture certain 
 French freebooters that had been depredating on their 
 commerce. These bounties amounting to upwards of 
 $80,000, were offered as an additional stimulus to officers 
 and men to perform their duty. 
 
 Commander Porter, on his arrival at l^ew Orleans, found 
 a very loose state of affairs prevailing, so far as related to 
 the execution of the law against the illegal proceedings of 
 the privateers, but in a manner his hands were tied. The 
 district attorney evidently winked at the piracies com- 
 mitted in our waters and at the open communication kept 
 up between these depredators and the citizens of l^ew 
 Orleans. At first. Commander Porter could see no way 
 of preventing these illegal proceedings without coming in 
 collision with the civil authorities, at that time considered 
 a very reprehensible matter, and incurring the censure of 
 the administration. Politics too ran very high at the time, 
 and a naval officer, without influence, had to exercise great 
 caution to avoid having his head cut off', politically. An 
 opportunity, however, soon occurred which enabled Por- 
 ter to ascertain how far his authority extended to prevent 
 the violation of the restriction laws, and whether the 
 honest efforts of an officer to maintain these laws would 
 have the support of the administration. He had hardly 
 reached 'New Orleans before he was taken down with the 
 yellow fever and laid many days at the point of death; but, 
 as soon as he could get about, he commenced enforcing the 
 restriction laws, much to the chagrin of the district at- 
 torney, who was evidently opposed to all his measures. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 79 
 
 Three French privateers came into the Mississippi river 
 and anchored at the place now called Pilot Town, their 
 nominal object being refreshment and repairs. One of 
 these was the Montebello, a large schooner of fourteen 
 guns. She had been fitted out at Baltimore, and had had her 
 guns put on board at sea. This was one of the vessels for 
 which Spain and the United States had offered a reward. 
 Another one of the vessels, the Intrepid, was a large Spanish 
 built schooner sailing under a commission originally 
 granted to a pirogue. She was heavily manned and armed. 
 The third privateer, the Petite Chance, was a schooner the 
 strength of which is unknown to us. As soon as Com- 
 mander Porter heard of their arrival he repaired to Pilot 
 Town with a force of gun boats, and anchored where his 
 guns would bear upon the privateers ; at the same time, 
 calling on them to surrender for a violation of the restrict- 
 ive acts. At first they refused, being advised by the 
 district attorney that a naval officer had no authority to 
 detain them ; and he urged the Commander to let them 
 depart, which the privateers agreed to do and also to leave 
 the waters of the United States. The many friends of the 
 buccaneers, in I^ew Orleans, made every exertion to obtain 
 permission for them to depart, and a direct conflict arose 
 between the civil and naval authority, which culminated 
 when Commander Porter informed the privateer captains 
 that in default of their immediate surrender he should 
 open fire. The vessels were decidedly superior to Porter's 
 gun boats in force, and their captains were disposed to re- 
 sist, but the crews refusing to fight, the privateer's colors 
 were hauled down. As the law gave an officer no power 
 to detain the crews, the latter were permitted to go up to 
 -N'ew Orleans, and the vessels were soon after taken to that 
 place and moored to the levee under the guns of the navy. 
 The city was thrown into an uproar by the arrival of 
 these privateersmen, who roamed the streets at will, com- 
 mitting all sorts of excesses, and confident from the 
 representations of their friend, the district attorney, that 
 the vessels would soon be released. Commander Porter 
 having libelled these vessels as prizes, it became the duty 
 of the district attorney to prosecute them on behalf of the 
 government. The case was a perfectly plain one, and 
 
80 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 under an honest official there could have been no doubt of 
 the result. The district attorney had in the first place 
 declined to consider the vessels as derelict, but when as- 
 sured by Commander Porter that he would send them 
 north for adjudication, both the district attorney and the 
 governor of the territory withdrew their objections and the 
 former consented to prosecute the case. As Porter had no 
 confidence in this person, he took care to associate with 
 him able counsel upon whom he could rely. While the 
 subject of libelling the vessels was merely a subject of dis- 
 cussion their crews committed no overt acts, but the 
 moment the case came into court they assumed a threaten- 
 ing attitude, thronging into the court room and trying to 
 overawe the judge, but a guard of marines soon put a stop 
 to their demonstrations. They then threatened Porter 
 with personal violence, but he continued to walk the streets 
 as usual, accompanied only by his orderly, although taking 
 the precaution to keep a guard near his quarters at night. 
 
 Through the efibrts of Commander Porter all three of 
 the prizes were condemned and sold, and the proceeds 
 divided among the captors, after taking out the largest 
 share in fees to the lawyers and officers of the court, in 
 which distribution the district attorney was not too con- 
 scientious to participate. Thus was broken up a formida- 
 ble nest of pirates (for they were nothing better), through 
 the untiring energy of a fearless officer. 
 
 These prize cases gave Porter a great deal of trouble, 
 from first to last, from the fact that the legal authorities, 
 whose duty it was to prosecute them, not only placed every 
 obstruction in the way ; but, when the prizes were con- 
 demned, it was supposed induced the captains to bring 
 suit against Porter for detaining them. Out of the prize 
 money. Porter bound himself to pay half the proceeds to 
 the captors. Twenty per cent of his own portion went 
 towards paying lawyers fees and all contingent expenses, 
 and he was held accountable for damages in case of a de- 
 cision against him. He had to defend the Montebello 
 against a suit brought after her condemnation. He also 
 had to make arrangements to defend the Petite Chance in 
 the supreme court of the United States, to which an appeal 
 from the district court decision was taken. Edward Liv- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 81 
 
 ingston, Porter's counsel, received five per cent of the net 
 proceeds of his fourth, leaving him in the end with very 
 little prize money. 
 
 The reward offered by the authorities of Havana was a 
 subscription from the Spanish merchants, offering $60,000 
 for the capture .of the three vessels, Montebello, Intrepid 
 and Petite Chance. When the condemnation was an esta- 
 blished fact, Commander Porter put in an application for 
 this sum, giving the necessary proof; but, although the 
 Spanish authorities acknowledged the great value of the 
 service rendered to Spanish commerce, yet they declined 
 to pay the reward without an order from the home govern- 
 ment. The captain, who had gone to Havana in reference 
 to this business, was kept so long dancing attendance that 
 he was nearly impoverished. The reward promised was 
 never paid, though in 1826, when Porter was offered the 
 position of commander-in-chief of the Mexican navy, the 
 Spanish government, through their minister at Washington, 
 offered to pay him the whole amount with interest, if he 
 would decline the offer of the Mexicans, which proposition 
 he proudly spurned. In the end he had the satisfaction 
 of costing the Spaniards many times the amount so unjustly 
 withheld from him. 
 
 On Commander Porter's return from ^ew Orleans, he 
 was directed to settle his accounts. He had credited him- 
 self with double rations, to which he was entitled ; but, it 
 appears that this had been checked against him during the 
 two years he remained in command. He had long been 
 disgusted with the management of naval affairs, and he had 
 no confidence in its justice. The government, instead ot 
 helping him to secure the rights he had honestly gained, 
 gave themselves very little trouble in the matter, on the 
 contrary opposed him. The different kinds of duty an 
 officer had to perform then on the pay of subordinate rank, 
 was another source of disgust, and to crown all, the Com- 
 mander was outraged by the manner in which our country 
 was constantly humiliated by England, without a declara- 
 tion of war. Writing to his friend. Purser Samuel Hamble- 
 ton of the navy, he says in regard to this matter : " What 
 more can the English do to us than they have done, and 
 11 
 
82 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 why should we submit to these things for the sake of 
 saving our commerce ? There are some things dearer to a 
 nation than the wealth of its citizens on shore or on the 
 ocean, and that is its honor, and when we fail to esteem 
 that in advance of all else, we will stand poor indeed in 
 the world's estimation." In consequence of his dissatis- 
 faction Commander Porter tendered his resignation in 
 July, 1810, but received from the secretary of the navy a 
 very complimentary letter declining to accept it, urging 
 the Commander to remain in the navy as his services would 
 shortly be wanted " to resist the wrongs and support the 
 rights of the country." 
 
 Soon after Commander Porter was promised the com- 
 mand of the Essex, to which his only objection was that 
 it was not right to expect him to fill a captain's position 
 without giving him the pay of that rank. But as there 
 was a prospect of war he waived all personal considerations 
 and concluded to remain in the navy ; he positively de- 
 clined to remain in l^ew Orleans, the two years that he 
 had served there in command satisfied him that he was 
 not calculated to come in contact with the military autho- 
 rities or politicians in that quarter. "He was satiated 
 with Governor Claiborne's vanity, and with General Wil- 
 kinson's pomposity, and was convinced that they all looked 
 upon the country as a big orange which they had a good 
 right to squeeze." Porter set his face against their opera- 
 tions on the domain under his charge, and found himself 
 opposed by a swarm of enemies of whom he never dreamed. 
 
 The general government finally approved of Porter's 
 whole course in regard to the prizes, and made him prize 
 agent to distribute the proceeds. When he died minister 
 at Constantinople his accounts were audited and found 
 entirely correct, but this §25000 prize money was checked 
 against his estate thirty-eight years after it had been dis- 
 tributed ; and his family, to whom he could leave nothing, 
 were kept out of the balance of pay due him as minister 
 until the prize lists were found filed among his papers, and 
 his last accounts with the government were closed in 1846 ! ! 
 
 These proceedings against the privateers were soon 
 noised abroad, and during the rest of the time Porter 
 commanded the IlTew Orleans station there were few in- 
 
Memoir of Commodoee David Porter. 83 
 
 fractions of the restricting laws. While in command at 
 l^ew Orleans his father, David Porter senior, was ordered 
 to report to him for duty. The elder Porter had received 
 from President Washington the appointment of sailing- 
 master in the navy, which had been reconfirmed to him 
 on the 3d of September, 1807, and he desired to pass his 
 declining years under his son's roof. Mr. Porter's duties 
 were merely nominal, but he took great delight in serving 
 under his son's command, and these were probably the 
 happiest hours of his life. The old gentleman who had 
 served faithfully during the revolution was a man of fine 
 nautical ability and with a strong sense of humor. He was 
 the author of some amusing works, and edited an edition 
 of Falconefs Shipwreck, with characteristic notes. His 
 great work was a treatise on The Origin of Man, in which 
 he showed conclusively that human beings were gradually 
 developed from jelly fish into mermen and thence to their 
 present form. This was a satire on the predecessors of 
 Darwin, who were then promulgating their strange theo- 
 ries, but was particularly aimed ^t the famous Lord 
 Monboddo, who had advanced the extraordinary idea that 
 the human race are nothing but a lot of monkeys who had 
 worn off their tails by sitting for so many ages on hard 
 bottomed chairs ! Strange to say the death of this genial 
 old gentleman was the means of introducing into the 
 naval service one of our most renowned naval officers, 
 David Glascoe Farragut. While the elder Porter was one 
 day fishing on Lake Ponchartrain, he had a stroke of the 
 sun, and was found by Mr. Farragut, the father of the 
 future admiral (who was also out fishing), in an exhausted 
 condition. Mr. Farragut took the sick man to his home 
 on the banks of the lake, where he and his wife attended 
 him carefully until his death, as he was never in a condi- 
 tion to be removed after this attack. Commander Porter 
 was deeply grateful for this attention to his father, and 
 Mr. Farragut being in moderate circumstances with seve- 
 ral children to support, he proposed to adopt David and 
 bring him up in the navy ; which offer was accepted, and 
 young Farragut transferred to his new home where he was 
 treated as a son. 
 
 Farragut, who was then but seven years of age, was 
 
84 Memoir of Commodoke David Porter. 
 
 placed at school to commence his education, and on the 
 17th of December 1810, Commander Porter obtained for 
 him an appointment as midshipman in the navy and kept 
 the young man with him for several years, until after the 
 capture of the Essex, carefully training him in his profes- 
 sion. In fact, as long as Porter remained in the service 
 and had opportunities of serving his adopted son, he looked 
 out for the latter's interests. It is uot too much to attri- 
 bute Farragut's success as an eminent naval commander to 
 the careful training he received while with Captain Por- 
 ter. 
 
 On the first anniversary of his wedding Commander 
 Porter received an addition to his family in a son, born 
 March 10, 1809, an event which greatly delighted him. 
 The child was named William after his maternal grand- 
 father, and for many months after his birth was so small 
 that he could sleep in a cigar box, and being too small to 
 be dressed, was rolled up in cotton. The father was ac- 
 customed after dinner to have this youngster handed 
 around the table lying on a napkin in a plate. The child 
 became ultimately a man of over two hundred pounds 
 weight, an illustration of the truth of the old saying, " tall 
 oaks from little acorns grow." He served through life in 
 the navy, and distinguished himself in the war of the re- 
 bellion. His death in 1865 was in consequence of injuries 
 received in battle on the Mississippi, while in command 
 of the ironclad Essex. 
 
 The comparatively inactive life that Commander Por- 
 ter led at IS'ew Orleans by no means suited his taste. He 
 had accepted the duty much against his own inclination, 
 and was anxious for a change. He had long been of 
 opinion that war between the United States and Great 
 Britain was inevitable, for no country could long endure 
 the open insults oifered to us without taking up arms to 
 defend her rights. Prior to taking command at New 
 Orleans, Porter had been much exercised in mind with 
 regard to the actions of the British naval forces, which 
 were continually impressing our seamen and firing on 
 unarmed merchant vessels ; and he desired to be then 
 where he could be immediately employed afloat in case of 
 war. Congress, to prevent these aggressions, had passed a 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 85 
 
 law, on the first of April, 1806, providing that the Presi- 
 dent should "keep in actual employment in time of 
 peace as many of the frigates and other public armed 
 vessels as the service might require." Four days after the 
 passage of that act, the British frigate Leander grossly 
 violated our rights by firing into one of our merchant 
 vessels, before the harbor of E"ew York, and killing one 
 John Pierce, a citizen of the United States. The practice 
 of impressing our seamen, so far from diminishing in ac- 
 cordance with our protests, daily increased, and finally the 
 affair of the Chesapeake, June 22d, 1807, created intense 
 excitement throughout the country. " At that time Com- 
 modore Douglass was in command of the British squadron 
 off the capes of Virginia, and this officer omitted no op- 
 portunity to insult the citizens of IN'orfolk, and Hampton ; 
 and through them, the whole community, acting almost 
 as if the English were at war with us. He would 
 not have pursued this course, had not congress so restricted 
 the president, that he could not obtain a sufficient number 
 of seamen to man our ships and protect our citizens from 
 insult. We were now reaping the reward of that wretched 
 policy of false economy, forced upon the navy by the Jef- 
 ferson administration, and which was finally condemned 
 by congress." 
 
 In the latter part of 1810, in anticipation of hostilities 
 with Great Britain, Commander Porter left N"ew Orleans 
 with his family, and journeyed north, up the Mississippi, in 
 a gun boat, sometimes propelled by sails, sometimes by 
 oars and by towing ; the vessel seldom making more than 
 thirty miles a day. After a three month's voyage on the 
 bosom of the father of waters. Porter arrived at Pittsburg. 
 This was the first national vessel that ever ascended the 
 river so far up, and many of the citizens of those thinly 
 settled regions had never before seen a naval officer, much 
 less a vessel of war. They were, in consequence, much 
 impressed with the appearance of the gunboat slowly mak- 
 ing her way to the north. If any of those who were then 
 living in the little villages (now cities), on the banks of the 
 mighty river, and gazed with wonder on the solitary vessel, 
 saw the great fleet of ships, iron clads and gunboats in 
 1862, '63, what must have been their sensations ? especially 
 
86 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 when they heard the roar of cannon reverberating from 
 those once peaceful shores. 
 
 On the 5th of January, 1811, soon after he reached his 
 home in Chester, Commander Porter was presented with 
 a daughter, an event calculated to please a young father 
 and make him desire to remain with his family ; but he 
 was constantly on the alert to avail himself of the first op- 
 portunity for active service against our British enemies. 
 On his arrival at Chester he moved into the house pre- 
 sented him by his father-in-law. This place known as 
 " Grreenbank " was then very beautiful but time has since 
 laid heavy hands upon it and the mansion is now some- 
 thing like an old aristocrat out at the elbows. Writing to 
 his friend Hambleton, Oct. 22, 1810, he says : " I intend to 
 call my new place * Montebello ' so soon as I can get some 
 of the Montebello or Havana spoils. It happens to be 
 nearer a bakery than a mountain but that makes no odds. 
 The name sounds so well I cannot think of losing it. The 
 Chester folks call me a Federalist and shun me as they 
 would a rattlesnake because I wear imported cloth and gilt 
 buttons. I am in hopes this name will convince them to 
 the contrary it sounds so much like ^ Monticello.' " 
 
 Our government, about worn out with British annoyance, 
 found that it was necessary to do something to show their 
 displeasure at the many insults that had been heaped upon 
 our flag by British naval officers, and on the 20th of 
 October, 18 — the president, by authority of congress, 
 issued a proclamation interdicting all British vessels of war 
 from entering the waters of the United States. This, it 
 was supposed, would bring on immediate hostilities ; and 
 the gallant spirits of the navy began to sharpen their 
 swords, preparatory to the contest. Among the most 
 prominent advocates of war was Porter, who could not 
 obtain a command afloat, notwithstanding the promises 
 to him ; it was likely through fear that he would prove too 
 zealous in vindicating the honor of the flag, as he has ever 
 shown himself ready to do since that time — he looked on 
 in astonishment to see the legislators of that time, who 
 had scarce got out of their ears the sound of revolutionary 
 guns, acting such a timid part towards an oppressor whom 
 we had shown ourselves capable of humbling, even in our 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 87 
 
 infant days. Our national pride had been severely hurt, 
 and, there was no bearing any longer British insults, and 
 yet, owing to the inactivity shown at this time in naval 
 matters, and the misappropriation of naval moneys (which 
 always seems to have been a chronic disease in our na- 
 tional polity), we were perfectly helpless to defend our- 
 selves, without bringing upon us humiliations greater than 
 any we had yet borne. The British then had a force of 
 vessels on our coast quite superior to the miserable gun 
 boats, which were forced on us for want of experienced 
 naval men to carry on a naval administration. The letters 
 of Porter and others, at that time, exhibit the feeling in 
 the navy ; and he does not hesitate to point out the ill 
 effects of the existing system. He compares the navy, in 
 one of his letters, " to a glass of weak whiskey and water, 
 the weak addition of the naval element having only di- 
 luted the draught without improving the taste." 
 
 The naval officers were of opinion, in which time has 
 proved them right, that the navy should be conducted en- 
 tirely by naval men. ^Notwithstanding all the navy had 
 done to protect the honor of the flag and increase the pres- 
 tige of the country, its officers were not consulted with 
 regard either to the proper means of operating by sea 
 against a powerful enemy, nor of protecting our bays and 
 inlets against the invasions of fleets or single ships. The 
 party in power seemed to be floundering about in a state 
 of ridiculous uncertainty, committing egregious blunders 
 in naval matters, as other administrations have since done ; 
 and, which, it seems, we are to continue to do until some 
 great blow will fall upon the country, and wake them up, 
 when too late. The administration of the navy from the 
 beginning has been a failure ; it reminds one of a green 
 boy adrift in a boat with a single oar ; he sculls, then pulls 
 on one side, then sticks out his oar, on the other ; but he 
 does not get ahead any ; he turns around in the same spot, 
 just what the navy has been doing since its first establish- 
 ment. 'No fault can be properly attached to individuals 
 who have administered naval affairs, the fault all lies in 
 defective organization. Commodore Porter with several 
 other distinguished officers at this time advocated openly 
 the introduction of the naval element into the administra- 
 
88 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 tion of the service, for it was very evident that the govern- 
 ment was actually forcing us into a war, for the want 
 of that preparation which was so much needed. The most 
 perfect ignorance seemed to exist in regard to fitting out 
 and maintaining the navy. 
 
 Captain Porter in a letter to a friend says : 
 
 " The vital error, if not criminal neglect of the government, is in 
 not introducing the naval element into the navy department. Experi- 
 enced officers would have avoided the terrible mistakes which have 
 been committed within my recollection, and we would have had now 
 such a respectable force of frigates that Great Britain would not 
 have dared to go to war with us, for fear of having her commerce 
 destroyed — thirty frigates on our side would make her respect us ; 
 and yet the wise-acres who have charge of naval affairs are still cling- 
 ing to their ridiculous gun boat system. Yet how can they be expected 
 to know the difference between a gun boat and a frigate. I am sure 
 they could not learn the naval science on their Southera plantations. 
 The money squandered on these wretched vessels would have built 
 up a good navy." 
 
 This was shown at a later date, when the government, 
 gaining wisdom by experience, acknowledged that " naval 
 of&cers alone were competent to conduct the intricate duties 
 belonging to a profession of which a civilian must necessa- 
 rily be ignorant." An instructive treatise might be written 
 in relation to the ill effects of the system which the party 
 in power tried to fasten upon the navy ; the waste and 
 extravagance which occurred, the humiliation which it 
 brought upon the country, and the loss of many millions 
 of dollars ; but, the limits of our work will not admit of 
 more than a passing allusion to this subject. The United 
 States and England coquetted with each other for several 
 years, in which neither benefited by the lessons of expe- 
 rience ; and both losing greatly in their commercial interests 
 by the vacillating policy of each other. In the meantime, 
 the navy, small as it was, used their utmost efforts by 
 keeping up strict discipline to prepare for the conflict, 
 which they saw must, sooner or later, arrive. 
 
 " The encounter between the President and the Little Belt, 
 in which the latter was severely cut up, caused great excite- 
 ment in England and the United States. Both natiom 
 claimed to be in the right, but nothing came from the 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 89 
 
 angry controversies, but an increased alienation between 
 tbe two countries ; but still not a frigate was added to our 
 navy, nor had there been since 1801." War was almost 
 upon us, and to Great Britain's navy of more than a 
 thousand vessels we had to oppose the following viz : 
 
 Constitution, 
 
 44 
 
 Essex, 32 
 
 Siren, 
 
 16 
 
 President, 
 
 44 
 
 Adams, 28 
 
 Oneida, 
 
 16 
 
 United States. 
 
 ,44 
 
 Boston, 28 
 
 Vixen, 
 
 14 
 
 Congress, 
 
 38 
 
 John Adams, 28 
 
 Nautilus, 
 
 14 
 
 Constellation, 
 
 38 
 
 Wasp, 18 
 
 Enterprise 
 
 ,14 
 
 Chesapeake, 
 
 38 
 
 Argus, 16 
 
 Yiper, 
 
 12 
 
 New York, 
 
 38 
 
 
 
 
 While the naval forces of the country were in this weak 
 condition, congress, for various reasons known to every- 
 body, declared war against Great Britain, June 18, 1812. 
 Great as may be the misfortune of war to a country, a 
 greater calamity can befall it, the stigma of resting under 
 insult and oppression, without making an effort to wipe 
 out the dishonor. Whatever may have been the feelings 
 of the citizens at large, the navy exulted at the declaration, 
 hoping to avenge the humiliations we had experienced 
 for so many years from Great Britain. Notwithstanding 
 the great disparity of force between the two navies, our 
 officers did not fear the result. The experience they had 
 gained in the French and Tripolitan wars had given them 
 great confidence in their ships and seamen, and all the 
 latter burned to fight for " free trade and sailor's rights." 
 
 The frequently published statement that Porter was 
 ordered to command the Essex after war with England 
 had been declared, is not correct ; it appears, from docu- 
 ments on record, that at the commencement of hostilities 
 he had then been nearly a year in command of the frigate, 
 to which he was appointed in August 1811, soon after the 
 affair of the Little Belt. On the 7th of September, 1811, 
 as appears by a letter to a friend, we find Commander 
 Porter at Gosport, Ya., where we had some sort of a fitting 
 place, since grown to a navy yard, preparing his vessel for 
 sea, doing the duty of a captain on the pay of a com- 
 mander. This was really a high compliment, as no other 
 officer of his grade commanded a frigate. On the 12th of 
 12 
 
90 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 October he was at Craney island, waiting for men to be 
 sent from Boston to complete his crew. On the 4th ]^o- 
 vember, writing from Hampton Roads, he says : " I have 
 just returned from a short cruise on the coast, and shall in 
 all probability take another in a few days. I am much 
 pleased with my ship and wish I could say as much for my 
 battery. She is armed with carronades which, in my 
 opinion, are very inferior to long guns." An opinion 
 which, later in the war, was fully confirmed. It seems that 
 the frigate Congress was also to have been put under 
 Porter's command, and the two vessels were to have sailed 
 together in search of the Shannon and Guerriere, which 
 were reported to be on the coast. Porter was highly 
 flattered with the prospect and expressed himself as anxious 
 for an opportunity to wipe out the disgrace of the Chesa- 
 peake. Commander Porter continued in the Essex until 
 the war broke out, when the vessel was in l^ew York, hove 
 down for repairs. To show the feeling with which Porter 
 went into the war, we insert a letter to a brother officer, 
 Sam'l Hambleton, dated " OfFSandy Hook, April 18, 1812," 
 just two months previous to the declaration. 
 
 U. S. Frigate Essex, 
 Near Sandy Hook, April 18th, 1812. 
 Dear Eamhleton : Yours of the 6th reached me yesterday — Wm. 
 is reinstated and I am in hopes will do better. Write to me as 
 soon as you receive this and direct your letter to Norfolk, where if 
 God spares me I shall be ere long. We sail in search of the Guer- 
 riere and Belvidere, if I once get my graplins on the latter nothing 
 short of the hand of the Almighty shall separate us, while her flag 
 is flying — I have seen de Crillon. I have also seen our old friend 
 ChevalUer and a number of his gang — from various circumstances 
 I am induced to believe that the latter intends taking a passage in 
 the fast sailing schooner pvrchased at Baltimore. I am convinced 
 they are acquainted although they do not appear so — and I think 
 we shall soon hear of some of their exploits. I was at the theatre 
 saw Chevallier in the next box to me de Crillon in the opposite one. 
 Several significant looks passed between them, which convinced me 
 that they were not unknown to each other ', had I known at the 
 time that de Crillon had purchased the schooner, I should have 
 made it my business to trace their connection ; for de Crillon's ap- 
 pearance I should believe him a villain. I never before felt so 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 91 
 
 great an anxiety to be at sea, the winds liave been adverse for some 
 days. We have just drop'd*down to the Hook, and the first slant 
 we shall go out. I hope the contest may depend on Commodore 
 Bainbridge and myself; the Congress will join us, but I hope not, 
 before we meet the British ships. The Belvidere is a large 36, the 
 Essex only a small 32 ; but so help me God ! I would not wish 
 another gun, although I wish those I have were better. I know not 
 how the contest may result ; but this I know, that I never can sur- 
 vive the disgrace of striking the colors of the Essex. 
 
 God bless you, D. Porter. 
 
 In another letter from the Essex to Samuel Hambleton 
 Esq., dated Oct. 4th, 1812, he says : 
 
 Chester, Oct. 4th, 1812. 
 Dear Hamhleton : I arrived yesterday from the capes, saw noth- 
 ing. The neglect of the Department is unpardonable. Three days 
 after my arrival I would have sailed with three months provisions I 
 have yet received no orders. Tis strange ! My next cruise I hope 
 will be more profitable, if they give me any discretion, I shall expect 
 to make my fortune. I still hope that they will let me carry into 
 execution the plan that once gave so much pleasure to the Secy. 
 If the gov^ buy the Alert, my part will net me 6 or $7,000, 
 perhaps more. Comi'e D. has an agent at your port. I shall how- 
 ever mention you to my friends. If we do not get out soon we shall 
 all be kept in until winter, as the British force has been so much 
 augmented. There must be a change in our Department, or we never 
 can expect: to do any thing except on our own responsibility; there 
 is no energy, nor will there be while a pint of whiskey can be pur- 
 chased in the District of Columbia, — it is shameful. Why should 
 
 the indisposition of R. paralize the operations of the navy. 
 
 It is the duty of every one to be at his post such times as these. 
 
 God bless you, D. Porter. 
 
 Samuel Hambleton Esq., U. S. Navy, 
 
 Newport, R. I. 
 
 In those days the rapidity in fitting out a ship of war 
 depended very much upon the energy of the commanding 
 officer, who had almost the entire charge of the work. 
 Captain Porter worked day and night endeavoring to get 
 his vessel ready to sail with the little squadron ordered to 
 assemble at ITew York under Commodore Rodgers, but 
 he found it out of the question to do so. When he received 
 orders to get his ship ready, she was stripped of her rig- 
 
92 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 ging, the hold was broken out, and she had to be hove 
 down to make some necessary repairs, all of which as a 
 seaman knows requires time to accomplish. However, so 
 great were the captain's exertions and so ably was he 
 seconded by his subordinates, that although the Essex was 
 stripped nearly to a girtline when Commodore Rodgers 
 put to sea on the 21st of July, yet on the 3d of August 
 she sailed properly fitted, with a good crew, and a fine set 
 of officers. Porter was now a captain, having been pro- 
 moted to that grade on the 2d July, 1812. At that time, 
 the Essex carried a very inferior battery for a vessel of her 
 class ; her original gun deck armament consisted of 26 long 
 12 pounders; but, contrary to the opinion of experienced 
 officers, it had been changed some time previous to the 
 declaration of war, and with the exception of six of her old 
 twelve pounders, she now mounted 32 pound carronades 
 in their places. Captain Porter was himself satisfied of 
 the impropriety of placing so many of these short 32 
 pounder carronades on board our ships (as can be verified 
 from his letters), and strongly protested against taking them 
 to sea, asking for the old battery of 12 pounders. The 
 department, however, declined to grant his request; a 
 matter which in the end they had cause to regret. Cap- 
 tain Porter, after leaving ^N'ew York, stood to the south- 
 ward and captured several prizes, taking out the prisoners 
 and destroying their vessels. His object was not so much 
 prize money as glory, and wishing to have the honor of 
 being the first to lower the British fiag, he did not desire 
 to weaken his crew. He found the Essex a good sailer, 
 and in fact the only real objection to her was the number 
 of carronades mounted in place of long guns ; but he con- 
 soled himself with the speed of his ship, hoping that if he 
 could get alongside a vessel of even superior force, his 
 heavy shot might give him the victory. 
 
 Standing again to the northward, he fell in one night 
 with a small fleet, which he soon ascertained were enemies. 
 The English vessels were running northward before the 
 wind, while the Essex was standing across their track on 
 an easy bowline. The night was hazy though the moon 
 was out, and it was just the time for a single vessel to 
 watch a squadron without being discovered herself. Un- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 93 
 
 fortunately, as daylight was fast approaching, there was 
 little time for active operations. As the Essex drew near 
 she found the vessels to be a convoy sailing in irregular 
 order a considerable distance apart, while a large ship 
 having charge of the convoy was some distance ahead. 
 Captain Porter determined to keep the weather gage, 
 until he could ascertain the force of the enemy, and 
 stretched in towards the sternmost vessel which he spoke. 
 He had gone to quarters but kept the ports in, ready 
 to be knocked out at a moment's notice. Some strategy 
 was necessary to obtain the required information, but by 
 adroit questioning it was ascertained that the convoy con- 
 sisted of transports in charge of a frigate and bomb vessel. 
 Whereupon the captain having found out all he desired to 
 learn, determined if possible to get alongside the frigate 
 and carry her by surprise. So the Essex shot ahead, and 
 soon came up with another transport ; where some further 
 conversation was carried on,*butthe Englishman suspect- 
 ing that the stranger was an interloper announced his in- 
 tention to signal the frigate. The Essex then threw off 
 all disguise and ordered the transport to haul out of the 
 convoy under penalty of being fired into, and the vessel 
 was taken possession of as a prize. She was filled with 
 soldiers, and so much time was consumed in securing 
 them that day dawned and the attempt on the frigate was 
 abandoned. The ship of war was the Minerva 36 ; the 
 troops in the convoy amounted to 1000 men, of whom 150 
 were captured by the Essex. 
 
 A few days after this affair the Essex made a strange 
 sail to windward. At this time the frigate was disguised as 
 a merchantman, her gundeck ports being closed, her top 
 gallant masts housed, and her sails set and trimmed in 
 careless fashion. The stranger, deceived by the merchant 
 like appearance of the American vessel, ran down directly 
 for her, when the frigate kept off and showed American 
 colors. The Essex was a small frigate lightly sparred, and 
 with her ports in did not look like a ship of war ; but, 
 whatever may have been the Englishman's opinion, he 
 set his colors at the peak and opened fire. The Essex now 
 lowered her gun deck ports, and returned the compliment, 
 with such effect, that after one or two discharges the enemy's 
 
94 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 crew deserted their guns and ran below ; and in eight 
 minutes after the American opened fire, the Englishman 
 struck his colors. Lieut. Finch was sent to take posses- 
 sion of the prize, which proved to be H. B. M. sloop of 
 war Alert, Capt. Langhorne, mounting twenty eighteen 
 pounder carronades, and with a full crew. Seven feet of 
 water was found in the ship's hold, and she was obliged to 
 wear round to keep from sinking. Although ignorant of 
 the fact at the time, Capt. Porter was much gratified when 
 he afterwards learned that the Alert was the first English 
 ship of war to fall into our possession ; he was, however, 
 disappointed that the vessel was not more worthy of his 
 metal. The Americans were astonished at the feeble re- 
 sistance made by the Alert, for although in number and 
 weight of guns the Essex was nearly double her strength, 
 yet the latter's work was done so quickly, as to afibrd no 
 comparison whatever with regard to the efficiency of the two 
 vessels. The English had formed such an overweening 
 opinion of their own prowess on the ocean, that the Ameri- 
 cans expected some stronger proof of it on this occasion. 
 In fact the Alert was either taken by surprise, or her cap- 
 tain supposed that the American ship would strike at the 
 sight of the British fiag ; and receiving such a rapid fire, 
 the sailors found that they had been led into a trap, and 
 deserted their guns in a panic, with but three men wounded. 
 The British captain may have been a fearless man, but 
 must have lacked judgment, to run thus suddenly into the 
 jaws of a frigate. It is more than likely, however, that the 
 English had acquired such a habit of dashing at French 
 ships twice their size, as to fancy such tactics would 
 answer with the Americans ; forgetting that we wei^e from 
 British stock, with an infusion of youthful vigor which the 
 Frenchmen had not. It was, in fact, like a struggle between 
 a youthful athlete and an old fogy, the latter very plethoric, 
 very opinionated, and not by any means so " active on his 
 pins." The Essex had now, with the crew of the Alert, 
 three hundred prisoners on board, more than could well 
 be taken care of. For many reasons it was desirable to 
 get rid of them, and Captain Porter accordingly entered 
 into an agreement with Capt. Langhorne, by which the 
 
Memoik of Commodore David Porter. 95 
 
 Alert was converted into a cartel and sent to St. Johns, N. 
 F., thus getting rid of the prisoners and ensuring the arrival 
 of the prize at an American port afterwards. Admiral 
 Sir J. T. Duckworth, the commander in chief of H. B. 
 Majesty's naval forces at Newfoundland, considering this 
 rather sharp practice on the part of the Americans, pro- 
 tested against it as injurious to the British interests, 
 although he honorably complied with the conditions entered 
 into by his subordinate. The Alert's guns were thrown 
 overboard, and she was put in charge of Lieut. Wilmer, 
 with orders to proceed as a cartel to St. John's, iNTewfound- 
 land. The following correspondence on the subject is 
 highly honorable to all parties concerned, as showing their 
 desire to mitigate the horrors of war. The objections of 
 Admiral Sir J. T. Duckworth, as to the impropriety of 
 turning captured ships into cartels, seem to be well 
 founded, but he exhibits a magnanimity in keeping with 
 the high reputation of this distinguished officer. 
 
 Sir J. T. Duckworth to Captain Porter. 
 
 St. John's, Newfoundland, Aug. 5, 1812. 
 Sir : Your letter of the 2d inst. was delivered to me yesterday by 
 Mr. McKnight, midshipman of the United States Frigate Essex 
 under your command. I am sensible of the good disposition you 
 have evinced to alleviate the distresses of war, and would have 
 gladly embraced your proposal for an exchange of the prisoners, that 
 we have respectively made, but I am sorry to say that at the present 
 moment and under the peculiar circumstances of the case, it is not 
 in my power to do so. In the first place, I have not yet received 
 those instructions from my government which I considered necessary 
 for the guidance of my conduct in respect to any such arrangement ; 
 and in the next, the officer whom you charged with the British pri- 
 soners has only delivered to me a list of their names, without pro- 
 ducing any of their persons acquainting me that they had taken the 
 vessel from him and put into another .port of this island. I can 
 only, therefore, assure you, that I shall report the matter fully to his 
 majesty's government, transmitting a copy of your letter and of the 
 list of British prisoners by which it is accompanied. I have had 
 the pleasure of forwarding to Halifax the young gentleman whom 
 you sent to me, an opportunity having already occurred • and I have 
 written to the commander-in-chief in that station requesting that 
 he will endeavor to provide the means of his conveyance to the 
 United States. 
 
96 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 
 
 J. T. Duckworth. 
 To Captain Porter, 
 
 Commander of the United States Frigate the Essex. 
 
 Sir J. T. Duckworth to the Honorable Secretary 
 of the Navy of the United States. 
 
 St. Johns, Newfoundland, August 31, 1812. 
 
 A vessel captured as the Alert has been, could not have been 
 vested with the character of a cartel, until she had entered a port of 
 the nation by which she had been captured and been regularly fitted 
 out from thence. For every prize might otherwise be provided with 
 a flag of truce and proposals for an exchange of prisoners, and ren- 
 dered thus efi'ectually secure against the possibility of re-capture ; 
 while the cruising ship would be able to keep at sea with an undi- 
 minished crew ; the cartels being always navigable by the prisoners 
 of war. Nevertheless I am willing to give proof at once of my re- 
 spect for the liberality with which the captain of the Essex has 
 acted in more than one instance, towards the British subjects who 
 have fallen into his hands 3 of the sacred obligation that is always 
 felt to fulfil the engagements of a British officer ; and of my confi- 
 dence in the disposition of his Koyal Highness the Prince Regent, 
 to allay the violence of war by encouraging a reciprocation of that 
 courtesy by which its pressure upon individuals may be so essen- 
 tially diminished. 
 
 On the 4th of this month a midshipman of the Essex arrived and 
 presented to me a letter from his captain proposing an exchange for 
 eighty-six British prisoners. The midshipman had however, been 
 placed alone in the charge of one of the captured vessels with 86 
 prisoners to conduct them to this port. A list of forty prisoners of 
 the same description, disposed of in the same manner has been sent 
 to me by the commander of the American private armed schooner 
 the Rossie. 
 
 It is incumbent upon me to protest in the strongest manner against 
 the practice of conducting; exchanges upon terms like these ; and to 
 signify to you that it will be utterly impossible for me to incur in 
 future, the responsibility of assenting to them. 
 
 The Essex, now unhampered by prisoners or prizes, con- 
 tinued her cruise ; once she was chased by two British 
 frigates, but made her escape when night set in. On this 
 occasion Captain Porter determined to try and capture one 
 
Memoir of Comaiodore David Porter. 97 
 
 of them by a ruse, and for this purpose after losing sight 
 of the enemy in the darkness, he tacked ship, extinguished 
 all lights, and kept a good look out. It was his intention, 
 if he could get alongside one of the ships, to fire a broad- 
 side and then board. The stream anchor and cable was 
 to be triced up to the main yard to be dropped on the 
 enemy's deck, and various other devices were arranged to 
 promote success ; but, notwithstanding all eflTorts to fall in 
 with the enemy, he could not be found, for after losing 
 sight of the American ship in the darkness he had proba- 
 bly tacked and joined his consort. However, it was pro- 
 bably quite as well that the Essex did not fall in with the 
 frigate, for the contest might have been disastrous to the 
 former. British frigates do not let strange ships approach 
 them at night without being in readiness for battle, and as 
 the Essex was much lighter than any frigate the British 
 had at the time on the IsTorth American station, it is more 
 than probable she would have been overmatched by the 
 two. Thus far the cruise had been less profitable than 
 those on board the Essex had hoped, though gratifying 
 from the fact that they had captured the first ship of war 
 belonging to the British ; and now, finding his stores 
 running short, Capt. Porter shaped his course for the capes 
 of the Delaware, arrived on the 7th, and in the middle of 
 September anchored off the town of Chester, where his 
 family resided ; here he watered ship and laid in a store of 
 fresh provisions. The following letter is of interest in this 
 connection : 
 
 Essex, Mouth of Delaware, Sept. 7, 1815. 
 Dear Hamhleton : I have at length arrived safe and sound. Ac- 
 companying this you will receive a power to act as prize agent for 
 the Essex. I was at a loss to know what place would suit you but 
 understand you was to be stationed at Rhode Island. I do not know 
 if my prizes have got in safe. I have taken one sloop of war and 
 one transport, burnt two merchantmen, liberated one and sent in 
 four. My prisoners amount to four hundred and twenty, and I cal- 
 culate I have injured the enemy $300,000. My next cruise I hope 
 will prove more profitable to self and agents. Grod bless you, write 
 me soon and give me all the news. 
 
 Yours, D. P. 
 Samuel Hambleton, Esq., U. S. Navy. 
 13 
 
98 Memoir of Commodoee David Porter. 
 
 The few days he remained in Chester were given up to 
 social enjoyment with his family, while his first lieutenant, 
 Mr. John Downes, prepared the ship for sea. At this time 
 Capt. Porter conceived the idea of that eventful cruise in 
 the Pacific ocean, where the destruction of British com- 
 merce hy the Essex did so much towards putting an end to 
 the war. Porter was, therefore, excusable in taking a few 
 days' rest with his family before entering upon a cruise 
 which he knew would keep him from home at least two 
 years, and not unlikely for ever. Captain Porter had re- 
 ceived orders to form with his vessel a part of the squadron 
 of Commodore Bainbridge, consisting of the Constitution, 
 Essex and Hornet, and to rendezvous at Porto Praya, in the 
 Cape Verd islands, or failing to find the other vessels at 
 that point, to proceed to Fernando IToronha, ofiT the coast 
 of Brazil, there to await instructions. It was originally in- 
 tended that Commodore Bainbridge should proceed with 
 his little squadron to the Pacific and destroy the British 
 whale fishery in that quarter, but circumstances preventing, 
 it remained for Porter to carry out a policy disastrous to 
 the enemy's commerce. It was a heartrending occasion 
 when he was obliged to separate from his young wife and 
 children, but with him duty was a stronger feeling than 
 the love of home, especially when the honor of his country 
 was at stake. So bidding his friends a cheerful farewell, 
 and promising to return with a frigate in tow, he re- 
 paired on board his ship and set sail from the Delaware on 
 the 28th of October, 1812. 
 
 The following letters, written to his friend Samuel Ham- 
 bleton, at that time, are interesting from the fact that they 
 were written in the most confidential style, to a friend in 
 whom he could certainly rely. They exhibit a pretty cor- 
 rect state of afiairs, and the feelings of the day, and help 
 to make up the history of that period. Samuel Hamble- 
 ton was the constant correspondent of Capt. Porter, from 
 the year 1808, until the year of his death. The Captain 
 made Hambleton's acquaintance when he commanded at 
 New Orleans, Hambleton being at the time purser of the 
 station ; the Captain soon formed a high estimate of Ham- 
 bleton's character, and they became intimate friends, an 
 intimacy that lasted without interruption through their 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 99 
 
 lives. Hambleton was one of those genial spirits one 
 meets but rarely. He was a Marylander, of one of the 
 best families, and full of that kind hospitality which always 
 distinguished the citizens of that state ; he was a great 
 admirer of Capt. Porter, and preserved every scrap of 
 paper he ever received from the latter. At the death of 
 Hambleton all these letters were placed in the hands of 
 the author, who may consider them of more interest, per- 
 haps, than will the reader. 
 
 Dear Hambleton : I wrote you a day or two ago by Lieut Nea 1, 
 and presume this will reach you the first. I have no news to give 
 you, but am looking out with much anxiety for letters from you. 
 I perceive death to our hopes of an increase of the navy — the govt 
 seems disposed to yield the principle they have so long held out, 
 that the ocean is the high road of nations and are determined to re - 
 tort their aggressions in Canada — it is the safest, but not the most 
 noble and dignified manner of retaliating. We can reach her with 
 certainty there, but this is not the only point where she is vulner- 
 able, her extensive and badly protected convoys in every part of the 
 ocean, are equally open to our attacks. If we lose a few of our 
 frigates what will she gain by it ! and what will be our losses com - 
 pared with the millions we should sink, burn and destroy ! I detest 
 the idea of trusting to our privateers for the destruction of British 
 commerce — are we to become a nation of buccaneers, a nest of vil- 
 lains, a detestible set of pirates ? When a general system of piracy 
 is countenanced by our gov^, when the whole maritime defence of a 
 nation consists of buccaneers, farewell national honor, farewell na- 
 tional pride ! then we sink to the level of the bashaw of Tripoli, 
 and the emperor of Hayti. 
 
 It is said we are to go to New York as soon as the ice breaks up, 
 there is a report that the Guerriere and Tartarus are on the coast. 
 Give me all the news you can rake and scrape. 
 
 Yours sincerely, D. Porter. 
 
 Feb. 7th, 1812. 
 Samuel Hambleton : P.S. It seems that Shaw, Smith and Dent, 
 received the pay, and were authorized to wear the uniform of cap- 
 tains, when at the head of the list of master com'^ts. The death of 
 Nicholson places me there, and I claim the right to the same privi- 
 ledge and distinction. I have written the secy on the subject, they 
 have thought proper not to notice my claim. I have written again 
 
100 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 persisting in my demand for permission to appear as a captain, if the 
 above mentioned were authorized by the Dep^ to appear as such 
 when in my situation. If their dress was assumed, I shall not as- 
 sume it, but I wish to know, and will know the fact. If they were 
 authorized, I will have the same authority. The suspension of 
 Barron should give me the pay of captain and with it the uniform. 
 Let me know if you hear any thing said on the subject. 
 
 Essex, Feb. 28th, 1812. 
 
 Dear Hamhleton : The die is cast. I have passed the Rubicon, 
 my letter to the secretary (a copy of which I forwarded you) was 
 sent before I received your friendly letter of advice or I should have 
 suppressed it. As I have commenced, I shall persevere ; it is noble to 
 struggle against the gods, unsaying is like paying back, " double 
 trouble." If they want me to unsay, let them have the politeness to 
 explain. The secretary is unpopular here with the cloth, from the 
 highest to the lowest, he is disliked , it is supposed he has been too 
 long in the habit of driving slaves to know how to regard the- honor- 
 able feelings of gentlemen, added to this a propensity to " toss the 
 little finger," it is believed disqualifies him for the station. You 
 know best how true the suspicions are — there are great discontents 
 and even disgusts here — at conduct and treatment from the depart- 
 ment ; for mi/ own part I drive on the good old way, do my duty 
 and " in fact" intend that no one shall " treat me badly with im- 
 punity." 
 
 I wish really that congress would scrutinize into the expenditure 
 of monies appropriated for the navy; for, until this is done, we can 
 not have a navy ; 5 expensive navy yards, for the repairs and sup- 
 plies of 5 frigates, 3 corvettes, and 5 brigs and schooners is shameful ; 
 it is equally shameful to have such a superabundance of officers on 
 full and half pay. Rotten gun boats, rotten hulks, sinecures, waste 
 and embezzlement swallow up all the appropriation ; not one million 
 is spent on our ships, and yet we have the credit of squandering the 
 whole ! One navy yard is enough for us, why not sell the rest ? 
 why not turn out a number of vagabonds that are useless to the 
 service. Burn the wretched gun boats, and build some more useful 
 vessels ; with 50 frigates Great Britain dare not show her nose in 
 our seas. If things stand thus, we shall have warm work on our 
 coast next summer, we are sharpening all our swords and preparing 
 for the worst that may happen, we must " die all, die nobly." 
 
 I am sorry D. has committed himself so far with the agent. I 
 always feared that his money making schemes would involve him in 
 difficulty. A Commander should not put himself in the power of 
 
Memoir of Commodore 1)aVid' Pt)RT&R.' ' - ' -tOl 
 
 any subordinate to him. The agent (he might have sworn, if he 
 had only half an idea) would not have kept his secret any longer than 
 suited his interest. If I should ever feel disposed to be dishonest he 
 should be the last man I would inform of it ; unless I intended to 
 give him an equal interest in my infamy, perhaps I am wrong in my 
 suspicions of the man, if so, Grod forgive me. We will see if the 
 " veteran who can not be led astray " will have the interest of his 
 country more at heart than his " crazy predecessor," and we will 
 calculate at our leisure the " thousands and tens of thousands " saved 
 by this second Solomon. 
 
 God bless you, 
 
 Your friend, D. Porter. 
 Saml. Hambleton, Esq., of the U. S. Navy, Washington. 
 
 * Hampton Roads, April 29th, 1812. 
 
 Dear Hamhleton : We have just arrived, without having any 
 fight, you may therefore conclude we have not many broken bones. 
 We shape our course to the south, where we have heard of the 
 Guerriere and Shannon ; the Congress joins us, she is ready, I be- 
 lieve, and with this force I think we have not much to fear from 
 anything we shall meet on our coast; this augmentation, however, 
 takes from me the chance of getting " Gilded spurs." I shall cal- 
 culate on finding a letter from you at Norfolk ; direct your next to 
 Chester, where I hope to be in two or three weeks from this date. 
 I am ignorant of what is going on in the world, and therefore have 
 no news to give you, from you I expect a great deal as usual. Our 
 ships are in fine order, our crews are good ', we have great confi- 
 dence in our Chef dUscadron Bainbridge, and I think that the 
 honor of our flag will not be tarnished by us. I have not seen 
 Smith ; he is up at town. I am told he is pretty well, but rather 
 deaf. God bless you and believe me, 
 
 Aff'ectionately yours, D. Porter. 
 S. Hambleton Esq., of the Navy, Washington. 
 
 Chester, Oct. 19th, 1812. 
 Dear Hamhleton : In two or three days I sail on a long, a very 
 long cruise ; our destination and intended movements I am not at 
 liberty to divulge, perhaps a more important cruise was never under- 
 taken by the vessels of any nation, and I have vanity to believe that 
 my plan for the '■^ first campaign " produced it — it may be many 
 months before you hear of my arrival in the U. S., and if you hear 
 of me at all, I hope the accounts may not be unfavorable. The 
 winter season will suit for sending vessels with prospects of their 
 
102 '" 'Memoir OF 'Commodore David Porter. 
 
 safe arrival in Newport, and to that place it is not improbable they 
 will be ordered. 
 
 I am in hopes of hearing from you once more before my departure. 
 I have no news to give you, and offer my best wishes for your well- 
 fare and happiness I join Bainb ridge. 
 
 God bless you, 
 
 D. Porter. 
 
 The following are the names of the British vessels cap- 
 tured by the Essex, Captain Porter, from the 3d July, 
 1812, up to August 13th, 1812 : 
 
 Brig. Transport, JSTo. 299. Brig. Lamprey. Brig. Le- 
 ander. Brig. Hero. Ship, [N'ancy. Brig. Brothers. Brig. 
 King George. Brig. Mary. Ship Alert, 20 guns. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 U P to the present time we have been able to give but a 
 cursory view of Captain Porter's life, the limits of our 
 biography not admitting of minute details, but the follow- 
 ing account of his proceedings during the memorable 
 cruise of the Essex demand, and will receive more atten- 
 tion. The events of this cruise were so remarkable that 
 Porter's narrative, published shortly after his return to the 
 United States, was read by thousands with as much in- 
 terest as one of Cooper's novels. 
 
 In the early part of this century, the Pacific ocean was 
 comparatively little known to the world at large. Our 
 adventurous .whalemen and fur traders published very few 
 accounts of their voyages, while the explorations of Cook, 
 LaPeyrouse, Vancouver and others, though admirably 
 given to the world, were expensive works, in those days 
 not accessible to any but a limited number of readers. 
 The narrative of the cruise of the Essex, written by Cap- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 103 
 
 tain Porter and published in a popular form, was univers- 
 ally read, and was several times republished. It is long 
 since out of print, and we make no apology for extracting 
 largely from its pages, as while it bears the authority of an 
 official report it abounds in interesting information and 
 striking incident. The Essex was provided with every- 
 thing necessary for a long cruise, including a new set of 
 sails and new standing rigging, and great pains had been 
 taken to fit her for service. As much provision as could 
 be stowed was received on board with plenty of vegetables 
 and lime juice as anti-scorbutics, and the sailors were pro- 
 vided with a double supply of clothing. The officers and 
 crew were aware of the probable length of the cruise, and 
 having recently received an installment of prize money 
 had provided themselves with everything necessary. 
 
 While Captain Porter had a great regard for the 
 appearance of his vessel, he had a greater care for the happi- 
 ness of those under his command ; and to this very neces- 
 sary attribute of an officer was due his strong hold on the 
 affections of his crew. No reasonable officer or seaman 
 will object to discipline, however strict, provided his com- 
 mander does his duty, sharing their discomforts when 
 necessity requires, and contributing to their welfare when 
 opportunity will allow. Porter's severity was ever tem- 
 pered by humanity, for he would not punish a man with- 
 out investigating the circumstances of his case, and always 
 pardoned offenders if there were any mitigating circum- 
 stances which seemed to justify it, or if any officer would 
 go security for their future good behaviour. It is not 
 probable that the millenium will ever arrive on board a 
 vessel of war, for amid the great diversity of characters that 
 are always congregated in such a place, some are sure to 
 be found apparently destitute of moral sense and inacces- 
 sible to moral suasion. There were certain offenses that 
 could not go unpunished and in olden times the cat 
 and the colt were familiar animals, prowling about the 
 gangway in search of their prey, but from the affection his 
 sailors always showed for him, and the ready manner in 
 which they stood by him, it may be reasonably supposed 
 that Porter resorted to corporeal punishment as seldom as 
 possible. He considered the cat-o'nine-tails (though au- 
 
104 
 
 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 thorized by law as the most proper punishment for sailors), 
 as a relic of barbarism which should not have been adopted 
 in our service. It was necessary, perhaps, in the British 
 navy, in which was so large a proportion of desperate char- 
 acters and men torn from their homes by ruthless press 
 gangs, who required the most summary and severe punish- 
 ment to keep them in subjection. This disgraceful method 
 of punishment has disappeared both from our own and 
 from the British navy, and the latter service, as if to make 
 amends for the injustice so long dealt out to seamen, have 
 taken the lead of us in contributing to their welfare. The 
 same feelings that animate officers now to care for those 
 who fight the guns and manage the sails in storm or 
 calm, influenced Captain Porter in 1812, and hasty and 
 impulsive though he was, few men have been more affec- 
 tionately regarded by their officers and sailors. 
 
 I deem it a duty to the memory of the gallant officers of 
 the Essex (for I presume not one of them is now living), to 
 insert a list of their names ; their descendants will be pleased 
 to see them remembered and to know with what grateful 
 kindness they were spoken of by their old commander to 
 the latest hour of his life. 
 
 List of Officers of the U. S. S. Essex, 
 
 David Porter, 
 
 . Captain. 
 
 John Downes, 
 
 1st Lieut. 
 
 James P. Wilmer, 
 
 . 2d Lieut. 
 
 James Wilson, 
 
 3d Lieut. 
 
 William Finch, . 
 
 . actg. 4th Lieut 
 
 Stephen D. McKnight, . 
 
 actg. 5th Lieut. 
 
 John Q-. Cowell, 
 
 . Sailing Master. 
 
 Eobert Miller, 
 
 Surgeon. 
 
 David P. Adams, 
 
 . Chaplain. 
 
 John R. Shaw, 
 
 Purser. 
 
 William H. Haddiway, 
 
 . Midshipman. 
 
 David G. Farragut, . 
 
 do 
 
 Richard Dashiell, 
 
 do 
 
 John S. Cowan, 
 
 do 
 
 Charles T. Clark, 
 
 do 
 
 William H. Odeuheimer, 
 
 do 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 105 
 
 Henry W. Ogden, 
 Henry Gray, . 
 George W. Isaacs, 
 William W. Feltus, 
 
 . Midsliipman. 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 Thomas A. Conover, . 
 
 do 
 
 David Tittermary, . 
 Eichard K. Hoffman, . 
 
 do 
 . Acting Sur. M 
 
 Alexr. M. Montgomery, . 
 Edward Linscott, 
 
 do 
 . Boatswain. 
 
 Lawrence Miller, 
 
 Gunner. 
 
 David I^avarro, . 
 
 . Sailmaker. 
 
 W. W. Bostwick, . 
 
 Capt's Clerk. 
 
 Wm. P. Pierce, . 
 
 . Master's Mate 
 
 James Terry, . 
 
 do 
 
 Just after leaving the capes of the Delaware the Essex 
 encountered a gale, and being very deep she labored so 
 heavily as to open her waterways and a great deal of the 
 provisions were destroyed ; but by taking proper precau- 
 tions the leak did not increase. Having in view the length of 
 the cruise the crew were now put on an allowance sufficient 
 for their comfort, to which they cheerfully acquiesced, par- 
 ticularly as there was no diminution in the quantity of 
 grog served out. The first thing the captain did, after the 
 gale had abated, was to grant a pardon for all offenses that 
 had been committed on board, recommending strict con- 
 formity with discipline for the future, and holding out a 
 prospect of reward to all those who were faithful in the 
 discharge of duty. He expressed a hope that punishment 
 during the cruise would be unnecessary, but cautioned the 
 vicious not to depend on his forbearance. 
 
 So great was his care to preserve the health of the crew, 
 that he gave Lieut. Finch charge of the berth deck, to see 
 that all his sanitary regulations were carried out ; an unu- 
 sual degree of care on board a ship of war, where this duty 
 is generally entrusted to mates of decks. Captain Porter 
 made arrangements for keeping the men constantly and 
 usefully employed during working hours, allowing them 
 the time between 4 and 6 p. m. to amuse themselves, when 
 the whole ship was a scene of noisy merriment. Alto- 
 gether the captain pursued a course well adapted to make 
 
106 Memoik of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 men contented and happy; and his example, in this re- 
 spect, is worthy to be followed by future commanders. 
 
 The Essex shaped her course to strike 36° 1' north lati- 
 tude 68°, 54' west longitude, whence she steered south east 
 hoping to cross the track of vessels bound from England 
 to the Bermudas, and those from the West Indies to Eu- 
 rope. On the 8th of E'ov., the Essex gave chase to a 
 stranger, of whom she afterwards lost sight in a squall, 
 which vessel was supposed to be the TJ. S. sloop of war 
 Wasp. Between the 8th and the 22d several vessels were 
 overhauled and spoken, but none proved to be prizes, much 
 to the disappointment of the officers and crew. 
 
 On the morning of the 27th the Essex stood into the 
 harbor of Porto Praya in the Cape Yerd islands, one of the 
 ports appointed by Commodore Bainbridge as a place of 
 rendezvous. Lieut. Downes was sent on shore to commu- 
 nicate with the authorities ; the ship, meanwhile, lying off 
 and on with the American flag at the peak. In that 
 enervating climate they have a comfortable custom of 
 going to sleep in the middle of the day, so when Lieut. 
 Downes arrived at the governor's house he was politely in- 
 formed that his excellency could not be disturbed, but the 
 deputy stated that he would guaranty the return of salutes 
 and any other civilities that Capt. Porter might offer. 
 The Essex, therefore, remained five days at Porto Praya, 
 where the officers and crew were treated with great kind- 
 ness. The governor and family came on board and were 
 received with all the honors. His excellency had from 
 the first shown himself partial to the Americans, which 
 was rather strange, as Portugal had at the time a treaty of 
 alliance with England and none with us. The fondness 
 for Americans was explained by the fact that the islanders 
 had a considerable trade with our merchantmen, while the 
 only British vessels that visited them were ships of war, 
 whose officers, by their haughty bearing, rather disgusted 
 their Portuguese allies. Nothing was heard of Commodore 
 Bainbridge, and the governor having graciously informed 
 the captain that he was at liberty to depart, a white flag 
 was hoisted on the fort to intimate the fact to the world at 
 large. This amused the Americans very much, as the fort 
 was a ricketty aflair that the Essex could have demolished 
 
MbxMOir op Commodore David Porter. 107 
 
 in half an hour; but these old. conservatives had an idea 
 that Portugal was one of the great powers of the earth, 
 and that everybody must conform to her customs. The 
 Americans did not stop to make a point with his excel- 
 lency, but thanking him warmly for his kindness, sailed 
 away from Porto Praya, the best feeling existing on both 
 sides. 
 
 To show the harmony which existed between Capt. 
 Porter and his crew, we will mention that he allowed the 
 sailors to lay in all sorts of stores at Porto Praya, and 
 among other things a quantity of pigs, and kids, which 
 were very numerous at the islands and very cheap. The 
 ship was literally crowded with these beasts of the field. 
 Imagine the horror of the average naval martinet under 
 such circumstances, a man who thinks only of holy stones 
 and bright work, and to whom the comfort of the sailor 
 is the last consideration. A single pig in the eyes of such 
 a man would desecrate the whole ship, and kids (unless 
 they were the white kids worn upon his dainty hands) 
 would set him crazy. However, Captain Porter was 
 obliged to curtail this indulgence of his crew in livestock, 
 for the animals drank so much water that an edict was 
 issued condemning them all to the knife. Many a petition 
 was sent in from the sailors to save from destruction a 
 favorite animal destined, perhaps, for a Christmas dinner, 
 with assurances from the owner that they should be sup- 
 plied from their own allowance, which was but half a 
 gallon a day for each man ; but the fiat had gone forth and 
 none of the numerous pigs, and kids, could be permitted 
 to live without the appearance of partiality. The crew 
 good humoredly acquiesced in the captain's decision, but 
 one or two old salts (who had devoted much time to teach- 
 ing their favorite pigs the accomplishment of grog drink- 
 ing) could not help expressing their regret at the loss of 
 the rum thus expended. Many little hints might be taken 
 from the management of ships' crews sixty years ago that 
 would greatly benefit the service of to-day, by strengthen- 
 ing the bonds of good feeling which should exist between 
 officers and crew ; and as I proceed in my narrative I shall 
 endeavor to indicate some of these particulars in the hope 
 that the naval service may be benefitted thereby. Nothing 
 
108 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 so militates against the health of a ship's company as im- 
 perfect ventilation, and strange to say very little trouble is 
 taken to guard against it. Even in this day of " modern 
 improvements " it is the custom to crowd men at night on 
 a ship's berth deck with only seventeen inches space be- 
 tween the hammock hooks. How shocking to sling up 
 three or four hundred men in hammocks on a frigate's 
 berth deck with only about eleven square feet for each per- 
 son in which to sleep, and inhale the foul odors engendered 
 by such close packing on a deck six feet high, receiving air 
 through two hatchways only, each eight feet square ! How 
 miserable must a man feel who has slept all night in a bag 
 with his face but seventeen inches from that of his next 
 neighbor, the whole atmosphere polluted because the men 
 exhaust more air than is supplied to them. Any one would 
 suppose that such things would be looked after by every 
 commander, and proper hygienic regulations would be es- 
 tablished on board, to maintain the efficiency of the ship's 
 company ; but in the early days of the navy, when it was 
 struggling for existence without organization, such matters 
 were left wholly to the consideration of the individual 
 commanding officers ; and it was only such of these as pos- 
 sessed the proper attributes, who gave the subject much 
 attention. We remember once seeing a patent pump 
 placed on board a frigate, for the purpose of freeing the 
 hold from foul air. It was faithfully used morning and 
 evening till late in the cruise ; circumstances requiring it 
 to be overhauled, it was found never to have been supplied 
 with the necessary buckets to ensure its answering the 
 purpose intended. This same captain required most of his 
 crew to sleep on the berth deck, giving as a reason that it 
 left the guns unincumbered. 'Now Captain Porter gave 
 his close attention to all these matters, placing the men 
 stationed at the gun deck battery to sleep on the gun deck, 
 in the vicinity of their guns. Part of the gun deck ports 
 were left out at night and the result was that the men, in- 
 stead of being weakened and depressed by a night's unrest, 
 were refreshed and invigorated by a good night's sleep. 
 So w^hen the Essex arrived at Porto Praya only three men 
 were on the sick list, a remarkably small number for that 
 day) when the food and water were not so good as at 
 present. 
 
Memoik of Commodore David Porter. 109 
 
 After leaving Porto Praya the course was shaped for 
 the island of Fernando IToronha, off Cape St. Roque off 
 the coast of Brazil. During the whole voyage Capt. Por- 
 ter took great pains to keep meteorological tables, and 
 made numerous observations for the benefit of future 
 navigators, but to these we can only allude in passing. 
 
 On the 11th of December, 1812, the Essex crossed the 
 equator in 30° W. longitude, and next day a sail was dis- 
 covered to windward, having the appearance of a British 
 brig of war. Chase was immediately given, and at 6 p.m., 
 the stranger displayed a signal. With a view of decoying 
 her, Capt. Porter showed such British signals as he had 
 become possessed of during the last cruise, but without 
 avail. At sunset the vessel hoisted British colors, and 
 after dark made her night signals. At nine o'clock the 
 Essex was within musket shot, and wishing to injure the 
 enemy as little as possible Capt. Porter ordered the great 
 guns not to be fired. He then hailed the stranger, and 
 directed her to heave to ; but, as the order was not com- 
 plied with, and as the enemy was evidently trying to 
 secure a position in order to rake the Essex, and so escape 
 in the confusion, a volley of musketry was poured into her, 
 killing one of her crew, whereupon the brig surrendered. 
 She proved to be H. B. M. packet ITocton, mounting ten 
 guns, and with a crew of forty men. Specie amounting to 
 $55,000 was found on board, and removed to the Essex. 
 Lieut. Finch was placed in command of the prize, and 
 directed to proceed to the United States. Seventeen of 
 the Nocton's crew were sent in her, and a corresponding 
 number of the Essex's men. The captain, sailing master, 
 and all the passengers of the packet, were also placed on 
 board, after giving their paroles, with the privilege of em- 
 barking in any vessel they might fall in with bound to 
 Europe. 
 
 Captain Porter always treated his prisoners with great 
 consideration, never permitting any one to maltreat or 
 plunder them, and the officers and passengers of the E'oc- 
 ton seemed to consider their trip to America more in the 
 light of an agreeable adventure than a misfortune ; yet, 
 notwithstanding his invariable humanity, the British re- 
 viewers, on the publication of Porter's Journal, character- 
 
110 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 ized his acts as a "series of unprovoked aggressions, 
 extortion and cruelty which converted disgust into horror," 
 and a great deal more of the same kind of abuse, in which 
 the name of this gallant officer was associated with those 
 of the most sanguinary pirates. 
 
 There was, on board the Nocton, a British merchant 
 from Brazil ; on leaving the Essex he presented the Captain 
 with two letters, one to his firm in Rio, requesting them 
 in case Captain Porter put in there to show him every 
 courtesy for his very generous and humane conduct to 
 him while a prisoner. The other to his brother, in which 
 he says, " we have been most humanely treated. I cannot 
 inform you more particularly, having given my word of 
 honor not to disclose anything relative to our capture. I 
 am well and in good spirits, and request you will make 
 yourself easy respecting me." 
 
 As the Nocton was a fine vessel, Captain Porter, in his 
 letter to the secretary of the navy, recommended that she 
 be taken into the navy to supply the place of the Nautilus, 
 captured by the British a short time before. 
 
 On the 14th December, 1812, the island of Fernando 
 IToronha was discovered, and next morning Lieut. Downes 
 went on shore in plain clothes, with directions to inform 
 the governor that the ship was the Fanny of London, 
 Captain Johnson, bound to Rio Janeiro, sixty days out, and 
 in want of refreshments. That the ship could not anchor, 
 having lost all her ground tackle, &c., &c. In two hours 
 Mr. Downes returned with the information that H. B. M. 
 ships Acosta 44, and Morgiana 20, had sailed from the 
 island within a week, leaving a letter for Sir James Yeo 
 to be sent to England the first opportunity. "Word was 
 immediately dispatched to the governor that the captain 
 of the Fanny knew Sir James very well, that he was going 
 direct to England from Brazil and would take charge of 
 the letter and deliver it in person. The letter was accord- 
 ingly sent on board. On opening the document it was 
 found to be, as had been surmised, from Commodore Bain- 
 bridge and read as follows : 
 
 My Dear Mediterranean Friend: Probably you may stop here, 
 don't attempt to water it is attended with too many difficulties. I 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. Ill 
 
 learned before I left England that you were bound to Brazil coast, 
 if so perhaps we may meet at St. Salvadore, or at Rio Janeiro. I 
 should be happy to meet and converse on our old affairs of captivity. 
 Recollect our secret in these times. 
 
 Your friend of H. M. ship Acosta Kerr, Sir James Yeo of H. B. 
 M. ship Southampton. 
 
 The following was written with sympathetic ink. 
 
 " I am bound off St. Salvadore, thence off Cape Frio, where I in- 
 tend to cruise until the 1st of January. Go off Cape Frio to the 
 northward of Rio and keep a look out for me. 
 
 Your friend &c." 
 
 This letter gave Captain Porter all the information he 
 wanted, and hoisting his boat he immediately sailed to the 
 sonthw^ard. 
 
 On the 20th of Dec. 1812, the Essex fell in with a Por- 
 tuguese brig, the master of which informed him that an 
 English sloop of war, laden with specie, had put into 
 St. Salvadore in distress, about three weeks before. It 
 was supposed that this vessel must be the Bonne Citoyenne, 
 afterwards blockaded by the Hornet, of w^hich vessel intel- 
 ligence had been received from the E'octon. The tempta- 
 tion to go in search of such a prize was great, but thinking 
 it not unlikely that the commodore would fall in with the 
 Bonne Citoyenne on his arrival off St. Salvadore, Capt. 
 Porter thought it best to proceed at once to Cape Frio in 
 obedience to the hint given him in the letter received at 
 Fernando Naronha. 
 
 On the 29th, what with chasing strange vessels and 
 drifting, our voyagers found themselves within five leagaes 
 of the harbor of Kio de Janeiro, when the lookout at the 
 mast head descried a sail to windward standing out of 
 that port. Chase was immediately given, but it was not 
 until 9 P.M. when the frigate came up with the stranger. 
 She proved to be the British schooner Elizabeth from which 
 they learned that a number of British vessels had sailed 
 the night previous from Rio Janeiro under convoy of the 
 three masted schooner Juniper, consisting of the Eliza- 
 beth, four ships and a cutter, the ships represented as 
 deeply loaded and dull sailors. The prisoners were taken 
 
112 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 out of the Elizabeth and a prize crew under Midshipman 
 Clark put on board ; and the officer was directed to pro- 
 ceed to the United States, or to Rio de Janeiro as he 
 thought proper. The Essex then followed in the direction 
 the convoy was steering, carrying as much sail as was 
 thought prudent so as not to endanger the masts ; but, next 
 morning, it was discovered that the maintopmast trussel 
 trees were carried away, and it was expected that the top 
 mast rigging and top gallant mast would come tumbling 
 down, but the damage was temporarily repaired by 
 lashing the heel of the top gallant mast, and taking the 
 strain off the cross trees, and sail was pressed on again. 
 
 It was the evident desire of the master of the Elizabeth, 
 who remained in the Essex, to deceive Capt. Porter and 
 deter him from going to San Salvadore, which made the 
 latter believe that the convoy was bound to meet the 
 Bonne Citoyenne ; and that the Juniper was only to re- 
 main in charge of the convey until the junction with the 
 larger vessel was effected. Several disappointments oc- 
 curred during this chase, clouds being taken for sails as 
 frequently happens in those latitudes where they rise slowly 
 from the horizon like a vessel just heaving in sight. So 
 great is the illusion that the navigator is frequently de- 
 ceived into seeing the different sails set or furled one after 
 another. 
 
 Capt. Porter had undoubted information, that as yet, 
 only three British ships of war were in these waters, viz : 
 the Montagu, 74, at Rio ; the l^ereus, 32, at the River la 
 Plate ; and the Bonne Citoyenne at St. Salvadore ; so he 
 resolved to proceed to the latter place in the hope of inter- 
 cepting the convoy, or failing in that, to join the Consti- 
 tution and Hornet which he was informed were blockading 
 the Bonne Citoyenne. 
 
 The Essex having boarded a Portuguese brig, under 
 British colors, Capt. Porter sent word by the master to the 
 British admiral that he was his majesty's frigate Hyperion, 
 seven weeks from England, bound to Rio, but hearing that 
 a large American privateer was off the coast he intended 
 to cruise for her, a few days, before going into port. His 
 motive in giving this information was to keep the admiral 
 in port where he was lying, when the Elizabeth was cap- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 113 
 
 tured. Porter felt sure that if he could join the Constitution 
 and Hornet before the Montagu could get to San Salva- 
 vador, the three ships would be more than a match for the 
 ships of the line. Fresh northerly mnds prevailed, how- 
 ever, bringing with them a very heavy head sea. The 
 wind increased to a gale, which racked the Essex, doing 
 much injury to masts and rigging ; and finding that the ship 
 was not gaining anything to windward, and that there was 
 no prospect of cutting oflT the convoy, Capt. Porter gave up 
 further pursuit, and stood to the westward to get on the 
 track of vessels bound to Rio. He now steered for St. 
 Catharine's, that place being mentioned in his instructions 
 as a place of rendezvous, and he knew that San Sebastian 
 was an unlikely place to find Commodore Bainbridge, as 
 it was so near Rio where a superior British force was 
 lying. So far, the Essex had been unfortunate in not en- 
 countering British vessels, and although they gave chase 
 to many sails, they almost all turned out to be Portuguese. 
 The British merchantmen generally waited in port until 
 they could sail with a convoy and in perfect security. All 
 this time, and amid their disappointments, the health of 
 the ship's company continued remarkably good. They had 
 been confined to two-thirds allowance of salt provisions, 
 and half allowance of bread without a murmur being heard ; 
 but the rum running short, it was found necessary to re- 
 duce proportionally, the allowance of liquor. When this 
 was announced, every man in the ship refused to receive a 
 drop of the precious nectar, unless they could have their 
 full allowance; stating that when there was no more, they 
 would cheerfully go without it, but as long as it lasted 
 they wanted all they were entitled to. As there was, how- 
 ever, but a small quantity of spirits on board, and believ- 
 ing that a sudden deprivation of it would injure the health 
 of the crew, Capt. Porter declined to accede to their wishes. 
 He directed that the grog tub should be upset fifteen 
 minutes after the crew were called to grog ; the consequence 
 was that every man rushed to the tub for fear of losing his 
 allowance, and no further complaint was heard. The 
 Captain thoroughly understood the character of sailors ; he 
 was particular in paying them their money, for stopped 
 rations, at the end of each month, which enabled the men 
 15 
 
114 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 to lay in supplies of fruits and vegeta'bles, when occasion 
 offered. Before reaching St. Catharine's the Captain di- 
 vided among the men a large portion of the money cap- 
 tured on board the ^octon, at which they were much 
 pleased ; but this accession of funds gave rise to a system 
 of gambling to which he soon put a stop, after lecturing 
 them on the impropriety of such conduct. 
 
 On the 20th of January, 1813, the Essex anchored 
 within two miles of the principal fortification at St. Catha- 
 rine's, which stands on an island, about one hundred yards 
 from the main land. Here the usual courtesies were passed 
 with the authorities, after which Capt. Porter proceeded 
 to lay in a stock of water and fresh provisions, which were 
 with difficulty obtained. A few days after the Essex's arri- 
 val, a small Portuguese vessel came in and gave the Ameri- 
 cans the information that an American corvette of 22 
 guns had come into Rio a few days before, a prize to the 
 Montagu 74. She had been in company with a large 
 frigate, and had been taken off Albrothas' shoal. The Por- 
 tuguese captain also informed them that the day before he 
 sailed from Rio, a British frigate and two brigs of war 
 had arrived from England ; that two American schooners 
 had been captured and sent in there ; and that a British 
 60 gun ship was shortly expected from the Cape of Grood 
 Hope. He also informed them that a British convoy and 
 packet had been taken by the Americans, the latter con- 
 taining a large amount of specie, and that an American 
 frigate had sunk an English frigate. 
 
 Pleasing as was the intelligence of the capture of the 
 convoy, Capt. Porter felt that his prospects of meeting 
 Commodore Bainbridge were very small. He was satisfied 
 that the American ship of war reported captured was the 
 Hornet, and the report of an American frigate sinking an 
 English vessel no doubt referred to the Constitution. If 
 this latter report was true. Commodore Bainbridge would 
 undoubtedly seek a port in the United States, as he would 
 be badly cut up in an engagement of the kind reported. 
 In fact the Java had been captured off San Salvador by 
 the Constitution. 
 
 Porter lost no time in making up his mind what to do, 
 his position was very precarious. Here was an American 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 115 
 
 frisrate, cruising^ alone on a coast where Britisli influence 
 
 CD ' O 
 
 predominated, and where the American government, yet 
 in its infancy, had not gained sufficient prestige to counter- 
 act it. As for any protection from the local authorities, 
 when in their ports, it was not to be depended on. The 
 United States had made no arrangements for establishing 
 supply stations abroad, a circumstance that operated against 
 us then, as it will in future wars, while Great Britain, 
 always having a war on hand or in prospective, had made 
 extensive arrangements in different parts of the world, to 
 have her ships of war supplied with every thing needful. 
 A few days would carry to Rio the news of the Essex's 
 presence at St. Catharine's ; and he feared that the English 
 would n^t respect the neutrality of that port, a supposition 
 in which he was doubtless correct ; and being now thrown 
 on his own resources, Capt. Porter determined to proceed 
 around Cape Horn into the Pacific, where he could carry 
 out the cherished scheme he had arranged (before leaving 
 home) with Commodore Bainbridge. 
 
 To think with Porter was to act, and as soon as the above 
 information reached him, he made signal " All hands repair 
 on board ; and that same night proceeded to sea, with the 
 loss of one anchor and two of the men, who absented them- 
 selves from the boat. When a good offing had been 
 made, the captain called'upon the purser for an account 
 of provisions, and found that there was but three months 
 bread on board, at half allowance. There was no port on 
 the coast where a supply could be had, without great risk 
 of capture or blockade, which was quite as bad ; and an 
 attempt to return to the United States, at that season, with 
 the coast swarming with British cruisers, would be equiva- 
 lent to throwing the Essex into their hands. So he de- 
 termined to run all risks, and trust to getting supplies on 
 the coast of Chili. 
 
 The events of the cruise, around Cape Horn, would not 
 particularly interest the general reader. It was a boister- 
 ous voyage, requiring all the skill of a thorough seaman 
 to avoid the loss of sails and spars. Any one, reading 
 Porter's daily journal, would be struck with the fore- 
 thought he exhibited, on all occasions, in preparing for 
 the difficulties that were constantly arising. 
 
116 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 The Essex had now been absent three months from the 
 United States, of which time, only seven days had been 
 passed in port; and it can be imagined, that with the 
 storms encountered, and the press of sail she had often to 
 carry, that Porter and his officers must have paid great 
 attention to keeping the ship in good repair, to allow the 
 undertaking of a voyage around Cape Horn without any 
 preparation for it. Nothing could show Porter's character 
 and abilities better than this circumstance. He had now 
 been but fourteen years in the nav}^ was commanding a 
 fine frigate, and left to his own resources to act against 
 the strongest naval power in the world. We are led to 
 dwell upon this, in consequence of so often hearing com- 
 manding officers of the present day, complaining at the 
 hardship of being obliged to go to sea, with such young 
 lieutenants, graduates of the naval academy where every 
 facility is offiired for an officer to become familiar with his 
 profession. The particular deficiency complained of, is in 
 seamanship, which is the most important of all branches 
 of the naval profession. 
 
 It must be remembered, that these young officers are 
 actually eight or ten years in the service, before they 
 reach the rank of lieutenant. There must, therefore, be 
 something radically wrong, which will not enable these 
 gentlemen to take command of a ship's deck, now that 
 steam has almost usurped the place of sails; and, there is 
 often little more to do, than to direct the course of a 
 machine, almost as easy to manage as a wheelbarrow ! 
 
 The fault of the system is not so much in the deficiency 
 of professional knowledge, as in the conduct of the com- 
 manding officers, who do not allow the young men to build 
 upon the groundwork laid at the naval academy ; and, if 
 they would force them into responsible positions, and enable 
 them to think for themselves, there would be less com- 
 plaint. 
 
 Another glaring defect in the system of educating young 
 officers, is making mathematics take such a prominent 
 position on the list of qualifications required. Of course 
 it is necessary that an officer should be proficient in this 
 branch ; but it will not give him that knowledge which is 
 necessary to manoeuvre and fight a ship. Mathematical 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 117 
 
 minds are generally influenced by certain rules, which pre- 
 vent them from arriving at prompt conclusions ; and it 
 often happens, that a man with a fondness for mathematics, 
 becomes so infatuated with his formulce as to lose all taste 
 for the less abstruse, but far more important parts of his 
 profession. Such a man will make an excellent teacher 
 of mathematics, but may not make a good admiral to 
 fight a fleet. Aptitude for the profession, is a more ne- 
 cessary qualification than the knowledge of many of the 
 subjects taught at a naval academy. A lad who has this 
 aptitude must be intelligent, and will probably stand well 
 in all branches ; though he may not stand at the head in 
 any. It is possible to evince the highest aptitude for the 
 practical duties of a naval life, which comprehend sea- 
 manship, gunnery, navigation and general information, 
 without the knowledge of a single algebraic sign. Hence, 
 it often occurs that a lad, with all these qualifications, fails 
 at his final examination, from the fact that he is " deficient " 
 in mathematics ; that is, he wants the fractional part of a 
 figure, to enable him to secure a " passing average ; " which, 
 by regulation, has become as fixed a matter as one of the 
 laws of the Medes and Persians. This seems an unwise 
 regulation, for the rule should be modified to suit circum- 
 stances; professional aptitude being taken into considera- 
 tion, when a lad falls behind a little in mathematics. It 
 costs the government about $28,000, to graduate a cadet 
 midshipman, and then to hear that a commander cannot 
 sleep for want of confidence in his lieutenant's knowledge 
 of seamanship, makes us sigh for the days of old, when young 
 men seemed to imbibe seamanship the moment their feet 
 touched a ship's deck. 
 
 But to return to our subject. The Essex seemed to have 
 a great deal of ill luck, with head winds and foul weather, 
 in her passage to Cape Horn. As to prizes, they were 
 hardly to be looked for on the course she was sailing ; 
 however, the crew had perfect health, and great confidence 
 in their commander. After passing the latitude of the 
 Straits of Magellan, the ship kept along the coast of Terra 
 del Fuego, to pass through the Straits of Le Maire ; but, in 
 approaching Staten Land, the weather setting in very heavy 
 and the wind increasing, the Captain found himself almost 
 
118 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 in the breakers before lie knew it; and the ship was 
 extricated from her perilous position with some difficulty. 
 His calculations had been so good, that notwithstanding 
 head winds and currents, he found himself in the middle 
 of the passage, and made all sail to the southward. 
 
 It would be tedious to recount all the events of the 
 passage around Cape Horn, and the struggles against 
 dreadful weather in that stormy ocean. Everything that 
 could be done to get the ship safely through, and to keep 
 up the spirits of the men, was done; and, though the 
 struggle was a severe one, they succeeded, and soon forgot 
 their hardships in more genial climes ; thinking with satis- 
 faction, of the host of enemies whom they had left behind, 
 to verify the old saying " a stern chase is a long chase." 
 
 On the 24th of February, 1813, the Essex was considered 
 to be fairly in the Pacific; the skies became serene, and 
 they were able to make sail, this being the first pleasant 
 weather experienced since leaving Staten Land. With 
 all their hardships, the health of the crew was better than 
 when the ship left the United States ; and the weather 
 being now settled, all hands went to work, with smiling 
 faces, to repair damages; the guns that had been dis- 
 mounted, were got up from below, and all were happy at 
 the prospect of soon reaching some Chilian port. 
 
 On the 6th of March the ship anchored in a harbor in 
 the Island of Mocha. Here, the oflicers arid crew landed, 
 and shot some pigs and horses which aflbrded savory food 
 after their long abstinence from fresh meat ; the horses 
 being preferred to the hogs as the latter had an unpalata- 
 ble flavor. 
 
 On the 7th, at dayhght, the Essex was obliged to leave 
 this place and put to sea, having started her anchor in a 
 fresh breeze that sprung up. It was necessary to go into 
 port, and on the morning of the 11th, Capt. Porter stood 
 in, and reconnoitred the town of Valparaiso, which, with 
 its numerous shipping and long line of white buildings,' 
 aflbrded a pleasant sight to those on board the frigate. 
 Capt. Porter kept the sea, however, until the 15th, when 
 he went in and anchored ofl^the town. 
 
 To a seafearing man, the reading of Porter's Journal, 
 with its recommendations as to the best method of passing 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 119 
 
 safely around Cape Horn, would be full of interest ; and 
 in former years, when charts and sailing directions were 
 not so common as at present, Porter's Journal was much 
 in vogue with seafaring men ; as well for the nautical 
 information it contains, as for the interesting details of the 
 exciting adventures of the little frigate, whose name is so 
 famous in our naval history. The book is still quoted, 
 and will ever remain a valuable work of reference. 
 
 CHAPTER YIII. 
 
 JjEFORE entering the port of Valparaiso, Capt. Por- 
 ter took every precaution to discover if any of the enemy's 
 cruisers were there ; since he had no reason to suppose 
 that the authorities would prove hospitable, or protect 
 him against a superior force of English ships. Previous 
 to anchoring, Lieut. Downes was sent on shore to in- 
 form the governor that the Essex was a United States fri- 
 gate much in need of supplies, her store ship having been 
 lost off Cape Horn, and that Capt. Porter claimed his hos- 
 pitality. The Captain was induced to use this little artifice, 
 from a knowledge of the unaccommodating character of 
 the Spaniards, who always imposed restrictions on foreign 
 vessels entering the ports of their American possessions. 
 From the stand the United States had taken not long 
 before, in relation to the Floridas, Porter had no hope of 
 being treated with much consideration by the Spaniards ; 
 but he hoped, under plea of distress, to extort permission 
 to take in a supply of provisions and fill up his water casks. 
 However, before the Essex reached her anchorage, the 
 captain of the port came on board in company with Lieut. 
 Downes, with the offer of every civility and assistance that 
 Valparaiso could afford. 
 
120 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Capt. Porter now learned, to his suprise, that the Chi- 
 lians had renounced their allegiance to Spain ; that all 
 her ports were open to the world, and that they looked to 
 the United States for example and assistance ; and that the 
 presence of the Essex was a particularly welcome event, as 
 their commerce had been harrassed by corsairs, sent by the 
 viceroy of Peru, to capture all American vessels bound to 
 Chilian ports. It was further stated, that -^ve of the 
 Peruvian corsairs had disappeared from before Valparaiso 
 only a few days before, after capturing several American 
 whalers and sending them to Callao. 
 
 This news was a great relief to those on board the Essex, 
 who now saw a prospect of finding shelter in friendly 
 ports while on the coast of Chili, and of a speedy depart- 
 ure from Valparaiso to carry out their commander's 
 cherished plans against the enemy's commerce. After 
 saluting the town with 21 guns, which were promptly re- 
 turned, the Captain, and officers of the Essex, paid their 
 respects to the Governor Don Francisco Lastre, who re- 
 ceived them with great kindness. The American brig 
 Colt, which was at anchor in the port, saluted the Essex 
 with nine guns, which were returned with seven; so that 
 very unexpectedly to those on board the frigate, this had 
 proved a day of jubilee. Had the Spanish flag been flying, 
 it is likely the Essex would have been refused admission. 
 
 The Americans soon found, by associating with the 
 government attaches, that they were among a set of 
 staunch republicans, anxious to establish a state of things 
 such as existed in the United States. Though it could 
 not be concealed that some of the old Spanish leaven still 
 existed among them, and in forming a government of 
 liberty and equality, a few designing men were striving to 
 obtain despotic power. Hence it was, that although the 
 governor, an ex-officer in the Spanish navy, had been 
 chosen on account of his supposed liberal principles, he 
 was an extremely mild sort of republican, evidently de- 
 sirous of keeping on the right side in event of Chili 
 again resuming its allegiance to Spain. However, his 
 friendly sentiments towards the Americans were evidently 
 sincere, and were duly appreciated by those on board the 
 frigate. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 121 
 
 A courier was immediately dispatched to the city of 
 Santiago, the capital of Chili, to inform the American 
 consul general, Mr. Poinsett, of the arrival of the Essex; 
 and arrangements were made for a supply of wood, water 
 and provisions, which latter were cheap and abundant. 
 
 The governor and suite next visited the Essex, and 
 were received with appropriate honors. Many of the 
 natives had never before seen a frigate, the Essex being 
 the first that had entered the port within their recollection. 
 The Standard, a British ship of the line, had called at Val- 
 paraiso four months previously, on her way to Lima, but ow- 
 ing to some misunderstanding, there was little intercourse 
 between her officers and the Chilians. The governor and 
 suite remained on board for two hours, visiting every part 
 of the ship, and were much astonished that Anglo-Ameri- 
 cans as they called our people, could build and manage a 
 vessel of such large size. 
 
 Next evening, the governor entertained the captain and 
 officers of the Essex at his residence. 
 
 A few days afterwards, Capt. Porter received an invita- 
 tion from the American consul general, in the name of the 
 Chilian government, to visit the capital. It seems that 
 the news of the Essex's arrival in Valparaiso was received 
 with great joy at Santiago, the bells 'were rung and the 
 city illuminated. It was believed that Captain Porter had 
 brought, from his government, proposals for alliance with 
 Chili and assurances of assistance to the latter, in her 
 struggle for independence. Had the United States taken 
 this course with the Spanish American republics, in their 
 early efforts for independence, openly espousing their 
 cause as we were bound to do, we should now exercise an 
 immense influence over the whole continent, and Ameri- 
 can prestige would control every nation bordering on the 
 Pacific ocean; but we did nothing of the kind, and 
 although ourselves greatly indebted to foreign aid, for 
 that independence we prize so highly, yet we shut our 
 ears to the appeals of those little republics for help, in 
 their desperate struggle for life and liberty. By acting on 
 the selfish principles laid down by our first president, who 
 desired us to abstain from " entangli^g alliances ; " or, in 
 other words to refuse assistance , to weaker nations, we 
 16 
 
122 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Lave' alienated all the Spanish American governments, 
 and given English merchants a predominating influence. 
 But to return to the Essex. Capt. Porter, desirous of 
 making some acknowledgment for the kind attentions he 
 had received, invited the ladies of Valparaiso to a ball on 
 board his ship, on conclusion of an entertainment given at 
 the house of Mr. Blanquo the vice consul. The consul 
 general had meanwhile arrived from Santiago, and been 
 saluted with eleven guns. 
 
 While the captain and officers of the Essex were on 
 shore, with boats to take the ladies to the ship, which 
 had been prepared for their entertainment, an officer 
 came to inform Captain Porter that a large frigate had 
 appeared, and was standing in toward the harbor. All 
 took an unceremonious leave of the fair senoritas, and re- 
 paired immediately on board, where Capt. Porter found 
 that his young first lieutenant, anticipating his wishes, had 
 the ship all ready for getting underway. The stranger 
 was made out to be a 32 gun frigate, the Essex's cables 
 were cut and she was soon under a cloud of sail steering 
 for the approaching vessel, which, to the intense disap- 
 pointment of all hands, proved to be a Portuguese frigate 
 in quest of a supply of flour for Lisbon. As there was 
 every prospect of an engagement, when the Essex left the 
 harbor, Mr. Poinsett and several Americans and Spaniards, 
 
 including , went on board to share the dangers, 
 
 and were seemingly much disappointed at the turn of 
 affiiirs. The hills too were covered with spectators all 
 praying for the success of the Americans. As to the 
 ladies who had been invited to the ball on board, they 
 were all on the hills watching the Essex, and frankly 
 acknowledged that the sight of an engagement would 
 more than compensate for the loss of the entertainment 
 on shipboard. 
 
 Next day,' the wind being light, the ship returned to her 
 old anchorage ; and by means of drags (an invention of 
 Capt. Porter), recovered her cables which had been slipped 
 so suddenly when the strange frigate hove in sight. 
 
 The captain and his officers made themselves very popu- 
 lar with the citizens of Valparaiso, by means of those 
 attentions which American naval officers delight to ex- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 123 
 
 tend to foreigners, frequently to their own pecuniary 
 disadvantage, in cases where the expense should properly 
 devolve on our government. Foreign officers are liberally 
 supplied by their governments with the means of enter- 
 taining and returning national courtesies, while our 
 government has ever been willing to allow its naval offi- 
 cers to expend for this purpose a portion of their own 
 small pay. The evening before the Essex was to depart 
 from Valparaiso, the governor and wife, with many of the 
 citizens, paid a farewell visit to the ship. 
 
 Just previous to their leaving port, an American whale 
 ship arrived ; and the master, whose name was Worth, in- 
 formed Capt. Porter that a few days before he had spoken 
 two armed English whale ships off the coast ; that three 
 other American whale ships were in company, and that the 
 Englishmen gave him the first intelligence he had received, 
 of the declaration of war with England. They further in- 
 formed him that they were daily in expectation of receiving 
 authority to capture American merchant vessels. Capt. 
 Worth told Captain Porter that there were several English 
 whalers cruising among the Galapagos islands, and off the 
 coast of Peru, and recommended him to proceed to those 
 places, where he would be certain to meet them, with such 
 detailed information of their movements as he gave. This 
 gentleman represented our whalers, who were numerous, 
 as in a helpless condition, exposed to capture by the armed 
 English merchant vessels, carrying from fifteen to twenty 
 guns each and well manned. As our whale ships kept 
 the sea for six months at a time, most of them were ignor- 
 ant that war existed, and were liable to fall an easy prey to 
 the British. Captain Worth also reported that a British 
 letter-of-marque had captured an American ship, and car- 
 ried her into Callao ; but the government of Peru had not 
 permitted her to remain, and she had proceeded to St. 
 Helena to take convoy for England. 
 
 The pleasant time spent by Captain Porter and his 
 officers and crew with the hospitable citizens of Valparaiso, 
 did not for a moment prevent their making every prepara- 
 tion for sea; although, considering the long and stormy 
 passage round Cape Horn, they would have been excusa- 
 ble in desiring a longer relaxation ; but one and all burned 
 
124 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 to pursue the enemy, and one week after they dropped 
 anchor, they were agam underway and standing to the 
 northward. 
 
 At daylight on the morning of the 25th, a sail was re- 
 ported to the I^. E., and chase was given. She proved to 
 be the American whale ship Charles, four months from 
 Lima, where she had been sent by a Peruvian privateer, 
 but was liberated after paying costs. It appears that 
 every nation, that chose to do so, preyed upon our com- 
 merce, merely because our government was too economi- 
 cal to maintain vessels of war, in distant seas, sufficient for 
 its protection, wasting their means on a lot of gunboats 
 which were almost useless for any purpose. Capt. Gard- 
 ner informed Capt. Porter, that two days before, in com- 
 pany with the American whale ships Walker and Barclay, 
 he had been chased and fired into by a Spanish and 
 an English ship which had taken possession of the above 
 named vessels. Sail was consequently crowded on the 
 Essex for Coquimbo, in the hope of coming up with those 
 ships ; the Charles keeping in company. 
 
 At 8 A.M., chase was given to a sail to the northward, 
 and at meridian the Essex was close enough to discover 
 her to be a vessel of war disguised as a whaler. She soon 
 showed Spanish colors, when English colors were hoisted 
 on board the Essex, and a gun fired to leeward, which the 
 Spaniard returned. Directions had been given to the . 
 Charles to hoist an English Jack over the American ensign. 
 When within a mile of the Essex, the Spaniard continuing 
 to approach, fired a shot across the frigate's bow for no 
 apparent reason unless to show his arrogance. Captain 
 Porter, recognizing the vessel as one that had long been 
 harrassing our commerce, was so exasperated that he in- 
 tended to fire a broadside into her, but reflecting that he 
 was under British colors, and that the insult was not in- 
 tended for the American flag, he contented himself by 
 throwing a few shot over the Spaniard, who soon lowered 
 a boat and sent her to the Essex. Perceiving the boat to 
 be armed, Capt. Porter sent her back with orders to the 
 Spanish captain, to run dowm under his lee and repair on 
 board to apologize. The boat soon returned with a lieu- 
 tenant bringing the vessel's commission, and stating that 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 125 
 
 the captain was too sick to leave his cabin. The vessel 
 proved to be the Peruvian privateer [t^ereyda of fifteen guns ; 
 and from her the information was obtained that she was cruis- 
 ing for American vessels, and had captured the Barclay 
 and Walker at Coquimbo, but the British letter-of-marque, 
 JSTimrod, had driven the Spaniard off, and taken possession 
 of the two whalers. The privateer was in search of the 
 Nimrod, for which vessel he had mistaken the Essex. The 
 lieutenant stated that the Spaniards were the allies of 
 Great Britain, whose flag had always been respected, and 
 that the privateer's sole object in cruising was the capture 
 of American vessels. He admitted that the crews of the 
 Barclay and Walker were on board his ship; in fact, 
 made all the confessions necessary for his condemnation. 
 On investigation, it was found that the Americans on board 
 the l^ereyda, to the number of twenty-three, had been 
 plundered of everything they possessed; the Spaniards as- 
 signing no other motive for their capture, except that they 
 were Americans. Both vessels had full cargoes of oil and 
 were on their return to the United States when captured, 
 having simply put into Coquimbo for refreshments. Capt. 
 Porter now showed the stars and stripes at his peak, and 
 fired two shots over the freebooter without much thought 
 where they struck, and the Spaniard hauled down his colors. 
 jN'ext morning Capt. Porter directed all the Spaniard's 
 guns and ammunition to be thrown overboard, together 
 with her light sails, and sent her back to Callao under 
 courses, with a letter to the governor of Lima, in which 
 he says : 
 
 " I have therefore to ensure the good understanding which should 
 ever exist between the government of the United States and the 
 provinces of Spanish America, determined to prevent in future 
 such vexatious and piratical conduct, and with this view have deprived 
 the Nereyda of the means of doing American commerce any further 
 harm for the present; and have sent her to Lima, in order that her 
 commander may meet with such punishment from your excellency, 
 as his offence has deserved." 
 
 We may imagine the feelings of the haughty viceroy, 
 on receipt of this letter, from an officer belonging to a 
 government of which he knew scarcely anything. The 
 
126 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 commander of the Essex no doubt, had the case of the. 
 Tripolitan corsair Mahomet Sous in his mind when he 
 ordered the Spanish vessel to be dismantled; though he 
 had little hope that the pirate would receive the bastinado 
 like his Turkish prototype. The capture of the ^t^ereyda 
 had however, the effect intended, for the Spaniards never 
 ao^ain troubled our vessels while the Essex remained in 
 those waters. 
 
 Captain Porter now stood in for Coquimbo to look for 
 the Mmrod and her two prizes. A boat was sent in at 
 night under Lieut. Downes, and every part of the harbor 
 examined ; the fort, in the meanwhile, firing alarm guns at 
 the sight of the Essex's lights displayed to show the boat 
 her position. Finding the Mmrod was not in this vicinity. 
 Porter determined to follow her, as her capture was of the 
 greatest importance to our commerce. He communicated 
 his intention to Captains Gardner and West, advising the 
 former to take the Charles to Coquimbo and demand pro- 
 tection, and the latter to proceed to St. Jago and lay his 
 claims before the government. The Charles accordingly 
 made sail for Coquimbo, with all the ITereyda's prisoners 
 on board except nine who joined the Essex ; and the fri- 
 gate made all sail in another direction. 
 
 The reader can judge of the unprotected condition of 
 our commerce in the Pacific at that time, and how little 
 respect the South American provinces had for a govern- 
 ment, that had never before taken the slightest trouble to 
 look after its great interests in that quarter. At that time 
 we had, on the coast of Peru, 23 whale ships worth, with 
 their cargoes of oil, two and a half millions of dollars, and 
 these were at the mercy not only of the English armed 
 whalers, but of any of the Spanish provincial cruisers that 
 chose to trouble them. Our government had no standing 
 whatever, until Capt. Porter took upon himself the duty 
 <of teaching these marauders the respect due to the United 
 States. 
 
 Captain Porter ascertained that there were at least 
 twenty British whale ships on the coast, nearly all armed; 
 and all of not less than 400 tons burden, and that their car- 
 goes in England would not be worth less than $4,000,000. 
 All of which was exposed to the Essex and her crew, who 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 127 
 
 now began to indulge in brilliant anticipations of prize 
 money; thinking that fortune had been long enough 
 against them. The British ship of war, Standard, was still 
 in the Pacific, and before making a sweep upon the 
 Galapagos islands (where the British whalers were wont 
 to congregate), Porter determined to find out whether 
 she was at Lima, for he knew that letters had been sent 
 from Valparaiso to inform the Standard of his presence in 
 the South sea. However, he hoped to get time to com- 
 mit great havoc on the enemy's commerce before the 
 news reached the English 74 gun ship. Information 
 had been sent, from Buenos Ayres, that the Essex was on 
 the coast of Brazil ; and that the Constitution had sunk 
 the British frigate Java and captured her convoy ; also 
 that the Wasp had captured a British sloop of war, and 
 these gratifying results made Captain Porter anxious to 
 be doing something brilliant himself. 
 
 At 6 A.M., on the 27th, three sail were made out, stand- 
 ing in for the harbor of Callao, and every effort was made 
 on board the frigate to cut them off". The head-most of 
 the three vessels seemed to be the Barclay ; and, while all 
 the Essex's light sails were wet down to make them hold 
 the wind better, the boats were prepared to send into port 
 and bring the ship out in case she should escape past the 
 island of San Lorenzo. Fortunately the Barclay got be- 
 calmed after getting around the point of the island, while 
 the wind took the frigate to within a hundred yards of her. 
 Boats were then lowered and the prize was towed out with 
 some difficulty. Captain Porter now hoisted British 
 colors; and the Barclay was directed to hoist the British 
 colors over the American, to make it appear that she was 
 a prize to a British frigate. The numerous vessels in port 
 now hoisted their colors, most of them carried the Spanish 
 flag ; but one armed ship was English, though she did not 
 answer to the description of the Mmrod. Of the two other 
 vessels, chased by the Essex, one was a coasting brig, the 
 other a Spanish ship that had sailed from Valparaiso before 
 the frigate ; but the latter was now so disguised that it was 
 unlikely the Spaniard would recognize her. 
 
 The crew of the Essex were much disappointed at not 
 finding some British vessels off Callao, as this place was 
 
128 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 one of their points of rendezvous. "We mention these 
 details, which may seem tedious to the general reader, to 
 show the movements of the Essex, and the difficulties and 
 disappointments continually met with, which were ex- 
 ercising a very depressing effect upon the ship's company. 
 
 Porter now arranged with the captain of the Barclay to 
 keep company with the Essex ; as his only chance of safety ; 
 for no port on the coast would afford an American vessel 
 protection against British cruisers, especially since the 
 treatment of the I^ereyda by the Essex. The two ships ac- 
 cordingly shaped their course north west for the Galapagos 
 islands, keeping at a distance of from 100 to 150 miles from 
 the coast, spreading out in the day time but closing again 
 at night, and seeing nothing along the Peruvian coast ex- 
 cept a few coasters, and now and then, a catamaran, which 
 is a rude vessel made of logs used by the natives. These 
 catamarans make voyages of several hundred miles ; and 
 this will give an idea of the fine weather, and smooth seas 
 in those latitudes, which enable such frail craft to make 
 such long voyages. 
 
 Hearing from the captain of a catamaran, that there 
 were no vessels in Payta, Porter relinquished his purpose 
 of visiting that port, and bore away directly for the Gala- 
 pagos islands. Seven boats were now specially prepared 
 for attacking the whale fishers (many of which were 
 heavily armed), and extra men assigned as musketeers and 
 boarders, and signals were established, by which to com- 
 municate with them. The boats carried seventy men and 
 were to be under the command of Lieut. Downes. 
 
 On the morning of the 17th, Chatham island, one of the 
 Galapagos group, was made, bearing I:^. W. by IN"., distant 
 thirty-five miles ; and at 7 p.m., the two ships were abreast 
 of the anchorage at the north west part of Hood's island. 
 To avoid the dangerous currents and reefs, the ships ran 
 off the land at night. The Galapagos group contains 
 eleven good sized islands, and several small ones. They 
 were a great rendezvous for whalers, which often came 
 there to fill up with wood and water, and to lay in a supply of 
 the celebrated land tortoise, weighing sometimes from 
 three to four hundred pounds each. The vessels generally 
 took on board several hundred of these animals, which 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 129 
 
 have been known to live and thrive for months in the hold 
 without food or water. 
 
 At Charles island, a primitive post office was found, con- 
 sisting of a box nailed to a tree, and used by the whalers 
 to deposit such information as they might want taken 
 home by vessels bound to Europe and America. The 
 contents of " Hathaway's Post Office " gave information 
 that in June previous six ships (including the Mmrod) with 
 nearly 2500 barrels of oil had. touched here on their way 
 to Albemarle island, the largest of the group. One of 
 the letters bearing the name of the master of an American 
 whaler is so curious, that we insert a copy, although it 
 hardly sustains the claim of our countrymen to superior 
 enlightenment. 
 
 " Ship Sukey. John Macy 7i Months out, 150 barrels, 75 days 
 from Lima. No oil Since Leaving that Port. Spaniards Very 
 Savage Lost on the Braziel Bank John Sealin Apprentice to Capt. 
 Benjamin Worth fell from the fore topsaill Yard In A Gale of wind 
 Left Diana Capt. paddock 14 day since, 250 Barrels I Leave this 
 port this Day with 250 Turpen 8 Boat Load Wood Yesterday Went 
 Up to Patts Landing East Side to the Starboard hand of the Land- 
 ing li miles Saw 100 Turpen 20 Rods A part Road Very Bad. 
 
 " Yours Forevir 
 
 " John Macy." 
 
 Pat's Landing, referred to in the above letter, had 
 its name from Patrick Watkins, a wild Irishman who de- 
 serted from an English vessel some years before, and took 
 up his abode in this island; and as his story is interesting, 
 as showing what sort of characters were drifting about the 
 Pacific sixty years ago, we here insert it in the words of 
 Captain Porter. 
 
 " Watkins, some years since, left an English ship and 
 took up his abode on this island, built himself a miserable 
 hut, about a mile from the landing (called after him), in a 
 valley containing about two acres of ground capable of cul- 
 tivation ; and, perhaps, the only spot on the island which 
 affiards sufficient moisture for the purpose. Here he suc- 
 ceeded in raising potatoes and pumpkins, in considerable 
 quantities, which he generally exchanged for rum or sold 
 for cash. The appearance of this man, from the accounts 
 17 
 
130 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 I have received of him, was the most dreadful than can be 
 imagined ; ragged clothes scarce sufficient to cover his 
 nakedness, and covered with vermin ; his red hair and 
 beard matted, his skin much burnt, from constant exposure 
 to the sun, and so wild and savage in his manner and ap- 
 pearance, that he struck every one with horror. For 
 several years this wretched being lived by himself on this 
 desolate spot, without any apparent desire than that of 
 procuring rum in sufficient quantities to keep himself in- 
 toxicated ; and, at such times, after an absence from his 
 hut of several days, he would be found in a state of perfect 
 insensibility, rolling among the rocks of the mountains. 
 He appeared to be reduced to the lowest grade of which 
 human nature is capable, and seemed to have no desire 
 beyond the tortoises and other animals of the island, except 
 that of getting drunk. But this man, wretched ^nd mise- 
 rable as he may appear, was neither destitute of ambition 
 nor incapable of undertaking an enterprise that would 
 have appalled the heart of any other man ; nor was he 
 devoid of the talent of rousing others to second his hardi- 
 hood. 
 
 " He by some means became possessed of an old musket, 
 and a few charges of powder and ball ; and the possession 
 of this weapon first set into action all his ambitious plans. 
 He felt himself strong as the sovereign of the island, and 
 was desirous of proving his strength on the first human 
 being who fell in his way, which happened to be a negro, 
 who was left in charge of a boat, belonging to an Ameri- 
 rican ship that had touched there for refreshments. Patrick 
 came down to the beach where the boat lay, armed with 
 his musket (now become his constant companion), and 
 directed the negro, in an authoritative manner, to follow 
 him, and on his refusal snapped his musket at him twice, 
 which luckily missed fire. The negro, however, became 
 intimidated and followed him. Patrick now shouldered his 
 musket, marched ofi:' before, and on his way up the mount- 
 ains exultingly informed the negro he was henceforth to 
 work for him and become his slave ; and that his good or 
 bad treatment would depend on his future conduct ; but 
 arriving at a narrow defile and perceiving Patrick off his 
 guard, the negro seized the musket, grasped him in his 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 131 
 
 arms, threw him down, tied his hands behind, shouldered 
 him and carried him to his boat, and when the crew ar- 
 riv^ed he was taken on board the ship. An English smug- 
 gler was lying in the harbor at the same time, the captain 
 of which sentenced Patrick to be severely whipped on board 
 both vessels, which was put in execution ; and he was 
 afterwards taken on shore, handcuffed by the Englishmen, 
 who compelled him to make known where he had con- 
 cealed the few dollars he had been able to accumulate from 
 the sale of his potatoes and pumpkins, which they took 
 from him. But while they were busy in destroying his 
 hut and garden, the wretched being made his escape, and 
 concealed himself among the rocks in the interior of the 
 island, until the ship had sailed, when he returned from 
 his hiding place, and by means of an old file, which he 
 drove into a tree, freed himself from the handcuffs. He 
 now meditated a severe revenge, but concealed his inten- 
 tions. Vessels continued to touch there, and Patrick as 
 usual, to furnish them with vegetables ; but from time to 
 time he was enabled, by administering potent draughts of 
 his darling liquor to some of the men of their crews and 
 getting them so drunk that they were rendered insensible, 
 to conceal them until the ship had sailed ; when finding 
 themselves entirely dependent on him they willingly en- 
 listed under his banner, became his slaves, and he the 
 most absol ute of tyrants. By this means he had augmented 
 the number to five, including himself; and every means 
 was used by him to endeavor to procure arms for them, 
 but without effect. It is supposed that his object was to 
 have surprised some vessel, massacred her crew and taken 
 her off' While Patrick was meditating his plans two 
 ships (an American and English vessel), touched there, and 
 applied to Patrick for vegetables. He promised them the 
 greatest abundance, provided they would send their boats 
 to his landing, and their people to bring them from his 
 garden, informing them that his rascals had become so in- 
 dolent of late that he could not get them to work. This 
 arrangement was agreed to; two boats were sent from 
 each vessel and hauled on the beach. Their crews all went 
 to Patrick's habitation, but neither he nor any of his peo- 
 ple were to be found ; and after waiting until their patience 
 
132 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 was exhausted, they returned to the beach, where they 
 found only the wreck of three of their boats, which were 
 broken to pieces, and the fourth one missing. They suc- 
 ceeded, however, after much difficulty, in getting around to 
 the bay opposite to their ships, where other boats were 
 sent to their relief; and the commanders of the ships, ap- 
 prehensive of some other trick, saw no security except in 
 a flight from the island, leaving Patrick and his gang in 
 quiet possession of the boat. But before they sailed they 
 put a letter in a keg, giving intelligence of the affair, and 
 moored it in the bay, where it was found by Captain Ean- 
 dall, but not until he had sent his boat to Patrick's landing 
 for the purpose of procuring refreshments ; and as may be 
 easily supposed, he felt no little inquietude until her return, 
 when she brought him a letter from Patrick to the follow- 
 ing purport, which was found in his hut. 
 
 JSir : I have made repeated application to captains of vessels 
 to sell me a boat, or to take me from this place, but in every in- 
 stance met with a refusal. An opportunity presented to possess my- 
 self of one and I took advantage of it. I have been a long time 
 endeavoring by hard labor and sufferings to accumulate wherewith 
 to make myself comfortable ; but at different times have been robbed 
 and maltreated, and in a late instance by Captain Paddock, whose 
 conduct in punishing me, and robbing me of about five hundred 
 dollars, in cash and other articles neither agrees with the principles 
 he professes, nor is such as his sleek coat would lead one to expect. ^ 
 
 On the 29th of May, 1809, I sail from the enchanted island in 
 the Black Prince, bound to the Marquesas. Do not kill the old 
 hen, she is now sitting and will soon have chickens. 
 
 < (signed) Fatherless Oberlus.' 
 
 " Patrick arrived alone at Guayaquil in his open boat, 
 the rest who sailed with him having perished for want of 
 water, or, as is generally supposed, were put to death by 
 him on his finding the water to grow scarce. Prom thence 
 he proceeded to Payta, where he wound himself into the af- 
 fections of a tawny damsel, and prevailed on her to consent 
 to accompany him back to his enchanted island, the beauties 
 of which he no doubt painted in glowing colors ; but from his 
 
 Paddock was of the Society of Friends. 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 133 
 
 savage appearance, he was there considered, by the police, 
 as a suspicious person ; and being found under the keel of 
 a small vessel then ready to be launched, and suspected of 
 some improper intentions, he was confined in Payta gaol 
 where he now remains ; and probably owing to this cir- 
 cumstance Charles island, as well as the rest of the Gala- 
 pagos, may remain unpopulated for many ages to come. 
 
 " This reflection may naturally lead us to a consideration 
 of the question concerning the population of the other 
 islands, scattered about the Pacific ocean, respecting which 
 so many conjectures have been hazarded. I shall only ha- 
 zard one, which is briefly this : that former ages may have 
 produced men equally as bold and as daring as Pat, and 
 women as willing as his fair one to accompany them in 
 their adventurous voyages. And when we consider the 
 issue which might be produced from a union between a 
 red haired wild Irishman, and a copper colored mixed 
 blood squaw, we need not be any longer surprised at the 
 different varieties in human nature." 
 
 We will not follow the Essex, in her various movements 
 through these islands, nor give an account of Porter's 
 researches into their natural history, nor his speculations 
 in regard to their physical geography. He stayed here 
 no longer than was necessary, having matters more im- 
 portant on hand than the exploration of dreary regions, 
 and the catching of seal and iguanas. The boats under 
 Lieut. Downes scoured the bays and inlets of the group, 
 in every direction, for vessels, but returned unsuccessful ; 
 and the examination was then pursued in the Essex under 
 sail. 
 
 As in the early part of this century everything relating 
 to what was a comparatively unkoown ocean, was interest- 
 ing. Captain Porter published in his journal a minute 
 account of the Galapagos islands ; and these are, probably, 
 the best sailing directions extant, even at the present day. 
 
 As the Essex had been for nearly a fortnight among the 
 islands, and had searched them thoroughly without success, 
 it was supposed that the whalemen had abandoned the 
 location, when at daylight on the 29th of April 1813, after 
 passing a restless night, Capt. Porter was rejoiced to hear 
 the cry <' Sail ho!" echo through the ship; and in a 
 
134 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 moment all hands rushed on deck. A large ship was seen 
 bearing west, and chase was at once given. In about an 
 hour two others were discovered, bearing S. W". The 
 captain felt sure they were British whalers, and, as it was 
 certain to fall calm at mid day, that all of them would be 
 captured. B}^ nine o'clock the Essex, under British 
 colors, spoke the first ship, which proved to be the Mon- 
 tezuma, Capt. Baxter, with 1400 barrels of sperm oil. 
 Baxter was invited on board, and while in the cabin giving 
 such information as he considered valuable to enable the 
 supposed British captain to capture American whalers, 
 his crew were being transferred to the frigate, a prize crew 
 put on board the whaler, and the Essex continued her 
 pursuit of the other vessels which were now trying to 
 make their escape. Before noon it fell calm, and the 
 Essex was about 8 miles distant from the strangers. Fear- 
 ing they might escape, the boats were manned, and sent 
 oiF in two divisions under Lieuts. Downes and Wilmer. 
 At two o'clock, the Americans neared the enemy, when 
 the latter hoisted English colors and fired several guns. 
 The boats now pulled for the largest ship, which kept her 
 guns trained on them as they approached, and Lieut. 
 Downes gave the signal to board ; but on a demand for 
 surrender, the Englishman hauled down his flag, his con- 
 sort following his example. A breeze springing up, the 
 prizes bore down for the Essex, which welcomed the re- 
 turn of the successful party with three hearty cheers. 
 
 The prizes proved to be the Georgianna and Policy, 
 each of about 280 tons burden, and with their cargoes were 
 valued in England at half a million of dollars. The ease 
 with which the vessels were taken, gave our sailors rather 
 a poor opinion of British valor, which was certainly an 
 unfair view of the case. They would no doubt have re- 
 pulsed any number of savages, but were not disciplined up 
 to the point requisite for driving off a ship of war's boats. 
 The possession of their prizes made the ofiicers and crew 
 of the Essex forget, in a moment, their hardships and dis- 
 appointments. This was the first time, for nearly &ve 
 months, that they had taken a prize, and they began to 
 fear that fortune h^d deserted them. 
 
 As some murmuringshad, on one or two occasions, been 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 135 
 
 heard, from certain of the crew, Captain Porter, with a 
 view to prevent such demonstrations, took this opportunity 
 to issue the following : 
 
 Sailors and Marines : Fortune has at length smiled on us, be- 
 cause we deserved her smiles ; and the first time she enabled us 
 to display free trade and sailors' rights assisted by your good conduct, 
 she put in our possession near half a million of the enemy's property. 
 
 Continue to be zealous, enterprising and patient, and we will yet 
 render the name of the Essex as terrible to the enemy as that of any 
 other vessel, before we return to the United States. My plans shall 
 be made known to you at a future time. 
 
 April 30, 1813. D. Porter. 
 
 There is no method better calculated to win the confi- 
 dence and attachment of a crew, than for a commander to 
 hold this sort of intercourse with them ; and it may be 
 safely said, that no one will ever be eminently successful 
 who does not possess the confidence of those under his 
 control. Porter's little manifesto pleased the sailors very 
 much, and they were disposed to be in excellent, humor 
 when they calculated the probable amount of their prize 
 money. 
 
 All the wants of the Essex, except that of water, were 
 now relieved ; for, from the stores of the captured ships, 
 there was obtained an abundant supply of all the articles 
 required in a vessel's outfit, and a large quantity of pro- 
 visions such as whalemen always carry. The tortoises, 
 with which the prizes were abundantly supplied, were 
 very beneficial in checking the scurvy, which had begun 
 to show itself among the frigate's crew. Disgusting as 
 is the appearance of these huge creatures, no animal 
 affords a more delicate and wholesome food. However 
 annoying it may have been to the unfortunate Britons, to 
 see their delicious turtle melting away before the insatiate 
 Yankees, they had at least the consolation of sharing with 
 the others, for Porter treated his prisoners just the same 
 as he did his crew, so long as they merited such indul- 
 gence. He considered this as a matter of duty, and 
 though some of the people whom he treated thus kindly 
 were ungrateful enough to spread false reports on the sub- 
 
136 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 ject, he always had proof sufficient to rebut their asser- 
 tions, whenever he desired to do so. A few days after 
 capturing the whalers, fifty large turtle were picked up 
 and brought, on board. They had floated about in the 
 same place where they had been thrown overboard to 
 clear the ships for action, incapable of any exertion. 
 
 Midshipman Odenheimer was placed in command of the 
 Montezuma, and Midshipman Cowan of the Policy ; they 
 were furnished with a set of signals, and in case of separa- 
 tion the Island of La Plata, and Bay of Tumbez were 
 appointed as places of rendezvous. 
 
 The Georgianna was a noble vessel, sailed well, and 
 having been built for the East India Company's service, 
 was well calculated for a cruiser. She was accordingly 
 mounted with sixteen guns, and a number of swivels ; and 
 furnished with all the small arms and cutlasses found on 
 board the other prizes, so that she was a match for any 
 British letter-of-marque to be found in those waters. 
 
 Some of the seamen captured in the prizes, volunteered 
 their services — a portion of them were Americans; but 
 the native born Britons were not in the least abashed at 
 offering to fight against their flag, for at that time Eng- 
 land gave no protection to her seamen, who were liable to 
 impressment at any time, and made to serve on small pay 
 against their will. 
 
 The command of the Georgianna was now given to 
 Lieut. Downes, with a crew of forty-one men, including 
 six volunteers. The remainder of the captured men were 
 kept on board the Essex. " The sloop of war," as she 
 was now styled, was an important addition to the fighting 
 force under Porter's command ; and in case of accident to 
 the frigate, they could look for relief while the Georgianna 
 remained seaworthy. On the 8th of May, the Georgianna 
 hoisted the American flag and saluted the Essex with 
 seventeen guns, which were returned with three cheers. 
 
 Porter's whole attention was now devoted to getting 
 back to the Galapagos, expecting, from information he had 
 received, to meet several British whalers there with nearly 
 full cargoes. The stock of wood and water, on board the 
 Essex and her prizes, was rapidly diminishing, and it was 
 necessary to get into port as soon as possible. The calm 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 137 
 
 weather was made the most of in overhauling and setting 
 up the Essex's rigging, and painting the vessel inside and 
 out, so that all the time in port might be devoted to get- 
 ting in wood and water. 
 
 Capt. Porter was very particular in keeping a strict ac- 
 count of all captured stores, provisions, money, &c., used 
 in the service of the United States, with their value as ap- 
 praised by a board of officers appointed for the purpose. 
 Many articles were appraised far below their value, but this 
 action enabled the survivors of the Essex, when they 
 reached the United States, to receive what was due them 
 on account of articles used by the government. Such a 
 course should always be followed by commanding officers, 
 to guard the interests of their officers and men ; but it fre- 
 quently happens, that for want of such forethought, large 
 amounts of captured property are used in the public service 
 without the captors receiving one cent in return. 
 
 The Essex had now been at sea upwards of six months, 
 and since leaving the United States, had not drawn on the 
 government for a dollar, having depended on the amount 
 furnished the purser when the ship sailed, to pay for the 
 outfit in Valparaiso. The $50,000, captured in the N'octon, 
 had given the sailors plenty of cash ; and now the frigate 
 was once more filled with provisions and stores at the 
 enemy's expense. Better than all, the government was 
 provided with a new cruiser, of whose existence it was not 
 aware, and whose equipment had not drawn a cent from 
 the public exchequer. Half a million dollars worth of 
 property had been captured, and a smart brig of war (the 
 I^octon), had been sent in to add to our naval force ; and 
 the colonial governments had been taught to respect our 
 flag, by the summary treatment of the Peruvian privateer 
 Fereyda. 
 
 The Essex had now commenced in earnest her career 
 of destruction to British commerce. 
 
 18 
 
138 Memoir of Commodore David Ported. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Jj IKDII^G that owing to . strong IS". W. currents the 
 ships were making little progress, Capt. Porter took the 
 Montezuma (the dullest sailor among the prizes) in tow, 
 but found that even then the Essex could beat the fastest 
 of the other vessels with all their canvass spread. The 
 breechings of the frigate's guns were now discovered to be 
 rotten, a circumstance which caused great uneasiness, for 
 a time, until they managed to find the proper rope on board 
 the prizes to make the necessary repairs. 
 
 On the 12th, an island was discovered ahead, but as 
 some doubt existed whether or not it was James island, 
 Lieut. Downes was directed to proceed in the Georgianna to 
 search the island, while the frigate proceeded to the con- 
 tinent for water. Rendezvous were appointed, and Downes 
 was directed, after disposing of the Georgianna's cargo in 
 Valparaiso, to continue making short cruises in that 
 neighborhood until Porter's arrival there. The vessels 
 then separated, and the Essex and her prizes proceeded, 
 with the Barclay, to Charles island, and came to anchor 
 on the 12th of May, 1813. 
 
 The " post office " contained no letters, but there were 
 evidences of its having been visited since the Essex was 
 last in port. Porter now regretted the absence of the 
 Georgianna as she could have proceeded in search of the 
 vessel which it was supposed had gone to Albemarle 
 island, the general rendezvous of British whalers. With 
 great difficulty, a small supply of wood and water was laid 
 in ; and while on this duty the Georgianna hove in sight, 
 and thus, owing to the intricate currents and imperfect 
 charts, these vessels were brought together after separating 
 to go in quite different directions. The Georgianna was im- 
 mediately dispatched in pursuit of the strange vessel that 
 had touched at Charles island ; and Lieut. Downes was in- 
 structed, on his return, to look at the foot of the stake. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 139 
 
 where the post office box was nailed, for a bottle containing 
 a letter of instructions. 
 
 Mr. Adams, the chaplain, was now dispatched, at his 
 own request, with a couple of boats, to make a careful 
 examination and survey of the large island ; which duty- 
 he accomplished in a highly satisfactory manner, and re- 
 turned to the ship on the 20th. Mr. Adams had deter- 
 mined the latitude and longitude of the principal points, 
 but had found no landing place where wood and water 
 could be procured. Immense land tortoises and green 
 turtle were found in large numbers. One tortoise mea- 
 sured five feet and a half long, by four feet and one half 
 wide, and three feet thick. Mr. Adams reported, that on 
 the night of his return from the survey of Porter's island, 
 he had passed within gunshot of a supposed English vessel 
 bound towards Albemarle ; in consequence of which, 
 Porter determined to run down to Banks's bay in hopes of 
 falling in with a prize, and getting from her a supply of 
 water, which was greatly needed. Before getting under 
 way a note was left for Lieut. Downes, giving him the latest 
 information of their movements and proposed route. 
 
 The existence of our sailors in the Q-alapagos islands was 
 on the whole a most happy one, the climate was pleasant, 
 and although the labor of getting the tortoises (which 
 were often dragged for several miles through briers and 
 over rocks), and stowing them away on shipboard for future 
 use was very great, yet the men did not mind it — so pleased 
 were they with the novelty of their existence ; and their 
 abundant supply of the most delicious food in the world, 
 that all their past hardships were forgotten. Besides the 
 tortoises, the iguana, a huge, repulsive looking lizard, 
 much prized by epicures, abounded in the island, and 
 myraids of excellent fish of the black, red and yellow 
 species of sheepshead, swarmed around the boats, and 
 were captured with the greatest ease. Aquatic birds 
 (shags, penguins, pelicans and others), frequented the island 
 in great numbers, and were an acceptable variety to the 
 sailors who are not often particular about their eating. 
 Many a savory mess of " Galapagos mutton," as the jolly 
 mariners called the tortoise flesh, was cooked on the hill- 
 sides or on the beach, in extemporized fire places. I^ot- 
 
140 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 withstanding the quantity of this food devoured, the men 
 never became satiated with it, for they generally were pro- 
 vided with the sauce of hunger, which as an appetizer far 
 excels the famous Worcestershire. 
 
 While at Charles island, the prizes and Barclay were 
 thoroughly overhauled and painted, so as to change their 
 appearance as much as possible. The appearance of the 
 Essex had been so frequently changed, that the Captain 
 felt no apprehensions of her being recognized. The pri- 
 soners were allowed full liberty on shore, as some of them 
 had contracted the scurvy, and for this indulgence they 
 were very grateful. We merely mention this circumstance 
 to show that Porter did not treat his prisoners with severity 
 as was asserted in the English papers. 
 
 On the 21st of May, the Essex and her prizes got under- 
 way and stood to the S. W. About this time Dr. Robert 
 Miller, the surgeon of the Essex, died of consumption, 
 from which he had been suffering ever since leaving the 
 United States. He had gone on board the Policy some 
 time before, in order to be more quiet and comfortable 
 than he could be in the frigate. On the 26th the body of 
 the surgeon was committed to the deep, after funeral ser- 
 vice by the chaplain ; and Dr. Hoffman was appointed act- 
 ing surgeon. Great care was now taken that no prizes 
 should escape, the vessels were spread out, covering a 
 space of twenty-five miles ; they were approaching Albe- 
 marle, where English vessels were confidently expected. 
 
 On the 28th, as the Essex and her consorts were stand- 
 ing to the northward, a sail was discovered right ahead. 
 Chase was immediately given, and at sunset the stranger 
 was in plain sight from the frigate's deck ; but little hope 
 was felt of coming up with her, as it was feared she would 
 alter her course in the darkness. However, Porter crowded 
 on all sail and took every possible precaution to secure the 
 prize, directing the different vessels to steer separate 
 courses, so as to keep the stranger in sight next morning. 
 At daylight, a sail was seen to the northward ; but the 
 wind beginning to die away. Captain Porter directed Lieut. 
 Wilmer to proceed with three of the fastest of the frigate's 
 boats to the Montezuma, to be joined by three more from 
 that ship, and to take station before night, astern of the 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 141 
 
 chase, so that communication could be held with the Essex 
 through the Motezuma by signal. By this arrangement it 
 would be possible to be guided by flashes, and prevent the 
 enemy from escaping during the darkness of the night. 
 Lieut. Wilmer was ordered not to attack with the boats, 
 until it should fall calm, and then to row with muffled oars 
 and suprise the stranger by boarding, and to prevent any 
 other attack no other arms than cutlasses, and boarding 
 axes were given the men. Great was now the excite- 
 ment on board the Essex, for here was a vessel sup- 
 posed to be worth, with her cargo, at least one hundred 
 and fifty thousand dollars, a good sum to be divided 
 among the officers and crew. 
 
 Twenty-six hours had now passed away since the com- 
 mencement of the chase. A short time after the boats left 
 the ship a breeze sprung up, and the Essex signalling to 
 the Montezuma to pick up the boats, crowded on all sail 
 and soon came near enough to make the stranger out. The 
 latter, seeing that her attempts to escape were hopeless, 
 hove about and stood for the frigate. From the warlike 
 appearance of the stranger, who carried a British ensign 
 and pendant at the main, it was supposed that she might be 
 a sloop of war, for which reason the Essex went to quarters 
 and prepared to receive the enemy as well as her weak 
 condition would allow, so many men being absent in prizes 
 and boats, and the only officers on board besides the cap- 
 tain, were the chaplain, clerk and boatswain. On getting 
 alongside the English ship, British colors were hoisted on 
 board the Essex ; the stranger was hailed and directed to 
 repair on board, which order was no sooner complied with 
 than another sail was reported from the mast head. 
 
 The prize was the letter-of-marque, Atlantic, Capt. Weir, 
 mounting six 18 pounder guns, and employed in whaling. 
 Lieut. McKnight was sent on board from the Montezuma, 
 with a good crew, and ordered to pursue the new sail to 
 the north and west, while the Essex steered northerly to 
 cut her off. The Atlantic soon showed that her reputation 
 of being a very fast sailor was not undeserved, for the Es- 
 sex had very little advantage of her with all the sail she 
 could carry, although the Atlantic had no studding sails set. 
 In the darkness which soon came on, the prize was lost 
 
142 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 sight of but soon discovered by some of the watchful eyes 
 on board the Essex, and finally overhauled and brought to 
 by a shot from the frigate. The commander was now di- 
 rected to repair on board, but not immediately obeying the 
 order, it was perceived that the strange ship was prepared 
 for action, and that her crew were at quarters. A shot 
 was fired between her masts to intimidate the captain, and 
 he was threatened with a broadside, which admonition had 
 the desired efifect, and he went on board the frigate directly. 
 
 The prize proved to be the whaleship letier~of-marque 
 Greenwich, a prime sailer. Thus, while the British were 
 abusing Captain Porter for " breaking up the British 
 whalefishery by his piracies," they prudently said nothing 
 about having granted letters-of-marque to these peaceful 
 traders, with authority to capture the unsuspecting Ame- 
 rican merchant vessels. This was the more inexcusable, 
 as England had at the time nearly a thousand public 
 armed vessels in opposition to the mere handful we had 
 fitted out, to resist the many indignities that the British 
 had heaped upon us. The fact is the world was not large 
 enough for the English, and they were determined not to 
 tolerate their Yankee competitors, and to use every avail- 
 able means to destroy their commerce, no matter how 
 unjustifiable. 
 
 The captain of the Greenwich, who was well fortified 
 with Dutch courage, expressed great regret that his ship 
 and the Atlantic had not joined company, as he was sure 
 they were more than a match for the frigate ; and it is pro- 
 bable, in the weakened condition of the Essex, deprived 
 of so many of her crew, that both ships together might 
 have given trouble, and perhaps have escaped. 
 
 The captain of the Atlantic (an American frona Nan- 
 tucket where his family were living), expressed great plea- 
 sure at finding (as he supposed) a British frigate in those 
 seas. He informed Capt. Porter, that he had sailed from 
 England under convoy of the frigate Java, and had put 
 into Porto Praya a short time before the Essex left there ; 
 that the Java had sailed in pursuit of the American whom 
 it was generally believed had gone round the Cape of Good 
 Hope. On his arrival at Concepcion, he heard that the 
 Java had been sunk by the U. S. frigate Constitution. 
 
Memoik of ComModoke David Pokter. 143 
 
 The renegade informed Porter that he had left nine 
 American whalers at Concepcion; that others were daily 
 arriving, and that if he would go there he could capture 
 the whole of them. On being asked how he could recon- 
 cile it to his conscience to sail under the British flag, to 
 destroy American commerce, he answered that he found 
 no difficulty in so doing, as though born in America, he 
 was an Englishman at heart. This fellow, in spite of his 
 corrupt heart, was of gentlemanly address; like all rene- 
 gades, he was anxious to do his country as much harm as 
 possible, by way of ingratiating himself with his new 
 friends. He was soon undeceived, with regard to the Essex 
 being an English frigate, and his feelings may be imagined. 
 
 Porter sympathized greatly with the unfortunate com- 
 manders of the Montezuma and Greenwich ; and to make 
 the evils of war bear as lightly as possible on them, he 
 purchased from them for the use of the crew all their pri- 
 vate adventure. By custom these would be considered 
 prize of war, but Porter wished ever to err on the side of 
 humanity ; he could not, however, conceal his indignation 
 against the renegade American, although he felt bound to 
 give him the same indulgence he extended to the other 
 prisoners. N^otwithstanding the assurances of Capt. Por- 
 ter, that they should receive as generous treatment as cir- 
 cumstances would permit, both the commander of the 
 Atlantic and of the Greenwich, used the most abusive 
 language towards the United States government, the ship 
 and its officers, lavishing on the captain in particular as 
 soon as his back was turned, the most scurrilous epithets, 
 quite equal to anything that ever appeared in the Quarterly 
 Review. The next day. Captain Porter determined to 
 make these men sensible of the impropriety of their con- 
 duct, and did so without violating either the principles of 
 humanity or the rules of war, with the result that both 
 were so humbled by the sense of their conduct, as to make 
 the most abject apologies. 
 
 On board the Atlantic was found a hundred tons of 
 water, of which article both the Essex and her former 
 prizes were very short. By this last capture had also been 
 obtained an abundant supply of provisions, and naval stores, 
 and seamen's clothing of excellent quality. As these vessels 
 
144 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 were only a few days from James island, they had a stock 
 of 800 tortoises of large size, sufficient for a month's fresh 
 provisions for all the ships. 
 
 Lieut. McKnight was placed in command of the Atlantic 
 and Lieut. Gamble of the marines (for want of sea officers), 
 in command of the G-reenwich. To make up for his want 
 of nautical knowledge, two experienced seamen were 
 placed with Lieut. Gamble as mates. Volunteers con- 
 tinued to offer their services from the captured ships, and 
 as they generally claimed to he Americans ! were accepted. 
 
 The whole effective force now at the disposal of Captain 
 Porter was as follows : Essex, 46 guns, 245 men ; Georgi- 
 anna, 16 guns, 42 men ; Atlantic, 6 guns, 12 men ; Green- 
 wich, 10 guns, 14 men ; Montezuma, 2 guns, 10 men ; 
 Policy, 10 men ; Total, 80 guns, 333 men ; together with 
 a midshipman and six men on board the Barclay. The 
 prisoners amounted to 80 ; but as they had been distributed 
 among the different ships, allowing them full rations, on 
 condition of their assisting to work, they were found to be 
 nearly as useful as the Essex's men, in navigatingthe prizes. 
 Including prisoners the whole number of effective men 
 amounted to 420. 
 
 The increased supply of water, caused Captain Porter 
 to change his intentions of proceeding to the continent. 
 The prizes were such good sailers, that he hoped by their 
 taking the Barclay and Policy in tow, while the Essex took 
 care of the Montezuma, to be able to get to the windward 
 of the islands, so as to fall into the track of vessels hound 
 from the continent, or to reach Charles island ; and if the 
 Georgianna was not there, leave instructions for her in the 
 secret post office. This idea was at once acted upon and 
 every effort was made to get windward of Albemarle ; but 
 without success, owing to the strong current, and nothing 
 was left but to try and get around to the northward of the 
 island. The next three days being calm, the opportunity 
 was taken to get an anchor and cable and 4,000 gallons of 
 water from the prizes, '^o sea going vessel could be better 
 off than the Essex, for she was followed about by store- 
 ships to supply all her wants. 
 
 The Greenwich proved to have been the vessel seen by 
 Chaplain Adams while surveying, and the Atlantic was 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 145 
 
 the ship that had visited Charles island and taken away 
 the bread and water left there by the Essex. This the 
 captain did to prevent his men from deserting, which he 
 feared they would do if they had any prospect of a tem- 
 porary supply of food. This statement induced reflections 
 in Captain Porter's mind, in regard to the tendency of 
 British sailors to desert, a propensity carried with them 
 even into merchant vessels, and to gratify which they 
 often ran great risk of starvation. Even in the Galapagos 
 islands, where food was abundant, water was so scarce, as 
 oftentimes to be found only in the stomach of the land 
 tortoise, and yet there were many desertions. This could 
 only be attributed to the tyrannical system (by which the 
 British navj was at that time governed), having crept into 
 the merchant service, whose commanders aped the severe 
 discipline which made the navy so unpopular with sailors. 
 There must have been a difference between the treatment 
 of sailors in the British and American ^vessels, for 
 while the Essex remained at Charles island, one-fourth of 
 her crew and all the prisoners who chose to go, were on 
 liberty ashore every day. No one ever attempted to desert 
 although they had ample opportunity to do so. When 
 the gun was fired every man immediately repaired to the 
 beach. 
 
 On the night of the 6th of June, the crew of the Essex 
 were treated to a magnificent sight, by the bursting forth 
 of a volcano on Albemarle island, which illuminated the 
 whole horizon, and gave another proof of the fitness of 
 the name, Enchanted islands, given to the group, by the 
 Spaniards. There certainly was enough peculiarity, to 
 give to superstitious mariners the idea of witchcraft ; the 
 numerous currents seemedto obey no laws, and the difficulty 
 of a vessel getting away from them was often very great. 
 An examination of a chart in 1875 will, perhaps, explain 
 what was considered a difficult problem sixty years ago. 
 
 On the 8th of June, a fresh breeze sprung up and car- 
 ried the Essex and her prizes northward of Abington, the 
 northernmost island of the group, except two small ones 
 lying about 80 miles to the N. W., and in no way affect- 
 ing the currents. 
 
 19 
 
146 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Although the whaling business is now but a shadow of 
 its former greatness, owing to the substitution of gas and 
 vegetable oils for illuminating purposes, there are yet 
 many vessels, principally English, which follow the pursuit 
 for spermaceti oil, which will perhaps always be in demand 
 for certain purposes. "Whales will always be found, unless 
 extirpated, among the Galapagos islands; and here the 
 whaleman will resort, as of yore, in pursuit of them. 
 Porter's directions for persons engaged in whaling are 
 highly instructive, and will be no less so to those who in 
 time of war may go in pursuit of them. Captain Porter 
 never took hold of any subject with which he did not 
 make himself as familiar as possible ; whatever he engaged 
 in, engrossed, for the time, his whole mind, and this was 
 now the case with regard to the whale fisheries, which 
 yielded himself and government so much profit; and the 
 loss of which was creating so much distress to a large 
 number of our enemies. Porter would no doubt have been 
 as successful in catching whales as he was in catching 
 whalers, had he taken up the former exciting business. 
 
 To show the importance that England attached to the 
 whale fishing in the Pacific, even at a comparatively early 
 day, we will refer to Lieut. Colnet of the royal navy, who 
 was sent in command of the ship Rattler, for the purpose 
 of discovering ports in which the South sea whale fishermen 
 could refresh and refit their ships ; for, to use the language 
 of a memorial from the merchants of London to the Board 
 of Trade, " the situation of ships employed in the whale 
 fishery is calamitous from the scurvy and other diseases in- 
 cident to those who are obliged for any length of time to 
 keep the sea, without that refreshment which is aftbrded by 
 intermediate harbors." The Spaniards about that time had 
 admitted British vessels into their ports, for the purpose 
 of refitting and refreshing; but the privilege was granted 
 under so many restrictions, as almost to amount to a 
 prohibition, as was probably intended it should. Colnet 
 sailed from England on the 4th of January, 1793, and was 
 absent nearly two years, visiting the Pacific coast of 
 America as far as the gulf of California, and numerous 
 islands, including the Galapagos. It does not appear that 
 Colnet made any discoveries, or accomplished the object 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 147 
 
 for which he was sent, and it being necessary to stimulate 
 seamen to embark in an enterprise of such importance as 
 the whale fishery, the British parliament passed an act 
 June 3, 1795, granting heavy premiums to the ships en- 
 gaged in this trade which should bring into Great Britain 
 the largest quantity of oil; and on the 13tli of May, 1811, 
 the number of ships entitled to premiums was increased to 
 ten. 
 
 It was also enacted in order to draw Americans, who 
 were supposed to be the most skillful in this pursuit, away 
 from their own country and thus break up if possible the 
 American whale fishery, that forty families of foreigners 
 might establish themselves at Milford in Pembrokeshire, 
 bringing with them twenty ships and their crews, which 
 wQre allowed all the privileges granted to British vessels 
 provided they complied with certain regulations. One 
 Rotch, a IS'ew Bedford Quaker, embraced the liberal ofler 
 of the British government, and carried on the whaling 
 business from Milford on an extensive scale, and one of 
 this person's ships, the Montezuma, fell into the hands of 
 Capt. Porter, which seems to have been the only loss this 
 thrifty renegade sustained. 
 
 At the time of the Essex's cruise, it was supposed there 
 were not less than sixty British ships engaged in the south 
 sea whale fishery, worth, with their outfits on leaving Eng- 
 land, $3,000,000 ; and on their return with their cargoes 
 $12,000,000. As we have had occasion to remark before, 
 many of these vessels were authorized to capture Ameri- 
 can merchant vessels, showing the determination of their 
 government to break up our trade by one means or another. 
 
 Great Britain, whatever may be her faults, has always 
 exercised a parental care over her subjects and commerce, in 
 every part of the world. Her wealth and grandeur she owes 
 to her commerce ; and grateful for the advantages it has 
 brought to her, she fosters it in every known way. She 
 has succeeded in driving our commerce, which once nearly 
 equalled her own, from the ocean by her liberal policy to 
 English ship owners. This is all right as far as England is 
 concerned, and it is, perhaps, wiser for us to sucumb 
 than to be involved in perpetual war, since she is bound 
 to drive us from the ocean in one way or another, by 
 
148 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 fair means or foul. England will brook no rival to her 
 navy or to her commerce. She depends on the former for 
 her position, and on the latter for the means to uphold it. 
 With fifty times her resources, we are all the time play- 
 ing into her hands — occupying the humiliating position 
 of fostering the commerce of a nation that has oppressed us 
 more than any other upon earth, when, with proper laws, 
 we could in ten years possess the controlling influence upon 
 the seas. 
 
 [N'othing of consequence transpired, after leaving the 
 Galapagos islands, until the main land of Peru was sighted 
 on the 14th June, in lat. 0° 47' 28'' north. The vessels 
 were spread out over the ocean on the look out for prizes, 
 but none were seen. On the night of the 16th, land was 
 discovered ahead, and at break of day the ships were close 
 to the shore of the island of La Plata. Captain Porter 
 went on shore, and found the island to be about eight miles 
 in circumference, and of an aspect the most desolate ima- 
 ginable, affording neither wood nor water in sufficient quan- 
 tities to supply ships. Thinking that Mr. Downes might 
 touch at the island, a letter was left for him in a bottle 
 suspended from a bush, and in a conspicuous place the letters 
 S. X. were painted on a rock, as a clue to him to search 
 for the letter. Large numbers of sperm whales were seen 
 near this island, all going to the N. W. close together and 
 with great rapidity, a certain indication in the opinion of 
 the whalers that they were lately pursued by man or by a 
 destructive fish called the whale killer. The number of 
 whales seen in this locality, both sperm and fin back, 
 showed that it was a fine resort for whalers ; but the island 
 itself, though the scene of some romantic stories, had few 
 other attractions. Here it was said Drake buried his spoils, 
 and the buccaneers resorted to watch the Spanish fleets from 
 the summit of the island, whence objects can be seen for a 
 great distance. 
 
 While examining this place, the Greenwich and Atlantic 
 were sent in chase of a sail, which proved to be a Spanish 
 brig from Panama bound to Payta. The Spaniards, sup- 
 posing our people to be English, informed them that the 
 Kereyda a Peruvian privateer, had attacked a large Ame- 
 rican frigate, and shot away her mainmast; that the pri- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 149 
 
 vateer had suffered much in the action, but finding the 
 frigate too powerful and a very swift sailer, had thought it 
 necessary, in order to effect her escape, to lighten ship by 
 throwing her guns overboard ! ! 
 
 On the 19th, the ships made the island of St. Close, or 
 Dead man's island, in the gulf of Guayaquil, and thence 
 they proceeded to Tumbez on the south side of the gulf in 
 about lat. 3° 20' south. Here Captain Porter buried one 
 of the best of his men, who was killed by a fall from aloft. 
 His shipmates of the Essex placed over his grave the fol- 
 lowing characteristic epitaph : 
 
 " The body of John llodgers, seaman, who departed this life June 
 19, 1813, aged 32 years. 
 
 Without a sigh 
 
 He bid this world adieu, 
 
 Without one pang 
 
 His fleeting spirit flew." 
 
 Soon after anchoring at Tumbez, Captain Kandall of the 
 Barclay was sent on shore to invite the governor to visit 
 the ship, and to apologize for the Captain of the frigate's 
 not calling, on the plea of indisposition. A supply of 
 wood and water was here obtained but with great difficulty, 
 owing to the violence of the surf. On the 22d, Capt. 
 Pandall returned to the fleet, accompanied by the governor 
 of Tumbez, the collector of the port and an old gentleman, 
 who was the governor's god-father. These people were 
 almost in rags, yet they displayed all the haughty airs of 
 hidalgos. IlTotwithstanding his ludicrous appearance, Capt. 
 Porter received his excellency with a salute of nine guns, 
 and during the 24 hours he stayed on board, he was 
 treated with distinguished consideration ; although the 
 sailors had as much as they could do to keep from laugh- 
 ing in his face. It was desirable to be on friendly terms 
 with these people, in order to dispose of some of the cap- 
 tured ships, for Captain Porter was now so hampered, that 
 he could hardly take possession of any more prizes without 
 weakening his own ship too much. The governor and 
 suite received a present of one hundred dollars on leaving 
 the Essex, with a promise of much more in case they suc- 
 ceeded in disposing of the ships. 
 
150 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 jN'ext day Captain Porter visited the town of Tumbez, a 
 little filthy place on a narrow, shallow river. With the 
 exception of game and fish which were abundant, the place 
 presented few attractions. Having little confidence in the 
 good faith of the governor, Captain Porter took the pre- 
 caution to arm his boat's crew, a circumstance which he 
 did not regret, when the governor began to question him 
 about the condition of afikirs between Spain and the United 
 States, and seemed to be in doubt whether the war between 
 Great Britain and the United States did not extend to the 
 allies of the former. However, the hope of further pre- 
 sents and the dread of summary punishment from the 
 Americans, overcame every other consideration, and the 
 governor gave his new acquaintances the best reception 
 his means afforded. The governor's wife, a handsome half 
 breed, cooked the dinner while the party wandered around 
 the little town, and were warmly welcomed in the huts of 
 the inhabitants, where men, women, children, hogs, dogs 
 and jackasses were mixed up promiscuously ; but the multi- 
 tude of fleas soon caused our people to beat a hasty retreat. 
 
 'No Yankee that ever existed, showed greater avarice 
 than the miserable inhabitants of Tumbez, when they heard 
 that the Americans had some presents to dispose of. They 
 came flocking to the governor's house, each with some 
 trifling offering ; a pair of fowls, a dozen eggs, a few 
 oranges, or whatever else they thought could extort money. 
 
 On Captain Porter's return to the Essex in the evening, 
 a disagreeably circumstance occurred, which caused him 
 much embarrassment. One of the lieutenants had, on several 
 occasions, been so much intoxicated as to compel the Cap- 
 tain to arrest him, and at such times his conduct had been 
 extremely offensive to all on board ; but as this officer 
 was much esteemed for his many good qualities, his brother 
 officers interceded and pledged themselves for his future 
 good conduct, and Capt. Porter finally relieved him from 
 arrest on his solemn promise of amendment. While the 
 Captain was absent at Tumbez, this officer took advantage 
 of the circumstance to gratify his propensity for drinking ; 
 and on the former's return, not knowing the lieutenant's 
 condition, he sent for him, and as he did not appear went to 
 his room, where finding him drunk and violent he placed 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 151 
 
 him under arrest ; whereupon the officer attempted to shoot 
 himself, but was finally secured. This painful incident left 
 the ship with only one lieutenant, and it became necessary 
 to supply the deficiency. Lieut. McKnight was therefore 
 orderd again to the Essex, and Chaplain Adams was placed 
 in command of the Atlantic, the sailing master was ap- 
 pointed acting third lieutenant, Midshipman Cowan acting 
 4th, and Midshipman Odenheimer acting sailing master. 
 The younger midshipmen, mere boys, were placed as prize 
 masters on board the captured ships, with reliable seamen 
 to take care of them. 
 
 The governor of Tumbez at first permitted boats to go 
 off to the ships, but soon revoked the permission in order 
 that he might monopolize all the trade, and stationed 
 guards at the mouth of the river to prevent the inhabitants 
 from communicating with the Americans. I^othing was 
 heard from the purser for several days, and the apprehen- 
 sions for his safety were increased by the disappearance of 
 the mate of one of the captured ships, who was permitted 
 to go on shore to buy necessaries. The governor of Tum- 
 bez was subordinate to the governor of Guayaquil, and 
 from an anonymous letter received by Capt. Porter from 
 Guayaquil, taken in connection with other circumstances, 
 he saw that it was a waste of time to negotiate with these 
 people. 
 
 On the morning of the 24th, three square rigged vessels 
 were seen standing into the bay, and as they approached a 
 boat put off from one of the ships which proved to contain 
 Lieut. Downes, who was received by the Essex with three 
 hearty cheers. Downes reported that he had captured 
 near James island three British ships ; the Hector, 11 guns, 
 270 tons, 25 men ; Catherine, 8 guns, 270 tons, 29 men ; 
 Pose, 8 guns, 270 tons, 21 men. It appears that the two 
 latter vessels approached the Georgianna, and had no sus- 
 picion of an enemy until the Americans got on board of 
 them. The Hector was approached late at night and was 
 at first supposed to be a Spanish sloop of war ; but when 
 Lieut. Downes ascertained her to be British, he summoned 
 her to surrender, which the enemy refusing to do, a shot was 
 fired into her, doing considerable damage. The Hector 
 now tried to escape, and declining to surrender, five broad- 
 
152 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 sides were poured into her, which killed and wounded eight 
 men and reduced the ship almost to the condition of a 
 wreck. After Lieut. Downes had put a prize crew on 
 board the Hector, his own crew amounted to only ten men, 
 while his prisoners were seventy-five in number ; and as the 
 Rose proved a dull sailer he threw overboard her guns and 
 cargo of sperm oil, and restored the vessel to the captain 
 on condition that he would proceed with all the prisoners 
 to St. Helena ; the latter obliging themselves not to serve 
 against the United States until regularly exchanged. 
 After getting rid of the Rose Lieut. Downes cruised ofl* the 
 coast until he fell in with the Essex. 
 
 The fleet in Tumbez now amounted to nine vessels, and 
 as the Atlantic was in every way superior to the Georgianna, 
 Porter immediately mounted on her 20 guns, christened 
 her the Essex Junior, and placed her under command of 
 Lieut. Downes with a crew of sixty men. Midshipman 
 Dashiel was appointed sailing master, and Chaplain Adams 
 was placed in command of the Georgianna. 
 
 It seems strange to think of mere boys being put into 
 such responsible positions as Porter was compelled to give 
 his midshipmen; but they had been carefully instructed 
 during the cruise, under the Captain's immediate supervi- 
 sion ; their instructor in navigation and mathematics 
 being Chaplain Adams, a proficient in those branches. 
 The result was that every midshipman was a practical 
 navigator, and the exciting scenes through which they 
 passed had stamped the character of manhood on them in 
 early life, as they had on Porter and Downes. Here was a 
 school for heroes, and Porter must have left the impress 
 of his character on every one who had any stamina what- 
 ever. 
 
 The Greenwich was now mounted with 20 guns, and 
 converted into a storeship ; putting on board of her all 
 the spare provisions, cordage, &c., thus securing in one 
 vessel articles sufficient to last the fleet for seven months. 
 
 The purser, whose long absence from the ship had 
 caused much anxiety, now returned and explained the 
 cause of his prolonged stay as being due to the avarice of 
 the governor, who desired to monoplize all trade, but was 
 too indolent to supply what the purser required. 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 153 
 
 The Essex was now enabled to get rid of her numerous 
 prisoners, who were in every way an incumbrance. At 
 their own request, they were put on shore at Tumbez ; all 
 their private property being restored to them even in the 
 case of the renegade Weir. They bound themselves not 
 to serve against the United States until regularly ex- 
 changed. About seventy-five of these prisoners had volun- 
 teered for the Essex and the cruise ; and it may seem 
 strange that Porter should have accepted their services, 
 after so severely condemning the base conduct of Weir. 
 The cases were, however, very different, for most of these 
 recruits claimed to be Americans; and, in one instance, 
 there could exist no doubt. This person on being asked 
 if he was an American answered : " An faith yer honor 
 I'm nothin' else, an' was borrn in I^ew Yorrk before I came 
 from ould Ireland," after which conclusive evidence he 
 was enlisted with others of like accent. This was evi- 
 dently a case of being born again. 
 
 The bona fide Britons excused themselves for fighting 
 against their flag, on the ground that the war was one 
 against the impressment of sailors, and that British sailors 
 had sufiered quite as much as others ; in fact we suspect 
 that the motto on the Essex's flag," Free trade and sailors ' 
 rights," had a good deal to do with enticing the British 
 sailors away from their " loyalty." It was well known 
 that British sailors did not hesitate to fight against their 
 flag in the war of 1812, never having received any previous 
 encouragement to defend it. Since then, England has 
 learned better how to treat those upon whom depends her 
 safety ; while we, it is to be feared, have gained nothing 
 by experience ; and taking no trouble to enact wise . laws 
 for the protection of our seamen, are likely, when we want 
 the services of our best tars, in time of war, to find them 
 in the British navy. 
 
 20 
 
154 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Of the morning of the 30th of June, 1813, the little 
 fleet got underway from Tumbez, and stood off the land to 
 fall in with the easterly trade winds. All the mechanics 
 were kept busy on board the Essex junior, building up the 
 bulwarks and making her as much like a ship of war 
 as possible. 
 
 On the 4th of July, the Essex junior fired a salute of 
 seventeen guns, and the allowance of grog on board all 
 the ships being doubled for the occasion, was more than 
 usually relished, from the fact that all hands had been on 
 short allowance for some time. The repairs of the Essex 
 junior being completed, Capt. Porter directed Lieut. 
 Downes to proceed to Valparaiso with the prizes Hector, 
 Catherine, Policy, and Montezuma, and the American 
 whaleship Barclay ; leave the Barclay there, and sell the 
 other vessels to the best advantage. If he thought proper, 
 he was authorized to send the Policy with her cargo of 
 sperm oil to the United States, as the oil could not be sold 
 to advantage on the South American coast. The sealed 
 instructions to be opened after leaving Valparaiso read as 
 follows : 
 
 Sir : On leaving Valparaiso, you will scour the coast of Peru, 
 keeping the usual distance for whalers. It will be advisable to look 
 into the harbor of Callao, and from thence proceed to the Galapagos, 
 searching Hood and Charles island for letters. Should you find none 
 at either of those places, look into James island. Get clear of all 
 prisoners if possible, and proceed to join me at the island of Chitahoo 
 or Santa Christiana, one of the Marquesas, where you will find me 
 at anchor, or hear from me in Resolution bay in the latter part of 
 September and first of October. I intend there to refit my ship. 
 
 D. Porter. 
 Lieut. John Downes. 
 
 After parting company with the Essex Jr., and her con- 
 voy in the longitude of the Galapagos, the course of 
 
Memoir of Commodore DavId Porter. 155 
 
 the Essex was shaped for those islands which Porter was 
 induced to revisit, having received information that three 
 well armed English ships had sailed thither from Tumbez, 
 a fortnight before his arrival in the latter place. Having 
 heard of the Essex being on the coast, these ships were 
 keeping together for mutual protection, and had even ex- 
 pressed an intention of finding the Essex, and attacking 
 her, which would have suited Porter exactly. The Georgi- 
 anna and the store ship G-reenwich remained in company 
 with the frigate, as it was the intention to send the first 
 named ship to the United States with a cargo of oil, so 
 that she might arrive in the dead of winter, when the 
 British ships of war could not remain on blockade before 
 the northern ports. 
 
 It was with feeling quite akin to joy, when the crew of 
 the Essex once more sighted Charles island. The Gala- 
 pagos group had proved a gold mine to them, and furnished 
 the excitement of which sailors are so fond. The islands, 
 with their romantic nooks and feasts of turtle would be a 
 pleasant change from stupid Tumbez, and its flea bitten 
 population. 
 
 On the 14th, off Banks's bay, the lookout from the mast 
 head reported three ships in sight, standing on a wind, 
 some distance apart. The Essex immediately stood off the 
 wind for the centre ship, while the other two stood on 
 different tacks with a view to escape. The one of which 
 the Essex was in chase now bore up from her, and ran off 
 the wind, and the chase became very exciting. The in- 
 shore ship tacked to the windward of the Essex, and stood 
 for the Georgiana and Greenwich, with the evident inten- 
 tion of cutting them oft'; whereupon the Greenwich hove 
 to, to await the coming up of the Georgiana, and get her 
 crew from that ship, after which she stood boldly for the 
 stranger. The Essex had meanwhile captured the vessel 
 of which she was in chase, which proved to be the British 
 ship Charlton often guns. The Greenwich now neared the 
 English ship, and John Bull, not thinking it proper to strike 
 his colors to another whaler, without a struggle, gallantly 
 opened his broadside, which was returned by the Green- 
 wich with such eftect that the enemy was obliged to haul 
 down his flag; notwithstanding which, he attempted to run 
 
156 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 away, the Greenwich hanging on his quarter and crippling 
 sails and rigging with her fire. The Essex then joined in 
 pursuit, and seeing no hope of escape the Englishman sur- 
 rendered. This prize was the Seringapatam of 14 guns. 
 About an hour afterwards, the Essex managed to overhaul 
 the third ship, which was the ISTew Zealander of eight guns. 
 
 Capt. Porter was particularly pleased with the capture 
 of the Seringapatam, not only because she was reputed the 
 finest British ship in these seas, but because her captain 
 had the reputation of being a man of great enterprise and 
 energy, and had shown a good deal of courage before sur- 
 rendering his ship. He professed to be commissioned with 
 letters-of-marque ; had already captured an American 
 whaleship ; and would, doubtless, have inflicted great in- 
 jury on our commerce if his career had not been cut short 
 by the Essex. Although on a whaling voyage, the captain 
 had troubled himself very little with his legitimate busi- 
 ness, doubtless hoping to fill up his casks from captured 
 Americans ; but on being asked, by Captain Porter, to 
 surrender his commission, he was obliged to acknowledge 
 that he had not yet received it. As this man and all his 
 ship's company were pirates in the eyes of the law. Cap- 
 tain Porter ordered them all to be put in irons ; but as- 
 certaining from the American prisoners on board the 
 Seringapatam that they had been well treated, and satisfied 
 that the captain was alone to blame, all were liberated 
 from confinement with the exception of that individual. 
 The capture of the three vessels was very creditable to all 
 concerned ; the officers and crew of the Greenwich, in 
 particular, showing great bravery in running down, and 
 attacking a much stronger vessel. 
 
 The Essex now bore up with her prizes for James 
 island, but was prevented from making port, by the 
 strength of the north west current, and finding himself 
 hampered with the Charlton, Porter, after taking her guns 
 out, gave her up to her captain on condition of his landing all 
 the prisoners, 48 in number, at Rio de Janeiro. To this 
 contract, both the captain of the Charlton and of the 'New 
 Zealander, bound themselves by oath. The mates and 
 sailors, however, expressed their determination not to go 
 into any port where they were likely to meet a British 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 157 
 
 ship of war, so great was their horror of impressment ; and 
 the J requested Capt Porter to allow them boats, that thej 
 might take their chances of reaching shore ; a petition he 
 was obliged to refuse, lest it might be said he had turned 
 them adrift in mid ocean. They then requested to remain, 
 and volunteered to ship on board the Essex, but the 
 Captain declined their proposition. They finally became 
 so turbulent, at the prospect of being placed once more on 
 board a British vessel, that Capt. Porter had to threaten 
 them with coercive measures, in order to restore the mas- 
 ter of the Charlton's authority ; but, after reasoning with 
 the men on the impropriety of their conduct, like all 
 sailors when properly appealed to, they w^ent on board 
 quite cheerfully, with many wishes for the welfare of the 
 Essex and her crew, and three hearty cheers at parting, a 
 striking commentary on the strictures of the British press 
 of the day, against Captain Porter. 
 
 The Seringapatam was a fast sailer, and had originally 
 been built as a ship of war for Tippoo Saib ; in a few days 
 she was completely equipped for service, with twenty-two 
 guns mounted on her. She was placed in charge of Mr. 
 Terry, master's mate ; and the Kew Zealander in charge 
 of Purser Shaw, both with instructions not to separate 
 from the Essex. All the diflerent grades of officers, except 
 the surgeon, had now been in charge of prizes; command- 
 ing officers were as plenty as generals in an army corps, 
 and fleet sailing was perhaps better understood and prac- 
 ticed then than it has been since in the United States navy. 
 
 After bothering with the eccentric currents of the Gala- 
 pagos for some days, Capt. Porter determined to send the 
 Georgiana to the United States with her cargo of oil ; 
 and the lieutenant who had been placed under arrest was, 
 at the solicitation of his brother officers, relieved from 
 arrest and placed in command. Although the terms of 
 enlistment of many of the Essex's crew had expired, few 
 of them desired to return home before the frigate ; but a 
 crew was finally made up, and the prize sailed for the 
 United States on the 25th of July. 
 
 While working in among the islands, a sail was made 
 early in the morning — a ship under three topsails, with a 
 fresh breeze on a wind, while the Essex and prizes 
 
158 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 were lying becalmed with a strong current setting them 
 towards Redondo. Sail was made to chase the stranger, 
 but she was soon lost sight of; and the whole attention, 
 of Captain and crew, was occupied to prevent the Essex 
 from drifting upon the island, where the sea was breaking 
 furiously against its inaccessible rocks, threatening the ship 
 with certain destruction should she be carried on shore. 
 But, by working the drags vigorously and the assist- 
 ance of a breeze that sprung up, the ship was at length out 
 of danger. Early next morning, the cry " sail ho ! " was 
 heard, again, and by aid of the glass a ship was seen standing 
 on a wind to the N^. E. towards the Essex. At 9.30, she was 
 directly to windward and distant seven miles, when evi- 
 dently seeing that her chaser was a frigate, she hoisted 
 American colors and endeavored to escape. Every eftbrt 
 was now made to come up with the stranger, which was 
 evidently an English whaler ; the wind becoming light 
 drags were used until the crew were broken down. The 
 distance between the ships had diminished to four miles, 
 when the stranger commenced to tow with all his boats, 
 with the evident intention of running the ship on to Abing- 
 ton point, which was not far distant. Two boats were ac- 
 cordingly sent from the Essex, ahead of the strange ship, 
 with a few good marksmen to drive the towing boats in, 
 but with strict orders to make no attempt on her, as 
 Capt. Porter felt that it was unnecessary to risk the lives 
 of his men, when the capture of the enemy's vessel was so 
 certain without it. The boats of the stranger were soon 
 driven in, when she opened fire with two guns from the 
 forecastle, and the frigate's boats had some difficulty in 
 avoiding the shot. The stranger had, in the meantime, 
 hoisted British colors. By four o'clock, both vessels were 
 becalmed, not more than three and a half miles apart ; and 
 as anything was preferable in the minds of the sailors to 
 working the drags, they were greatly delighted when Por- 
 ter gave orders to hoist out the boats and carry the enemy 
 by boarding. The latter seeing so formidable a force 
 approaching, fired a few shots, which failing to check their 
 course, the British flag was hauled down. The boats were 
 now but three quarters of a mile from the stranger, when 
 a fresh breeze sprung up from the eastward, and the enemy 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 159 
 
 again hoisted his colors and made all sail to escape, firing 
 on the two boats first sent from the Essex as they passed ; 
 and at sunset he was hull down. The frigate lay becalmed 
 and the boats continued the chase, in the hope that it 
 would fall calm again. After sunset a breeze sprung up, 
 the boats were overtaken and the chase renewed, the 
 British vessel's course was followed during the night but 
 without avail, for at daylight no sail was in sight. 
 
 The stranger was believed to have been the , as 
 
 no other British whale ship was known to be on the coast 
 except the Comet of 20 guns, fitted out both for whaling 
 and for capturing American vessels. The officers and 
 crew consoled themselves for this disappointment, with the 
 reflection that this was the first vessel that had escaped 
 them ; but, in spite of this philosophy, it is to be feared 
 that Ihey were a little spoiled by their previous successes. 
 
 On the morning of the 4th of August the Essex anchored 
 with her prizes in the harbor of James island, in order to 
 make the repairs that had become necessary by knocking 
 about the ocean so long under press of sail. Up to this 
 time (nearly ten months), the Essex had not cost the go- 
 vernment anything for provisions, stores or equipment, 
 having lived entirely upon the enemy ; to say nothing of 
 the total destruction of the British whalefishery in the 
 Pacific, and the capture of several ships that would have 
 proved very disastrous to American commerce. 
 
 The Seringapatam was now painted to look like the 
 Essex, after which, the appearance of the latter was en- 
 tirely changed, and the Greenwich was made to look like 
 a sloop of war; Capt. Porter hoping in future to derive 
 some advantage over the enemy by means of this deception. 
 
 At James island, it was discovered that the Essex's 
 powder had become damaged, and it had all to be taken 
 ashore to dry and sift it. It also became necessary to take 
 nearly all the powder from the Seringapatam to supply 
 the deficiency on board the Essex. It was fortunate that 
 the damage was rectified in time, as in case of meeting 
 with an enemy, the ship would have been placed in an 
 unpleasant predicament. Fourteen tons weight of tortoises 
 were now put on board the Essex, and a corresponding 
 amount on board the other vessels. They were piled up 
 
160 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 in the hold to use when required, and not needing food or 
 water were an exceedingly convenient description of live 
 stock to take to sea. 
 
 The Galapagos islands deserve a more extended account, 
 than the limits of this work will allow. They seem to have 
 been placed by nature, as a depot of supplies for wanderers 
 over the Pacific. The buccaneers resorted to them, with- 
 out the least fear of surprise, to indulge in their ferocious 
 revelry ; and it adds much to the interest we feel in the 
 Galapagos, to conjecture that the gold and silver, plun- 
 dered from the churches and from Spanish merchants, may 
 yet be stored away in secret hiding places on those lonely 
 shores. Although there seems to be very little fresh water 
 in the islands (and the crew of the Essex were never able 
 to find permanent springs), yet the stomachs of the tortoises 
 frequently contained upwards of a gallon. 
 
 A tragical event took place during their stay at James 
 island. Lieut. Cowan, a promising young of&cer, was 
 killed in a duel and buried on the spot where he fell. 
 His death was much regretted by Capt. Porter, who, in his 
 journal, makes some feeling remarks on the subject, and 
 strongly in deprecation of the barbarous custom by which 
 the services of a valuable ofiicer were lost to his country, 
 at a time when they were most needed. Porter caused the 
 following inscription to be placed over the grave of the 
 unfortunate officer : 
 
 Sacred to the Memory 
 
 OF 
 
 Lieut. John. S. Cowan of the U. S. Frigate Essex, 
 
 Who died liere anno domini 1813, 
 
 aged 21. 
 
 His loss is ever to be regretted by his country and mourned 
 by his friends and brother officers. 
 
 Previous to sailing, Capt. Porter left at the " post 
 office," with a desire to mislead the enemy, a letter giving 
 a dismal account of the ravages of the scurvy on board 
 the frigate, and of being compelled to burn their prizes 
 for want of men to man them ; together with a long list of 
 imaginary dead men for the benefit of John Bull, l^o 
 doubt some British whaler got hold of this precious docu- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 161 
 
 ment, and exulted greatly at the misfortunes of the Yankee 
 frigate; although he must have wondered where all the 
 dead were buried. To a matter of fact person these mis- 
 representations may seem wrong, but it is hardly necessary 
 to remind our readers that everything of this kind is 
 " fair in war,'* and a strict adherence to truth is not 
 always practicable. 
 
 On the 22d of August the Essex and her prizes anchored 
 in Banks's bay, and the latter were directed to proceed to 
 the cove inside ISTarborough with the following orders, 
 which will explain the arrangements made for their con- 
 duct, and the future designs of Capt. Porter. 
 
 U. S. Frigate Essex, 
 Bank's Bay, 21st August, 1813. 
 
 Sir : You will proceed to the cove with the G-reenwich and moor 
 her agreeably to the instructions already given you ; the crew of 
 the Greenwich will be kept complete for the protection of the other 
 vessels; and, in the event of being attacked, you will call on the 
 other prize masters and their men to assist on board your ship ; but 
 it is expected you will only act on the defensive. Should I not 
 appear in six weeks from the time of my leaving this, you will pro- 
 ceed to Valparaiso in company with the Seringapatam after the 
 articles of value are taken from the New Zealander and that ship is 
 burnt. If, however, Lieut. Downes should appear before the ex- 
 piration of six weeks from the time of my leaving this, you will 
 please deliver him the enclosed letter, which contains instructions 
 for the guidance of his conduct respecting the disposal of the prizes. 
 
 I must recommend your keeping constantly on guard with a look 
 out from a suitable point. Let the ships be ready for sea on the 
 shortest notice, and suffer no guns to be jfired, no fires at night, or 
 any other practices by which you may be discovered. 
 
 Should I appear off with an English red ensign hoisted union 
 down, at the fore, you will send a boat on board the Essex. If the 
 same signal is made at the main, it will be for the Seringapatam and 
 New Zealander to send their boats for their crews, and you will 
 please to furnish them assistance for the purpose if necessary. 
 Should you leave the cove before I arrive you will bury a bottle 
 containing a letter in some suitable spot near the landing place at 
 the head of the cove and cut in the rocks immediately over it the 
 letters S. X. in order that I may be enabled to find it. 
 
 I need not inform you how important it is that the prizes should 
 not fall into the hands of an enemy. Your situation will render 
 their destruction (in the last extremity) very easy. I would re- 
 21 
 
162 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 commend to you to have as many boats as may be necessary for the 
 escape of the crews, in constant readiness for service, and a suffi- 
 ciency of provisions and water &c., &c., provided for them at the 
 shortest notice ; and, in the event of the necessity of taking to them, 
 I would advise your proceeding to Charles' island as the most likely 
 place of meeting with the Essex Junior or Essex and in case you 
 should not fall in with either, it appears the most likely place for 
 you to take by surprise some British vessel. Trusting much to your 
 discretion, 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
 
 Your obt. servt. 
 Lieutenant John M. Gamble, D. Porter. 
 
 Prize master of the ship Greenwich. 
 
 Similar orders were given to Mr. Shaw and to Mr. 
 Terry of the Seringapatam, and a letter was left for Lieut. 
 Downes directing him if Capt. Porter did not arrive by 
 the 2d of October, to proceed to Valparaiso with the prizes 
 under his convoy, pursuing there the course which seemed 
 to him most proper. 
 
 On the 24th of August Porter got under way, and 
 cruised about the islands until the 8th of September, hop- 
 ing to fall in with Lieut. Downes or some English ships ; 
 but on the 8th, leaving a letter for Downes on Chatham 
 island, he started on a cruise to windward. At daylight on 
 the 14th, a ship was discovered from the mast head appa- 
 rently lying to under easy sail, and as she was directly to 
 windward it was not deemed advisable to excite her alarm 
 by making much sail. The fore and main royal yards 
 were consequently sent down, the masts housed, the ports 
 shut in and the frigate made to look as much as possible 
 like a whaler. In the mean time the Essex kept plying to 
 windward towards the stranger, while the latter was drift- 
 ing fast down upon the frigate. Capt. Porter now made 
 a signal, such as had been agreed upon between the cap- 
 tain of the !N"ew Zealander and a certain Captain William 
 Porter, should they meet; thinking this might be the 
 whaleship commanded by the last named individual. At 
 one p. M., when the two ships were about four miles apart, 
 the stranger suddenly cast off from the whale to which she 
 was fastened and set all sail to escape; but by four o'clock 
 the Essex was within range, and after firing 6 or 8 shot at 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 163 
 
 her, she bore down under the frigate's lee and hauled 
 down the British colors. 
 
 The prize proved to be the letter-of-marque Sir Andrew 
 Hammond, pierced for 20 guns and with 12 mounted, 
 carrying 36 men and commanded by the identical Wil- 
 liam Porter whose signal had been made ; but the most 
 agreeable circumstance attending this capture, to those on 
 board the Essex, was the discovery that the Hammond 
 was the ship that had led them such a dance before, and 
 finally escaped out of their hands. The Essex had so 
 altered her appearance that those on board the Hammond 
 never for a moment suspected that she was the vessel that 
 had chased them before. The Hammond had several 
 thousand dollars worth of blubber on hand, and Capt. 
 Porter, in order not to lose it, put a crew on board who were 
 accustomed to whaling, in charge of the efficient Chap- 
 lain Adams. In order that the blubber might be more 
 easily converted into oil, he directed Mr. Adams to re- 
 pair to the harbor where the other prizes lay, called by 
 him Port Rendezvous, while the Essex stood through the 
 sound into Banks's bay. 
 
 Lieut. Gamble now boarded the Essex, in his boat, and 
 informed Capt. Porter that he had heard several guns fired 
 to the northward the day before ; and that, since the de- 
 parture of the Essex, a ship had three times visited Banks's 
 bay. The ship was undoubtedly the Hammond ; but it was 
 more difficult to account for the guns and for the carcase of 
 a fresh killed whale which had lately floated into the bay. 
 The Essex again put to sea, but finding no vessels, beat 
 up for Port Rendezvous and anchored among her prizes. 
 All hands were glad to welcome the Essex, and the arrival 
 of another prize added to their satisfaction. They had 
 begun to be heartily tired of a place where the only inci- 
 dents to vary the scene were the cries of the sea birds, and 
 the melancholy howling of the seals. They missed the 
 master spirit of their adventures, and that regular em- 
 ployment and strict discipline which in a ship of war is 
 essential to comfort. 
 
 Lieut. Downes was now daily expected, and Porter only 
 awaited his arrival to leave forever the Enchanted islands, 
 to proceed to the Washington group. The Essex was now 
 
164 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 completely overrun with rats, which threatened to eat up 
 everything on board; they had already done great damage, 
 and the ship could only be rid of them by removing every- 
 thing from her, for which and for other purposes a good 
 harbor must be sought. 
 
 About this time occurred the first trouble that had been 
 experienced with the crew of the Essex, since leaving 
 the United States ; and, like most of the trouble in this 
 world, it was due to over indulgence in ardent spirits. 
 The Hammond had, when captured, a large supply of high 
 proof spirits on board, and as the men had long been on 
 short allowance, this accession to their ration was more 
 than they could stand ; so that on serving out the first al- 
 lowance many of the men were carried helpless to their 
 hammocks. Even diluting the grog did not wholly cure 
 the evil ; but as the men committed no further improprie- 
 ties in consequence of the effect of the liquor, they were 
 allowed considerable latitude. One Rynard, a quarter 
 master, had been four years on board the Essex and was 
 suspected of being always at work stirring up others to 
 complain, though he did not dare to come forward himself, 
 until the allowance of rum was reduced on the coast of 
 Brazil. His conduct then showed him to be a rogue, and 
 the Captain was now apprehensive that this man might 
 exercise a mischievous influence over his crew, many of 
 whose times had expired; knowing, as he did, that sailors 
 are, like children, easily influenced for good or evil by any- 
 one with whom they may be thrown in contact. Rynard 
 had, under the influence of liquor, committed the grossest 
 outrages and been most insubordinate and disrespectful to 
 the Captain, who had him placed on the quarter-deck until 
 he should get sober, where his meals were sent him, only to 
 be thrown overboard in presence of the officers, and he 
 finally became so mutinous that he was placed in irons. 
 Rynard treated his confinement with derision, saying his 
 time w^as out and he wanted his discharge. The Captain 
 determined to grant this man's wish, and his papers were 
 therefore made out at once, and he was sent on board the 
 Seringapatam, until she should have an opportunity of 
 landing him in some port. Rynard's discharge produced 
 a remarkably good effect, restoring the crew to their 
 
Memoik of Commodoke David Porter. 165 
 
 senses ; and those who had shown themselves most discon- 
 tented, now set the example of good behavior. There was 
 never any further trouble of this kind, and thus, a case 
 which threatened to lead to serious results, was so judi- 
 ciously treated that it produced in the end an excellent 
 result. 
 
 On the 30th, the Essex Jr. was signalled from a flagstaff 
 erected on the summit of a hill near the landing, and 
 Lieut. Downes was soon alongside the Essex in his boat. 
 The Essex Jr. brought the news of Mr. Madison's reelec- 
 tion to the presidency, and the most gratifying accounts 
 of the success of the navy in every instance where our 
 ships had encountered vessels of equal force. Letters from 
 the American consul at Buenos Ayres, informed Capt. 
 Porter that on the 5th of July, the British frigate Phoebe 
 36, and the sloops of war Raccoon and Cherub, each of 24 
 guns, had sailed from Rio de Janeiro for the Pacific in 
 pursuit of the Essex. Several British merchant ships were 
 also expected at Valparaiso with valuable cargoes, and 
 Lieut. Downes reported having left one in that port when 
 he sailed. The Policy had been sent to the United States, 
 and the other prizes safely moored in Valparaiso. The 
 only British whaleship now known in the Pacific was the 
 Comet, and she was laid up in Concepcion ; so Porter de- 
 termined to proceed to the Marquesas, and try and capture 
 the British ship left by Downes at Valparaiso, which would 
 no doubt stop there on her way to India. On the 2d 
 of October, the Essex got underway and stood out to sea. 
 
 Prior to leaving, Rynard, the man whose discharge from 
 service has been mentioned, was, at his own most urgent 
 request seconded by Lieut. Downes, placed on the books 
 of the Essex Jr., as a seaman, for Porter would not consent 
 to have him on board the frigate again, under any circum- 
 stances. This episode of Rynard is mentioned to illustrate 
 Porter's method of dealing with seamen, whose character 
 he thoroughly understood, under the most difficult circum- 
 stances. He was thousands of miles from his country, with 
 a crew liable to be so influenced by bad example, as to 
 endanger the success of the cruise and even the safety of 
 the vessel. Some of his crew were foreigners, with no 
 attachment to the flag beyond the hope of sharing in the 
 
166 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 prize money, accruing from the numerous captures. 
 This was the only case of the kind that occurred; 
 and it was checked, not by severe punishment, which it 
 really merited, but by that cool, judicious conduct, which 
 should characterize a naval commander, and which is so 
 necessary in dealing with sailors. 
 
 Captain Porter had now broken up, completely, the im- 
 portant British whale fishery in the Pacific ; all the vessels 
 were captured, except the Comet, and she was laid up. By 
 these captures the enemy had lost nearly three millions 
 of dollars, and in a shape that would go farther towards 
 touching the English heart than if the same amount had 
 been taken in ships of war. Three hundred and sixteen 
 seamen had been paroled, not to serve against the United 
 States until regularly exchanged, and six letters-of-marque 
 had been prevented from carrying destruction to our 
 whaling interests. But two of our whaleships had been 
 captured, and that occured before the arrival of the Essex. 
 As soon as the arrival of the frigate in the Pacific was 
 known, the American whaleships, which had taken refuge 
 in South American ports, immediately put to sea and re- 
 commenced their operations; and Lieut. Downes gave 
 four of these ships, with full cargoes, convoy from Valpar- 
 aiso, when he left that port, until they considered them- 
 selves safe from British cruisers. 
 
 The policy of the British in arming their merchant ships 
 with authority to cruise against the commerce of an enemy 
 may have answered very well for the time, but in future is 
 likely to react upon Great Britain. Weak nations are 
 obliged to adopt the system of privateering to protect 
 themselves against the strong ; and it is a privilege they 
 should never surrender : but there is a degree of infamy in 
 setting one merchant ship to prey upon another, which no 
 circumstances can justify. It seems strange that Great 
 Britain, in the 19th century, should ever have tolerated 
 such a system of legalized piracy, which little accords with 
 her reputation for justice and humanity. 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 167 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 A.T the time when the Essex was running her career 
 in the Pacific, the numerous groups of islands scattered 
 throughout the great ocean were very imperfectly known, 
 and their inhabitants as yet uncontaminated by the vices of 
 civilization, were a far more interesting people than at the 
 present day. The islands were, then, merely stopping 
 places for whalers, or vessels on their way to the N. W. 
 coast, or to India, in search of wood and water, and such 
 refreshments as the country afforded. The commanders 
 of these vessels were generally more interested in the 
 objects of their voyage, than in the savages of the South 
 sea, whom they considered of no importance, and with 
 whom they had as little intercourse as possible in order to 
 guard against their treachery. From the visits and sur- 
 veys of government expeditions, and from the missionaries 
 who have labored among these heathen for so many years, 
 we now possess a very accurate knowledge of the subject. 
 The islanders have changed very much within the last 
 sixty years, and with the loss of much of their savage char- 
 acter they have laid aside many noble traits while retain- 
 ing all their original cunning. The islands which were 
 formerly considered of no value, except as stopping places 
 for traders, are now attracting the attention of the great 
 powers, which have great commercial interests to protect, 
 and require depots for their ships of war, from whence they 
 can swoop down upon their enemies, or gather for protec- 
 tion their numerous merchant vessels ; they are also stop- 
 ping places for lines of steamers, which are circling the 
 earth in every direction. The early accounts then of these 
 islands, when written by persons of observation, should 
 be exceedingly interesting to us of the present day. 
 
 After leaving the Galapagos, abandoning his intention to 
 search for a group of islands said to have been discovered 
 by the Spaniards near the equator, but which have since 
 
168 Memoir of Commodore David. Porter. 
 
 been found not to exist, Captain Porter steered direct for 
 the Washington islands, sending the Essex Jr. to the Mar- 
 quesas, in the hope of intercepting there the EngUsh ship 
 bound to India, which that officer had left in Valparaiso. 
 
 The little squadron pursued its way through the smooth 
 ocean, with pleasant weather, with nothing to vary the 
 monotony of the voyage ; and as it was necessary to pre- 
 vent, if possible, that listlessness and apathy into which 
 men on ship board are too apt to fall, Capt. Porter issued 
 the following communication to his crew, and those who 
 know the disposition of sailors may readily imagine the 
 effect which it produced. 
 
 " We are bound to the Western islands with two objects in view : 
 First, that we may put the ship in a suitable condition to enable 
 us to take advantage of the most favorable season for our return 
 home : Secondly, I am desirous that you should have some relaxa- 
 tion and amusement after being so long at sea, as from your late 
 good conduct you deserve it. 
 
 We are going among a people much addicted to thieving, trea- 
 cherous in their proceedings, whose conduct is governed only by 
 fear and regulated by views to their interest. We must put nothing 
 in their power ; be ever on our guard, and prevent by every means 
 that can be used, disputes and difficulties with them; we must treat 
 them with kindness but never trust them, and be most vigilant 
 where there is the greatest appearance of friendship. Let the fate 
 of the many who have been cut off by the savages of the South sea 
 islands be a useful warning to us. 
 
 It will require much discretion and good management to keep up 
 a friendly intercourse with them ; and in the regulations that I shall 
 lay down for this object, I shall expect the hearty concurrence of 
 every person under my command. 
 
 Disputes are most likely to arise from traffic with them : there- 
 fore to prevent these I shall appoint a vessel for the express purpose 
 of trading, and shall select an officer and four men to conduct all 
 exchanges ; and every other person is positively forbid to traffic with 
 the natives, except through the persons so selected to conduct the 
 trade. 
 
 No canoes or male natives will be permitted to come along-side 
 the Essex, or any other vessel, except the trading ship, on any ac- 
 count, unless it may be the chiefs whom I may designate. And if 
 every person exerts themselves to carry on the work of the ship, as 
 well as to enforce the above regulations and such others as I may 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 169 
 
 from time to time adopt, I shall allow you time to amuse yourselves 
 on shore; but this indulgence shall cease the moment I discover any 
 relaxation in vigilance or industry. 
 
 (Signed) D. Porter. 
 U. S. Frigate Essex, Oct., 1813. 
 
 This note, after being read at the mainmast, was handed 
 round among the crew and great were the anticipations of 
 the sailors of the pleasures that were in store for them. 
 It will be seen by the above, that although disposed , to 
 communicate familiarly with his men, yet Capt. Porter 
 was determined to indulge them in a way that should not 
 weaken the discipline of the ship, and thus risk her de- 
 struction. 
 
 At noon on the 23d of October, 1813, land was dis- 
 covered bearing S. W., and supposed to be the Hood's 
 island of Captain Cook. It was a lump of rock destitute 
 of verdure and about three miles in circuit. After making 
 this island, which is the most northerly of the Marquesas, 
 Porter hove to for the prizes to come up, and then steered 
 to the northward for the island of Rooahooga, one of the 
 Washington group (about 600 miles ]^. E. of Tahiti), dis- 
 covered by Capt. Ingraham of the brig Hope of Boston, 
 April 19th, 1791, and called the Washington islands by 
 Capt. Roberts, of the Jefferson of Boston, who visited them 
 March 6th, 1793. 
 
 On the morning of the 24th the island of Rooahooga, 
 called by Porter Adams's island, was seen, resembling at a 
 distance the desolate Galapagos ; but, on a nearer approach, 
 beautiful valleys watered by running • streams and dotted 
 with habitations, with groups of natives on the hills inviting 
 them to land, gave our voyagers a very different idea oi 
 the place, and made them long to set their feet upon that 
 fertile shore. A canoe shortly approached the Essex con- 
 taining eight natives, one of whom seated in the bow had 
 his head ornamented with yellow leaves, ^o persuasions 
 could induce them to come on board, although they were 
 offered pieces of iron, fish hooks and other articles which 
 savages value. By means of a Tahitan on board Capt. 
 Porter was enabled to communicate with the islanders, 
 and they were finally induced to accept some small pre- 
 sents, which were let down to them over the stern in a 
 22 
 
170 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 bucket; which they reciprocated by sending up a few 
 fish and a belt made of cocoanut fibres ornamented with 
 hog's teeth. They frequently repeated the word Taya 
 (friend), and invited the Americans on shore ; assuring 
 them by the most expressive gesticulations, that they should 
 receive a hearty welcome. These islanders were entirely 
 naked, but their bodies were marked in every direction 
 with fanciful lines of tattooing. They were much attracted 
 by the sight of some whale's teeth, which is a remarkable 
 feature in the character of all the islanders of the Pacific, 
 and even as late as 1874, one of the chiefs of the Tonga 
 islands who had made a treaty with an officer of the navy, 
 sent a whale's tooth to the president as the highest mark 
 of his esteem. 
 
 By this time numbers of other canoes had put off from 
 the coves with which the coast was indented, but none of 
 them could be induced to come alongside, until at length 
 the Captain ordered two boats to be manned (into one of 
 which he entered), and proceeded towards the natives, di- 
 recting the Tahitan interpreter to inform them that the 
 visitors were friends who wished to purchase provisions , 
 and that those in the boats would proceed to the shore and 
 remain as hostages, while they visited the ship. Accord- 
 ingly part of the natives went on board the frigate but the 
 greater number followed the Americans to the shore, where 
 the inhabitants now began to assemble from all quarters 
 armed with clubs and spears. Although both his boats' 
 crews were well armed, yet Capt. Porter did not think it 
 advisable to put it in the power of the natives to attack 
 him ; and, consequently, directed Lieut. McKnight, who 
 was in charge of one of the boats, to lie outside the heavy 
 line of breakers which beat upon the beach, while he went 
 close in with his own boat, and trafficked with the natives 
 for their ornaments and fruit ; in a few moments the latter 
 laid aside their weapons and swam off in swarms to the boat 
 loaded with provisions, and almost crazy with excitement 
 at the idea of procuring such a valuable article as a piece 
 of iron hoop, in exchange for such a trifle as a good sized 
 
 pig- 
 
 These savages seemed to be very much like children : 
 in one instance two fish hooks were given to divide among 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 171 
 
 three of them to see how they would act. They all agreed 
 to the exchange, but on the hooks being delivered one of 
 them ran off with his bread fruit in high glee at the trick 
 he had played, probably thinking it would be easier to 
 divide two hooks between two persons than among three ; 
 the others pretended to be angry, and signified to the Cap- 
 tain that he should pursue and beat the offender, which 
 they were directed to do themselves, and they went through 
 the motions pretty much as young children would have 
 done under the circumstances. 
 
 N"otwithstanding the friendly intercourse that was kept 
 up, it was evident that the natives were very suspicious of 
 the Americans, always approaching the boat with awe and 
 agitation. Their want of confidence produced a corre- 
 sponding suspicion on the other side, and even if the surf 
 had not made landing difficult it would have been deemed 
 prudent to keep ofl* the shore. One native, bolder than his 
 companions, tried to obtain possession of a pistol which he 
 saw in the bottom of the boat, and it was with difficulty he 
 could be made to understand that his wishes would not be 
 gratified. Pointing the pistol at him instead of frightening 
 him produced the greatest joy, as he immediately stretched 
 out his hand to receive it ; whence it was supposed that 
 the natives were ignorant of fire arms. 
 
 After remaining with these people for a couple of hours, 
 Captain Porter visited a small cove to the leeward, where 
 were assembled about fifty natives, including three women. 
 Some of the men were highly ornamented with plumes of 
 black feathers, large gorgets, and a kind of white cloak 
 made of the fibres of the cocoanut tree. Each held a hand- 
 some white fan, as a mark of distinction, and had tufts of 
 human hair bound round their wrists, their ancles and 
 loins. They had large white oval ornaments apparently 
 intended as false ears, with shells and whale's teeth hung 
 around their necks, presenting altogether a picturesque and 
 elegant appearance. Capt. Porter gave the person, whom 
 he supposed to be the chief, to understand that his object was 
 to trade, showing at the same time some fish hooks, hoops, 
 and knives, the sight of which seemed to fill the natives 
 with joy, and they pointed out as their chief an ancient in- 
 dividual, entirely naked with the exception of a piece of 
 
172 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 cloth about his loins, and a fillet of palm leaves about his 
 head. Upon a signal from this person the other natives 
 threw aside their dress and ornaments and swam to the boat 
 where each was given a small present of inestimable value 
 to them, no doubt, as they oiFered to give their women 
 in return, two of whom were handsome young girls. 
 
 The Americans were much impressed with the noble 
 appearance of these islanders, the men being remarkable 
 for their strength and stature, and for forms which emulate 
 those of the Greek sculptors. One of the chiefs measured 
 6 feet 8 inches in height, and another was said to be six 
 inches taller even than this. The elaborate tattooing of 
 the Washington islanders is perhaps the finest in the 
 world, but is generally confined to the men ; the women 
 contenting themselves with a bracelet or two, or other 
 simple ornament tattooed on their arms or elsewhere. The 
 tattooing of a female, particularly if she has a rich husband, 
 is generally made an occasion of rejoicing; a pig is killed 
 for the entertainment of the invited guests, and warm con- 
 gratulations extended to the wife for the affection shown 
 by her devoted husband. 
 
 The Americans, thus far, could not complahi of their 
 reception by the natives ; and any distrust shown by the 
 latter, was due, no doubt, to their experience of treachery 
 at the hands of early navigators. 
 
 On their return to the ship, the sailors had wonderful 
 stories to relate of the great dignitaries and beautiful 
 houris they had seen on shore ; and great was the expect- 
 ations raised when they should find a harbor where they 
 could let go their anchor. The natives who visited the 
 ship were so delighted with their reception, that one of 
 them said he longed to get on shore that he might dance ; 
 which seems to be, the world over, the usual mode of testi- 
 fying extreme delight. 
 
 The goats, sheep, dogs, and other animals, attracted great 
 attention from the natives, but the Galapagos turtles were 
 universally allowed to be the most extraordinary of quad- 
 rupeds, and as is their custom when they wish to feast their 
 eyes on some unusual sight, the visitors stretched themselves 
 at full length on the deck, and gazed intently on the un- 
 wieldy creatures. Their fondness for a recumbent position 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 173 
 
 could hardly be taken as a proof of indolence, since these 
 islanders are capable of the most extraordinary exertions 
 in paddling their canoes, and climbing about the rocks 
 and hills. The young girls seen at Adams's island were 
 well formed and handsome, with smooth skins and a com- 
 plexion not darker than our American brunettes ; but this 
 rose colored view of the situation may have been due to 
 the fact that our people had not seen any women for a 
 loDg time, and sailors just from sea look upon all women 
 as angels. Although these women were as destitute of 
 clothing as the inhabitants of Paradise, yet their actions 
 were entirely modest; and if they seemed to sacrifice this 
 latter quality in being presented to strangers in a state of 
 nudity, it must be remembered that they came forward 
 with evident reluctance, and, no doubt, in compliance 
 with their native virtue, hospitality. 
 
 On the approach of evening, the Essex and her prizes 
 made sail for the island of N'ookaheevah, thirty miles distant 
 from Adams's island, and next morning came to anchor in 
 30 fathoms water, at the mouth of Port Anna Maria, 
 called by Porter Massachusetts bay, a fine harbor four 
 miles in depth and wide enough for a frigate to manoeuvre 
 in. Here the Essex awaited a favorable wind to enter the 
 bay with her prizes. 
 
 Soon after anchoring, a canoe approached the frigate 
 containing three white men, one of whom was tattooed all 
 over the body, and had nothing but a piece of cloth around 
 his loins. As these men were supposed to be deserters 
 from some vessel, they were forbidden to come along-side, 
 or to hold any intercourse with the crew ; and Capt. Porter 
 was much vexed at the prospect of having to deal with 
 the sort of characters he supposed these men to be, fore- 
 seeing nothing but trouble from their influence. The 
 white men paddled back to the shore, joined by all the 
 natives who were intending to come on board. The na- 
 tives now began to assemble on the beach in considerable 
 numbers, armed with spears, and war clubs; and the 
 captain saw that he had been rather too hasty in dealing 
 w^ith the white men, since it was possible they might frus- 
 trate all his intentions of establishing friendly relations 
 with the natives ; and to arrange matters as soon as possi- 
 
174 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 ble, he proceeded to the scene in person with four boats 
 well manned and armed. 
 
 On landing, no person was to be seen on the beach, ex- 
 cept a white man who came forward and reported himself 
 as Mr. John M. Maury, midshipman in the United States 
 navy. This was a strange place to fall in with a midship- 
 man, but the latter explained it by saying that he had left 
 the United States on furlough with Lieut. Lewis for Canton, 
 from which place he had sailed for the island to procure 
 sandal wood. Lewis, after procuring his cargo, had re- 
 turned to Canton, leaving Mr. Maury to collect a fresh 
 stock. Lewis should have been back two months before, 
 but the news of the war with England (brought by the 
 Essex) destroyed all hope of seeing him again, and Maury, 
 applied to be taken on board the frigate. The naked 
 white man was one Wilson, an Englishman, who had been 
 many years in the Marquesas, and had become an Indian 
 in all respects except color. He was apparently a good- 
 hearted fellow, whose only failing was fondness for rum ; 
 and his knowledge of the language, manners, &c., of the 
 natives made him exceedingly useful to the captain of the 
 Essex; and all subsequent interviews, conversations, &c., 
 with the natives were carried on through this man as in- 
 terpreter. 
 
 On Captain Porter walking up to a group of natives, 
 unattended, all their apprehensions seemed to be removed ; 
 the women now came forward, and all the islanders were 
 much pleased with the music of the drum, and the regular 
 movements of the marines, who were exercised on the 
 beach for their benefit. The soldiers were looked upon as 
 spirits, or different from ordinary men ; and though the 
 firing of the muskets caused the women to stop their ears, 
 yet they did not seem terrified. The distribution of knives 
 and fish hooks excited pleasure, but nothing was offered in 
 return as at Adams's island. 
 
 The Captain was now informed that the Happahs, a 
 tribe living in the island beyond the mountains, had made 
 war on the N'ookaheevans and had destroyed many of 
 their houses, plantations, and bread fruit trees ; and in order 
 to ingratiate himself in their good graces he sent word to 
 the Happahs that if they dared to make a hostile incursion 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 175 
 
 into the valley while the Americans remained, that he 
 would send a body of men to chastise them ; but that the 
 Happahs could come and trade freely with the Americans, 
 who would take care that they were not molested by the 
 people of the valley. Captain Porter then informed the 
 valley people (who were much pleased with his action 
 towards the Happahs), that he wanted nothing but what he 
 was willing to pay for ; that the Americans were their 
 friends and would protect them, and that they must leave 
 their weapons at home in order not to be mistaken for 
 hostile Happahs ; for all who appeared in arms would be 
 treated as enemies. 
 
 While all this pow-wow was in progress, a handsome 
 young woman of about 18 years appeared upon the scene. 
 She was of fair complexion and neatly attired, her skin 
 and glossy black hair anointed with cocoa nut oil, her car- 
 riage majestic ; and her whole appearance striking in the 
 extreme. This was Piteenee, granddaughter to Gattanewa 
 the chief of the valley, and she received the attentions 
 which Capt. Porter thought it necessary to show her, with 
 the hauteur of a princess ; yet, notwithstanding her royal 
 airs, this lady soon after formed a connexion with one of 
 the officers of the Essex, which lasted as long as the Ame- 
 ricans remained in the island, though with little fidelity on 
 her part. It must not be supposed that all the women 
 were as handsome as Piteenee, many of them are described 
 as undersized, awkward and ugly, so that a stranger can 
 hardly realize that they belong to the same race as the tall 
 and fine looking men who are everywhere met with on 
 the islands. There is a striking difference between the 
 upper and lower classes. The aristocracy have fairer com- 
 plexions, and take great pains to prevent being sun burned ; 
 but when this misfortune does overtake them, they have a 
 process of bleaching their skins, which is so tedious that 
 nothing but the most overweening vanity could tempt 
 them to make use of it. A Marquesas woman, after under- 
 going this process, and assuming her costume of bark cloth 
 and adorning her hair with plumes, and her hands, arms 
 and feet with ornaments, presents a very striking appear- 
 ance. 
 
 Captain Porter was informed that Gattanewa, the chief, 
 
176 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 was holding out against the Happahs, having two hill 
 forts garrisoned, which commanded the passes leading 
 into the valley. The manner of fortifying, was to place 
 close together, on end, the bodies of large trees, forming a 
 breastwork that would defy almost anything except artil- 
 lery, and from behind these breastworks the defenders 
 showered heavy stones upon an attacking force. 
 
 Captain Porter now returned to the Essex to await the 
 return of the chief, who had been notified of his arrival ; 
 and, while waiting his coming, the ship was warped into 
 the bay and anchored at the bottom of the harbor within 
 half a mile of the white sandy beach. 
 
 The Essex junior hove in sight while these operations 
 were progressing, and Lieut. Downes reported that he had 
 not heard anything of the British ship, of which he went 
 in pursuit, and that she had probably returned home to 
 escape capture. 'Next day all the prizes and the Essex 
 junior were moored near the frigate in one of the best 
 of harbors. 
 
 After the ship was moored, the natives flocked to the 
 beach in large numbers, the women waving their white 
 cloaks as an invitation to visit them. Captain Porter 
 found it impossible to resist the importunities with which 
 he was beset, and consequently the boats were sent on 
 shore and were immediately filled with women, who in- 
 sisted on visiting the ship. While on board, the natives 
 were presented with fish hooks, pieces of iron hoops, and 
 glass bottles — articles to them of inestimable value — and 
 they went on shore highly pleased with the gallantry of 
 their nautical admirers. As for the sailors, they were as 
 much delighted as the natives, and the ship was a scene 
 of merriment such as is very uncommon in a man-of-war. 
 It was found that, of all things on earth, these natives 
 chiefly valued whales' teeth; and it is asserted, that for ten 
 of these a ship could have been loaded with sandal wood 
 at [N'ookaheevah, a cargo worth, in Canton, nearly a million 
 of dollars. 
 
 While deliberating on a place for an encampment prior 
 to commencing repairs on the Essex, Gattanewa arrived 
 from the mountains and was presented with a fine English 
 sow, by Captain Porter, an attention which was highly 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 177 
 
 appreciated by the chief, who was anxious to improve the 
 island breed of swine. When Gattanewa came on board 
 the Essex, Capt. Porter was astonished to see an infirm 
 old fellow of about seventy, and without other covering 
 than a cloth around his loins, and a palm leaf tied about 
 his head. He was as black as a negro, from tattooing, and 
 his skiu was peeling oft' from the quantity of kava (an in- 
 toxicating root) in which he indulged himself. Wishing 
 to impress the chief with an idea of his power. Captain 
 Porter had all the crew assembled, and the great guns 
 fired, but his highness paid little attention to the proceed- 
 ings, beyond stopping his ears at the report. In fact, this 
 distinguished man was very drunk with kava, and was 
 only roused from his lethargy when the Captain showed 
 him some of the precious whales' teeth ; and he was made 
 unspeakably happy when Porter presented him with one 
 of those valuable articles, saying that there w^as nothing 
 else in the ship that he w^anted. Before going on shore 
 Gattanewa exchanged names with Captain Porter, and 
 begged his assistance in the war against the Happahs; but 
 the Captain informed him, that unless the Happahs were 
 the aggressors he should not interfere with them. This 
 did not satisfy Gattanewa, who told him that the Happahs 
 had cursed his mother's bones, and that the Captain and 
 himself having exchanged names, his mother was now the 
 Captain's mother also. 
 
 The chief, on his return to the shore, sent oft* several 
 boat loads of hogs, cocoa nuts, and plantains, which were 
 distributed among the different vessels. 
 
 The ship was now hauled close into the beach, an enclos- 
 ure was formed on shore with casks, inside of which a large 
 tent was pitched, and everything was removed to the shore 
 preparatory to making the necessary repairs. In the mean- 
 time, the predatory Happahs, in spite of the warning they 
 had received from Captain Porter, made another incursion 
 into the valley and destroyed some two hundred bread fruit 
 trees, but on the firing of guns from the frigate they re- 
 treated to the mountains. Soon after this event, the Hap- 
 pahs sent word to Capt. Porter that as the Americans 
 were all cowards, they should soon visit his camp and carry 
 oft' the sails ; and, thinking it highly probable that the 
 23 
 
178 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 natives might attempt to put their threat into execution, he 
 ordered one-fourth of all his available force to be landed, 
 every evening, as a guard for the camp; a tent being 
 erected for his own use at a point where he could see 
 all that was going on. With a view to frighten the Hap- 
 pahs and prevent any more of their troublesome incursions, 
 Capt. Porter determined to give them some idea of the 
 power of his guns ; and he informed Gattanewa that if he 
 would set his people at work to carry a six pounder to the 
 top of the mountains, a force should be sent along to work 
 it and drive away his enemies. To this the chief readily 
 consented, and the gun was accordingly landed and fired a 
 few times over the water, for the edification of the native 
 spectators. They were astonished at the length of time 
 the shot remained in mid air, and delighted at seeing the 
 ball skip along the surface of the water ; and after embrac- 
 ing and fondling the gun for some time, they slung it be- 
 tween two poles, and, to the surprise of the Americans, 
 trudged ofl'with perfect ease to the mountain. 
 
 Meanwhile, repairs were busily prosecuted on board the 
 Essex ; the ship was caulked, and a new supply of water 
 casks set up, the old ones being unfit for use ; everybody 
 was kept busy until 4 p. m. each day, after which the time 
 was devoted to amusement and repose, and one-fourth of 
 the crew allowed to remain on shore until daylight next 
 morning. An oven was constructed on shore and fresh 
 bread served out daily to all hands. Everything was pro- 
 gressing favorably, but the salt provisions were nearly ex- 
 pended, and fish could not be caught here with a seine, nor 
 could a sufficient quantity of hogs be procured from the 
 natives, owing to a scarcity in the valley, to issue pork as 
 a ration to the crew. 
 
 The day after the departure of the gun for the mountains, 
 Mouina, chief warrior of the valley tribe, was introduced 
 to Captain Porter. He was a tall, fine looking young man, 
 with an intelligent countenance, and he made a very favor- 
 able impression on the Americans. He had left the other 
 warriors at the fortified camp, and requested that a bouU 
 (musket) might be fired, as he wished to see its effect. 
 Several Happahs were about the camp, for, notwithstand- 
 ing the bitter war that existed, certain privileged persons 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 179 
 
 were permitted to come and go freely on both sides. To 
 show these individuals the folly of attempting to contend 
 with clubs and spears against firearms, a musket was fired 
 at a mark, to show that a man could seldom be missed ; 
 and a water cask was riddled by a volley from the marines. 
 
 Mouina was much impressed with the effect of the mus- 
 ketry, but the obstinate Happahs said that the bouhis 
 could not harm them ; that they would try the effect of a 
 battle, and if defeated would be willing to make peace ; but 
 the Captain informed them that he should not be so will- 
 ing to make peace after beating them. Seeing that the 
 Happahs were determined upon a conflict, and that they 
 attributed the forbearance of the Americans to cowardice, 
 Capt. Porter concluded to gratify them, and put a stop to 
 a state of affairs which was causing much suffering to his 
 friends in the valley. He knew that a conflict must ensue, 
 sooner or later, and he found that even the people of the 
 valley, which was called Tienhoy, were beginning to lose 
 faith in his ability to vanquish the Happahs. 
 
 Here we will pause a moment, to describe the Island of 
 ISTookaheeva, called by Ingraham Madison's island, where 
 these events were taking place ; it is the largest of the 
 Washington group, being eighteen miles in length and ten 
 in breadth, and is traversed by a range of rocky mountains 
 elevated from three to five thousand feet above the sea, 
 with offsets on either side, extending to the shores ; thus di- 
 viding the island into transverse valleys, watered by copi- 
 ous streams, forming picturesque cascades. The interior 
 highlands are mostly bare and inaccessible, and the rocky 
 coast beaten by the surf. At the time of Porter's visit, 
 each valley was inhabited by different tribes, living to- 
 gether in large families as neighbors. In the Tienhoy 
 valley there were six of these tribes collectively called 
 Taeehs (friends), and Gattanewa was acknowledged as 
 chief by four of them ; but he had great influence besides 
 over the other two. One of these two tribes, the Havouhs, 
 was a democracy, having expelled their chief, a relative of 
 Gattanewa, for misconduct. Their priest Tawattoa had, 
 however, great influence with them, and decided all con- 
 troversies. What government the islanders had, was pa- 
 triarchal; wealth was power, as in more civilized^countries, 
 
180 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 and there was much pride of ancestry. Gattanewa traced 
 his descent for eighty-eight generations^ which is a good deal 
 more than some of onr aristocrats can do ; and, contrary 
 to the Darwinian theory, his family tree 'did not commence 
 with a monkey. According to Nookaheevan tradition, 
 Oataia, or day-light, and Ananoona, his wife, came from 
 Yavao, an island underneath N"ookaheeva, and brought 
 with them bread fruit, sugar cane, and other plants. They 
 had forty children all named after the plants they brought 
 with them, except the eldest son who was called Po or 
 night. They settled in the valley of Tienhoy, but soon 
 spread all over the island ; and Gattanewa drew his chief 
 consideration from the fact of his inheriting the honors of 
 the great Oataia ; and the principal people all over the 
 island were married to his sisters or descendants. 
 
 The Happahs consisted of six tribes, and resided in a 
 valley near Comptroller's bay. On the north of Comp- 
 troller's bay, an extensive, highly cultivated, and beautiful 
 valley was thickly inhabited by the warlike Typees, divided 
 into three tribes. There were numbers of other principal 
 tribes, all of which were subdivided into bands like the 
 Taeehs, Happahs and Typees, and Captain Porter estimated 
 that the combined number of warriors on the island amounted 
 to 19,200 men, of which 2500 were Taeehs, 3000 Happahs 
 and 3500 Typees. Captain Porter accounts for this great 
 number by saying, that old and young all were capable of 
 managing spear, club or sling. Their mode of fighting 
 was a system of constant skirmishing, and the skulls of 
 their enemies were valued as trophies, as is the case with 
 many tribes of Indians on the north-west coast of America. 
 For their combats, they generally selected a plain where 
 one or two natives, decked out in all their finery, advanced 
 towards the opposite party, skillfully avoiding the shower 
 of spears and stones, and dared them to single combat. 
 These were soon pursued by a greater number, who in 
 turn were driven back ; and if an enemy should chance to 
 fall, he was instantly dispatched with clubs and borne off in 
 triumph. Their arms were beautifully made ; the clubs 
 skillfully carved with outlandish figures, and with their 
 slings, made of the fibres of cocoanut bark, they threw 
 stones of the weight of half a pound with a velocity and 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 181 
 
 accuracy that rendered them not a bad substitute for 
 musketry, as the numerous scars, broken limbs and frac- 
 tured skulls of the natives abundantly testified. These 
 then were the people with whom the Americans would 
 soon have to contend, en masse, unless they speedily mani- 
 fested their power over the Happahs. 
 
 On the 28th of October, Gattanewa informed Captain 
 Porter that the gun would be at the summit of the mountain 
 by the time his people could reach that point, a statement 
 which Porter could hardly credit, when he looked at the 
 rugged country over which the gun must pass; but he 
 promised the chief to send forty men with muskets next 
 morning to the spot, asking for an equal number of na- 
 tives to carry provisions and ammunition. That afternoon 
 Gattanewa's wife and several daughters and granddaughters 
 visited the camp, and manifested great interest in every 
 thing they saw, particularly in the animals which they 
 called hogs. Gattanewa's wife had evidently been as 
 handsome in her youth as her descendants were at that 
 moment. She reminded the captain of his exchange of 
 names with her husband, and said, pointing to the others, 
 that these were now his children, who looked to him for 
 protection against the Happahs. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 1 HE morning after the gun was reported as having 
 reached the top of the mountain, the party of seamen and 
 marines, under Lieut. Downes, commenced their march, 
 accompanied by a force of natives to transport their arms 
 and provisions. Just as the party started old Gattanewa 
 arrived, and informed Capt. Porter that his daughter, the 
 wife of a Happah chief, had come as an envoy from the 
 enemy to sue for peace. From Gattanewa's solicitude for 
 peace, compared with his previous desire for hostilities. 
 
182 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Capt. Porter was apprehensive of some treachery; and 
 kaowing that the handful of men he had sent forward were 
 at the mercy of theTaeehs he concluded to hold the old chief 
 as a hostage until the expedition should return. The old 
 man appeared very uneasy at his detention, and repeatedly 
 asked if he was not going to be put to death in case any of 
 the Americans should be injured by the Happahs; and it 
 was with difficulty that his apprehensions were quieted. 
 The party left at the camp consisted of but ten or twelve 
 working men and a sentinel, and they were all busily en- 
 gaged when a native came rushing in, exclaiming that the 
 Happahs were only a short distance from the camp. The 
 alarm gun was fired and everybody sprang to their arms 
 and awaited behind the barrier of water casks the expected 
 attack. Hearing no noise it was believed to be a false 
 alarm, but finally a party of the enemy were seen skulking 
 in the grass, but they took flight as soon as a six pounder 
 was brought to bear on them. 
 
 About eleven o'clock, the party under Lieut. Downes 
 had gained the mountains and could be seen from below 
 driving the Happahs from height to height, the latter fight- 
 ing as they retreated, and daring the Americans to follow 
 them. One of the friendly natives waved an American 
 flag in triumph as he skipped along the mountains. Most 
 of the Taeehs kept at a respectful distance in the rear, but 
 Mouina the chief was to be seen in advance conspicuous 
 by his scarlet cloak and waving plumes. At about 4 p. M. 
 the victorious army was seen descending the mountain, the 
 natives bearing five dead bodies slung on poles. 
 
 Mr. Downes and his men were quite overcome with 
 their unusual exertions. It seems that when they arrived 
 at the summit, the Happahs assailed them with showers 
 of stones and spears, and when driven from their position 
 had sought refuge in a fortress made of the trunks of trees 
 on the brow of a steep declivity. Here they made a stand 
 to the number of three or four thousand, and dared the 
 Americans to the attack. The latter after taking breath 
 rushed up the hill headed by Lieut. Downes, who in ad- 
 vancing was stretched breathless on the ground, by a 
 blow from a stone; and at the same instant, one of his 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 183 
 
 men was pierced through the neck with a spear. This 
 checked the advance for a moment, hut Lieut. Downes soon 
 recovered and gave the order to charge, which was done 
 with three cheers, and amid a shower of stones and spears 
 the Americans entered the fort. Not until this moment 
 did the Happahs think of retreating, and one of them 
 fought until the muzzle of a piece was presented to his 
 forehead and the top of his head blown entirely off. The 
 friendly Indians now collected the dead bodies, and ran to 
 plunder the adjacent village of provisions and household 
 utensils, returning laden with the spoil ; for the Happahs 
 had not thought it necessary to carry anything away, not 
 thinking that a handful of men could defeat their forces. 
 
 It was shocking to see the manner in which the wounded 
 Happahs were treated by the friendly natives. They 
 rushed at them with their war clubs and immediately dis- 
 patched them, after which, each dipped the point of his 
 spear in the blood of the dead men, which nothing could 
 induce them to wipe off. From that time the spear bore 
 the name of the slain, and its value was greatly enhanced. 
 
 Gattanewa was now released, much to his satisfaction. 
 He was greatly in dread of his powerful allies, having 
 heard from the natives with what ease the Americans had 
 captured the fort. The number of the dead exceeded so 
 far that of any previous battle, that he could not realize it. 
 
 The affair was very creditable to the Americans, when 
 we consider that a handful of men were opposed to thou- 
 sands of athletic savages. But two Americans were, 
 wounded, and one Taeeh had his jaw broken by a stone. 
 The dead were laid out in the public square, with the ex- 
 ception of one body which was that of a Taeeh, who had 
 married among the Happahs, whose remains were given to 
 his relations. 
 
 Captain Porter had been informed that the natives were 
 cannibals ; but on questioning Gattanewa although the 
 chief acknowledged that they sometimes had eaten their 
 enemies, he declared that none of his own family were 
 ever known to have tasted human flesh. Several of the 
 dead bodies that had fallen into the hands of the natives 
 were seen unmutilated until they became too much de- 
 
184 Memoik op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 composed to have been eaten. This report of their being can- 
 nibals, was an ugly feature in the character of this other- 
 wise interesting people; but the acknowledgments of 
 Gattanewa left little doubt on Capt. Porter's mind. These 
 natives were generous and benevolent, very cleanly in all 
 their habits. It was remarked that, previous to eating, an 
 islander would first smell of his food, and if in the least 
 degree tainted reject it. How a people so delicate in their 
 tastes, inhabiting a country abounding in delicious fruits, 
 could practice such a loathsome habit as that of cannibal- 
 ism, was beyond conception, and furnished a striking 
 instance of human inconsistency. 
 
 On visiting Gattanewa's wife, Capt. Porter found that 
 she was in a state of terror, fearing that since he had 
 destroyed the Happahs, Porter would treat the Taeehs in 
 the same manner. Bursting into tears she knelt before 
 the Captain, and begged for mercy for herself and chil- 
 dren. The latter soon quieted her fears, and assured 
 her that he would protect the Taeehs against all their 
 enemies, so long as they were friendly, but if any treachery 
 was attempted towards the Americans he would lay the 
 whole valley waste; all of which Taiheatairah communi- 
 cated to the assembled natives in an impassioned speech, 
 to show them the importance of living on friendly terms 
 with the mighty foreigners. 
 
 Gattanewa, in the meantime, was rejoicing over the 
 bodies of the slain in the public square; and on proceed- 
 ing thither, the chief appeared with a cocoanut in one 
 hand containing some sour substance, and in the other a 
 raw fish, which he occasionally dipped in the cocoanut and 
 then ate ; but as soon as he found that this primi- 
 tive mode of eating was ofiensive to the Americans, he 
 desisted from it. The bodies were lying on the ground 
 still attached to the poles by which they had been brought 
 down the mountain, and surrounded by a crowd of ^ve 
 or six hundred warriors beating drums and chanting songs. 
 An important religious ceremony was in fact progressing, 
 in honor of the victory over the Happahs ; possibly as a 
 preliminary to their indulging in the cannibal feast which 
 follows success in battle. To this conjecture was given a 
 
Memoir of Comsjodore David Porter. 185 
 
 coloring of truth, by the confusion which was caused by 
 Captain Porter's appearance on the scene. The natives 
 attempted to conceal the bodies, but the Captain ordered 
 them to be brought back, and an examination showed 
 them not to have been mutilated. In response to Porter's 
 suspicions, the natives protested that they had no inten- 
 tion of eating their enemys' bodies, but requested that 
 they might keep them above ground for a day or two 
 longer, to perform the usual ceremonies on such occasions, 
 to which they had been accustomed from time immemorial. 
 These consisted in singing songs of victory, and returning 
 thanks to their gods, for sending Opetee to their assistance. 
 Whatever may have been the real intentions of the natives, 
 they succeeded in removing from the minds of the Ameri- 
 cans, the suspicion that they were intending to eat the 
 dead bodies. 
 
 A Happah messenger now arrived, and was agreeably 
 surprised when Captain Porter offered him his hand. He 
 reported many of the tribe wounded by musket balls, and 
 that all were desirous of peace. The messenger took back 
 with him a white handkerchief attached to a spear, which 
 he was told would protect any one who bore it ; and the 
 same day Gattanewa's son-in-law arrived under protection 
 of the white handkerchief, to treat for peace, expressing 
 the utmost regret for their past folly, and a desire to make 
 any amends in their power. Peace was accordingly 
 granted, on condition of their sending in once a week a 
 supply of breadfruit, hogs, &c., for the Americans, for 
 which they would receive payment in articles valuable to 
 the natives. In the course of the day, the other Happah 
 chiefs came in and subscribed to the terms proposed, which 
 were much better than they expected to receive; and, 
 within two days, envoys came in from every tribe on the 
 island, with the exception of the warlike Typees and the 
 unpronounceable Hatecaaheottwohos ; the first confid- 
 ing in their strength, and the latter in their distance from 
 the scene of action. These allied tribes ha^ been taught 
 by their priests to believe themselves invincible ; but all 
 the others subscribed to terms, and for several weeks the 
 Americans luxuriated in the good things the island afforded. 
 
 [NToticing that the tent pitched at the camp did not ex- 
 24 
 
186 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 elude the rain, over 4000 of the natives went to work on 
 the 8d of ^N'ovember, and in a single day completed a 
 dwelling house for the captain, another for the officers, a 
 sail loft, a cooper's shop, hospital, bake house, guard house, 
 and a shed for the sentinel to walk under. This village 
 was laid down, according to a plan of Captain Porter, in the 
 form of a crescent ; the buildings connected by a wall four 
 feet in height, and all the work was executed with much 
 neatness and without confusion. When the village was 
 completed, harpoons and iron hoops were distributed 
 to the workmen; and Gattanewa and his people were 
 much pleased that the house built by them was considered 
 the best. 
 
 It seemed strange that these natives, who appeared to 
 have nobody over them exercising any considerable au- 
 thority, and were neither stimulated by rewards nor de- 
 terred by fear of punishment, should conceive and execute 
 works of such magnitude. They seemed to act with one 
 mind and to be influenced by the same impulse. Their 
 greatest achievement was in carrying the gun to the top 
 of the mountain, without the aid of any mechanical appli- 
 ances, and over a country where the unincumbered Ame- 
 ricans could only pass at the risk of breaking their necks; 
 The task was performed by relays of natives, the people 
 of one valley taking the gun a certain distance, and then 
 turning it over to those of the next valley, and so on ; but 
 the building of the Egyptian pyramids seems hardly as 
 wonderful as the achievement of these untutored savages, 
 whose sole object seemed to be to live without exertion in 
 their enervating climate. 
 
 The Typees now began to cause the Americans some 
 uneasiness, as their bad example in continually defying the 
 strangers would, it was feared, operate injuriously on the 
 other tribes. It is an established fact that all savages re- 
 spect you so long as they fear you, but the moment they 
 dare to do so will set you at defiance. Temaa Tipee, a 
 chief of the valley of Showeme, had not been very punctual 
 in sending the supplies which, in common with other 
 chiefs, he had promised the Americans, and his example 
 had the effect of causing the others to fall off; it was, 
 therefore, found necessary to notify this chief of his neglect, 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 187 
 
 and to inform him that in default of compliance with his 
 promises he would be considered as an enemy. The chief 
 replied that he should have been more punctual, but the 
 Happahs refused his people permission to pass through 
 their valley ; which story (although not believed in as its 
 truth was positively denied by the Happahs), was taken as 
 a satisfactory explanation, and Temaa Tipee sent six large 
 canoes loaded with fruit and hogs to propitiate Capt. Porter, 
 and was no doubt rewarded with a couple of iron hoops. 
 
 It was now ascertained that it was not the Happahs but 
 the Typees who had threatened Temaa Tipee, calling him 
 a coward, and saying that they would drive him off his 
 land; and the chief, therefore, claimed the protection of 
 the Americans, which Captain Porter promised him, and 
 sealed the bond of friendship by exchanging names, the 
 chief assuming that of David, while the captain was 
 honored by that of Temaa Tipee. The chief and his tribe 
 were greatly pleased with this compliment and ever after- 
 wards conducted themselves with great propriety. Tavee 
 (as Temaa Tipee called himself), was a very handsome man 
 and exceedingly fond of ornamenting his person, and to 
 such an extent did he carry his love for finery, as to offer 
 his handsome wife (of whom he seemed to be very fond), 
 for a string of glass beads ! 
 
 It now became necessary to have a perfect understand- 
 ing with the Typees, and a messenger was sent to enquire 
 of them if they wished to be at peace with the Americans 
 or not, informing them that the latter had sufficient 
 strength to drive them into the sea, but would grant the 
 Typees the same terms as the other tribes, only requiring 
 an exchange of presents as a proof of their friendly dispo- 
 sition. In reply the Typees said that they saw no reason 
 why they should want the friendship of the Americans, 
 having got along thus far without it ; or why they should 
 present the strangers with fruit and hogs ; that if Porter 
 was strong enough he would come and take them ; and 
 that it was time enough to think of parting with their pro- 
 visions, when they could no longer keep their valley. This 
 message was delivered to Capt. Porter in the presence 
 of Gattanewa, Mouina, and many of the friendly tribes. 
 Mouina foamed with rage, and was for immediate hostili- 
 
188 Memoie of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 * 
 
 ties ; but old Gattanewa became serious, and said that he 
 would send his son to advise the Typees to be friendly, 
 and even ottered to go himself and inform the enemy of 
 the dreadful etiects of the bouhies and of the madness of re- 
 sistance. The son accordingly departed, and in two days 
 brought messages from the Typees to the eflect that 
 Gattanewa and all his people were cowards; that the 
 Americans had beaten the Happahs because they were 
 cowards; that Porter and his people were white lizards 
 and mere dirt, and much more iilthy abuse which they 
 must have obtained from contact with civilized people, 
 as such expressions were not common among the simple 
 islanders. They sneered at the Americans, who, they 
 said, were incapable of enduring the slightest fatigue, and 
 could not climb the mountains without the assistance of 
 the natives. They dared Porter to come to their valley, 
 and said, they did not dread the bouhies as much as they 
 were dreaded by the cowardly Taeehs and Happahs. 
 
 When these insulting messages were delivered Gatta- 
 newa withdrew all opposition to war, saying the Typees 
 deserved chastisement, while Mouina demanded immediate 
 action : but Captain Porter, not thinking it advisable to 
 submit to any dictation, checked Mouina's impetuosity for 
 fear his example might become contagious, and that he 
 might find it difficult to keep the natives under that con- 
 trol by which only could the Americans be secure against 
 such a great preponderance of numbers. He informed 
 the chief that his opinion was not required, and that he 
 should not consult him in any way about going to war or 
 making peace ; and that if he could not conduct himself 
 more respectfully, he must leave the enclosure. It was not 
 to be expected that one of the lords of the soil would bear 
 such language with patience, especially as it is probable 
 the interpreter interlarded it with some spicy inventions 
 of his own ; and Mouina, as soon as he recovered from his 
 astonishment, coolly informed Capt. Porter that he believed 
 he was a coward. The Captain, on the impulse of the 
 moment, pursued the chief, and presenting a musket at his 
 head, threatened him with destruction should he repeat 
 such conduct, at the same time ordering the terror stricken 
 native never to set foot in the enclosure again. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 189 
 
 It was now determined to make a combined attack on 
 the Typees by land and sea, altbougb Capt. Porter was in 
 hopes that the Typees, when they heard what extensive 
 preparations were making, would be induced to sue for 
 peace. The Taeehs and Happahs were notified to hold 
 themselves in readiness, and were so delighted at the pros- 
 pect of war that they could think of nothing else. Capt. 
 Porter, apprehensive (from the fickleness of the natives), 
 that his allies were not much to be depended upon, con- 
 cluded to construct a fort for the protection of the American 
 village ; and also to secure the Taeehs against incursions 
 from any other tribes. The possession of this fort would 
 also ensure perfect protection to the Americans, in case the 
 natives should prove treacherous, by no means an unlikely 
 circumstance. Porter was also of opinion that these islands 
 would some day be valuable to the United States, and he 
 was desirous to strengthen the claim of our government 
 by every means in his power. Gattanewa and his people, 
 so far from objecting to the erection of a fort, requested 
 that they might go to work on it as soon as possible, and 
 in response to Porter's inquiries whether they would be 
 faithful to the American flag, said that they would always 
 receive the Americans as brothers and prevent their ene- 
 mies the English from coming among them ; for they well 
 knew that war existed between the two nations, and that 
 all the vessels in port except the Essex had been taken 
 from the English. Finding that the natives were anxious 
 for an alliance with the Americans, Captain Porter pro- 
 mised them that as soon as the fort was built a treaty 
 should be signed, which would make them all brothers of 
 one nation. The fort was soon constructed with casks 
 filled with sand on an elevation difficult of assault, and 
 commanding the town and harbor. The Captain directed 
 the work, and showed that he had the talents of an en- 
 gineer, as well as those of a seaman. The fort was calcu- 
 lated for sixteen guns, but, for the present, it was not 
 thought necessary to mount but four. On the 14th the 
 work was completed, the Taeehs all the time talking of war 
 with the Typees, and anticipating the plunder they would 
 get from their enemies. 
 
 About this time, Capt. Porter discovered a conspiracy 
 
190 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 among his prisoners, the object of which was to get pos- 
 session of the Essex Junior ; a very foolish, and, consider- 
 ing the kindness with which they had been treated, a very 
 treacherous scheme. The prisoners had been permitted 
 to go where they pleased, without any restraint, under a 
 promise of conducting themselves with propriety and not 
 absenting themselves, much to the surprise of the natives, 
 who wondered why the Americans did not kill them. This 
 indulgence only encouraged the prisoners in the hope of 
 making their escape. Lawson, the mate of the Hammond, 
 was the ringleader, and the night of the 14th was fixed on 
 for making the attempt, which was to be inaugurated by 
 getting such of the crew as remained on board the Essex 
 junior intoxicated by means of rum mixed with laudanum. 
 The third mate, with the prisoners on shore, was to get pos- 
 session of the canoes on the beach, and with them to sur- 
 prise the ship and take her to sea, there being no other 
 vessel in condition to follow her, and no powder on board 
 l^the frigate with which to stop her. 
 
 Captain Porter learned of these plans almost as soon as 
 they were conceived, and willing to humor the conspirators, 
 gave them every chance to make the attempt, adopting at 
 the same time suitable precautions for securing them. 
 The two sentinels placed over the rum casks on the gun 
 deck had been corrupted by some of the conspirators, and 
 had connived at their stealing liquor, but the theft was dis- 
 covered and the sentries severely punished. I^Text evening, 
 on making his usual round of the camp to see that every- 
 thing was right, the sentinel at the bake house was found 
 asleep. The necessity of great vigilance had been im- 
 pressed on the minds of everyone, both on account of the 
 prisoners and of the natives. The friendly footing on 
 which the Americans stood with the natives was entirely 
 owing to the latter being convinced that the Americans 
 were always on their guard, and the Captain was deter- 
 mined that the safety of the whole should not be hazarded 
 by one man. The culprit, therefore, received a ball 
 through the fleshy part of his thigh, and this example had 
 the desired effect of rendering the men more vigilant. 
 Should the punishment awarded the sentry seem severe, it 
 should be remembered that a court martial would have pro- 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 191 
 
 bably sentenced him to death, as the only penalty adequate 
 to such an offense. 
 
 Sunday night had' been fixed upon, by the conspirators, 
 for making their attempt ; but the day before, a ship hove 
 in sight off* the mouth of the harbor, and the Essex junior 
 immediately gave chase to her. Capt. Porter at once put 
 all the prisoners in irons, thus terminating their hope of 
 escape; and to punish their violation of parole, they were 
 set to work to build a stone wall around the village, which 
 was finished before the Essex left the place. 
 
 The next day the strange sail, which had been chased 
 by the Essex junior, came into port, and proved to be the 
 American ship Albatross, from the Sandwich islands, in 
 search of sandal wood; but the captain of the Essex was 
 sorry to see her in this place, as he was afraid that she 
 would make the whereabouts of his vessel known. 
 
 About this time a circumstance occurred which threat- 
 ened disagreeable consequences, but ended very pleasantly ; 
 so that, on the whole, the Captain did not regret it. 
 Robert Dunn, quarter master, had been threatened with 
 punishment by the officer of the watch for neglect of duty ; 
 but Dunn said that his time of enlistment had expired, 
 and if punished he would never again do duty. This 
 being reported to the Captain, caused him great uneasi- 
 ness, for most of the crew were in the same situation as 
 Dunn. Promptness and decision were necessary at this 
 crisis, and all hands were immediately mustered on the 
 quarter deck and informed of Dunn's offense. Dunn was 
 then prepared for a flogging at the gangway, (an unusual 
 occurrence on board the Essex), and informed by the Cap- 
 tain that after punishing him severely, he would turn him 
 on shore, for as his time was out it was proper that he 
 should have his discharge. He then addressed the ship's 
 company, commenting on the impropriety of Dunn's con- 
 duct, and the evils it would lead to if tolerated. He 
 said that many of their times were out; and from that 
 moment he gave up all claim upon their services; that they 
 were their own masters and should have their discharges 
 on the spot. To those who wished to enlist again to serve 
 the cruise, he would give the usual advance, and on a 
 suitable occasion, three days liberty on shore; that such 
 
192 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 as did not desire to reenlist, but would bind themselves to 
 do duty might remain on board until the ship arrived in 
 some civilized place; that they should be supplied with 
 food, but should receive neither pay nor prize money. 
 Such as wished their discharge were to hand in their 
 names so that their papers could be made out. 
 
 Having ended his speech the Captain ordered Dunn to be 
 punished, when the officers and petty officers stepped for- 
 ward and solicited his pardon, on the ground that he was 
 intoxicated at the time of committing his offense. Dunn 
 also begged for forgiveness, and as a proof of his attach- 
 ment to the ship requested that his name might be placed 
 first on the shipping list. This was all that the Captain 
 required. He merely wished to let his crew understand 
 that he would not submit to insubordination ; and an ac- 
 knowledgment of fault went far with him in remitting 
 punishment. Dunn was pardoned, and all those whose 
 times were out reenlisted, except one man who, from some 
 whim, did not desire to ship though wishing to remain on 
 duty. 
 
 This affair was very adroitly managed by Capt. 
 Porter, who in all probability did not intend to punish 
 Dunn ; as according to the strict letter of the law, he had 
 no right to do so, the man's time having expired. He de- 
 sired to rule without the colt and cats if he could, but was 
 determined at all hazards to maintain discipline. 
 
 The arrival of the Albatross pleased the sailors mightily ; 
 she had brought from China a cargo of beads and trinkets 
 to exchange for sandal wood, and they soon disposed of 
 their advance money, which was only so much trash, in 
 exchange for articles which they knew would please the 
 native girls, who hearing of the abundance of peepees, 
 (beads), and other tie ties (presents), with which their 
 admirers were supplied, flocked to the settlement from every 
 tribe with whom the Americans were at peace. 
 
 On the 19th of ISTovember, 1813, the American flag was 
 hoisted over the fort, and a salute of seventeen guns fired, 
 which was returned by the shipping. The island was then 
 formally taken possession of, for the United States, and 
 called Madison's island, the village Madisonville, the fort. 
 Fort Madison, and the harbor Massachusetts bay. The 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 193 
 
 act of taking possession was read and signed, and the pros- 
 perity of the newly acquired territory was drank by all 
 present. The natives were much pleased when the object 
 of the ceremony was explained to them, at being made 
 Malleekees (Americans) and wanted to know if their new 
 chief was as great a man as Gattanewa. The following is 
 the Declaration, which will show that we possess a right 
 to what may become a very important commercial point. 
 
 Declaration. — It is hereby made known to the world that I 
 David Porter a captain in the navy of the United States of America 
 and now in command of the United States frigate the Essex, have 
 on the part of the said United States taken possession of the island 
 called by the natives Nookaheevah, generally known by the name of 
 Sir Henry Martin's island, but now called Madison's island. That 
 by the request and assistance of the friendly tribes residing in the 
 valley of Tienhoy, as well as of the tribes residing on the mountains, 
 whom we have conquered and rendered tributary to our flag, I have 
 caused the village of Madison to be built consisting of six convenient 
 houses, a rope walk, bakery and other appurtenances, and for the 
 protection of the same, as well as for that of the friendly natives, I 
 have constructed a fort calculated for mounting sixteen guns whereon 
 I have mounted four, and called the same Fort Madison. 
 
 Our rights to this island being founded on priority of discovery, 
 conquest and possession cannot be disputed ; but the natives to se- 
 cure to themselves that friendly protection which their defenseless 
 situation so much required, have requested to be admitted into the 
 great American family, whose pure republican policy approaches 
 so near their own ; and in order to encourage these views to their 
 own interest and happiness, as well as to render secure our claim to 
 an island valuable on many considerations, I have taken on myself 
 to promise them that they shall be so adopted ; that our chief shall 
 be their chief; and they have given assurances that such of their 
 brethren as may hereafter visit them, from the United States, shall 
 enjoy a welcome and hospitable reception among them, and be fur- 
 nished with whatever refreshments and supplies the island may afi"ord ; 
 that they will protect them against all their enemies ; and that, as 
 far as lies in their power, they will prevent the subjects of G-reat 
 Britain (knowing them to be such) from coming among them until 
 peace shall take place between the two nations. 
 
 Presents consisting of the produce of the island to a great amount 
 have been brought in by every tribe in the island, not excepting the 
 most remote, and have been enumerated as follows : (Here follows 
 enumeration of thirty-one tribes.) 
 25 
 
194 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Most of the above have requested to be taken under the protec- 
 tion of our flag ; and all have been willing to purchase on any terms 
 a friendship which promises to them so many advantages. 
 
 Influenced by considerations of humanity, which promises speedy 
 civilization to those who enjoy every mental and bodily endowment, 
 which nature can bestow, and which requires only art to perfect, as 
 well as by views of policy, which secures to my country a fruitful 
 and populous island, possessing every advantage of security and sup- 
 plies for vessels ; and which of all others is the most happily situated, 
 as respects climate and local position; I declare that I have in the 
 most solemn manner, under the American flag displayed in Fort 
 Madison and in the presence of numerous witnesses, taken posses- 
 sion of the said island, called Madison's island for the use of the 
 United States, whereof I am a citizen ; and that the act of taking 
 possession was announced by a salute of seventeen guns from the 
 artillery of Fort Madison, and returned by the shipping in the har- 
 bor, which is hereafter to be called Massachusetts Bay. And that 
 our claim to this island may not be hereafter disputed, I have 
 buried in a bottle at the foot of the flagstaff" in Fort Madison, a copy 
 of this instrument together with several pieces of money the coin of 
 the United States. 
 
 In witness whereof, I have hereunto affixed my signature, this 
 19th day of November, 1813. 
 
 David Porter. 
 
 Witnesses present — John Downes, Lieutenant U. S. N. ; James 
 P. Wilmer, Lieutenant U. S. N. ; S. D. McKnight, Acting Lieuten- 
 ant U. S. N. ; Jno. Gr. Cowell, Acting Lieutenant ; David P. Adams, 
 Chaplain U. S. N. ; John M. Gamble, Lieutenant U. S. Marines; 
 Kichard K. Hofi'man, Acting Surgeon U. S. N. ; John M. Maury, 
 Midshipman U. S. N. ; M. W. Bostwick, Acting Midshipman U. S. 
 N. ; William Smith, Master of the American Ship Albatross; Wil- 
 liam H. Odenheimer, Acting Sailing Master U. S. N. ; Wilson P. 
 Hunt, Agent for the American North Pacific Fur Company; P. de 
 Mecter, Benjamin Clapp, citizens of the United States. 
 
 The fact of taking possession of the island in this formal 
 manner may be thought indiscreet, or at all events un- 
 necessary on the part of the American commander ; but, 
 it must be remembered, that he was only following the 
 custom of all civilized nations under similar circumstances, 
 and that the discovery and exploration of the group by 
 Ingraham and Roberts had given us an undoubted claim 
 over the British and French. The advantages to the 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 195 
 
 United States of the Washington islands were not so evi- 
 dent then, as they are now to the great mass of people who 
 seldom take the trouble to look beyond the end of their 
 noses ; but Captain Porter fully appreciated their value 
 then, as France does at the present time. 
 
 A straight line run through the Marquesas from Panama 
 will strike the great port of Sydney in Australia. Eng- 
 land, who is belting the world, in all directions, \^'ith her 
 lines of steamers, and whose very existence depends on 
 the maintenance of her commerce, will, in a very short 
 time, have a line of swift vessels from England to Australia, 
 via Panama, l^ookaheevah will then be the principal port 
 of deposit for coal'and other supplies, for which purposes 
 it has no equal. Instead of taking two months to get to 
 Australia, the shortest time by which a passage can be 
 made via the Cape of Good Hope, steamers of fair speed 
 will go from England via Panama in forty-four days. That 
 is England's advantage in the Pacific ; and it seems strange 
 that she should have let the French, who do nothing for 
 colonization, or for commerce, take possession of the 
 Marquesas islands. 
 
 ISTature has given the islands of the Pacific advantages 
 that will, not many years hence, result in the foundation 
 of a great empire in that quarter, when the last remnant 
 of the once numerous tribes will have disappeared before 
 the advances of civilization : but we have wandered from 
 the Essex, to which we must now return. 
 
 All hands were now desirous to get away from the 
 Washington islands, and follow up former successes, and did 
 everything to hasten the Essex's departure. The Captain 
 sold the guns of Fort Madison to the captain of the Albatross, 
 (which vessel soon dep'arted for China), to do away with 
 the impression that the taking possession of the island was 
 anything more than a mere formality ; but, as soon as the 
 ship had gone, they were replaced by others. 
 
 Mr. John J. King, master's mate, was now directed to 
 take command of the N"ew Zealander ; and, after taking 
 on board all the oil from the other prizes, to proceed to 
 the United States. 
 
196 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 CHAPTEE XIII. 
 
 APT. Porter had hoped that no occasion would occur 
 to carry out his threat against the Typees ; but the Taeehs, 
 the Happahs and Shouemes made urgent complaints of the 
 insults and aggressions of the Typees. They had threat- 
 ened to drive one tribe off their land, and they had thrown 
 stones and otherwise insulted individuals of other tribes. 
 These were not very serious offenses, and likely not more 
 than they had done before ; but the Taeehs and Happahs 
 became very solicitous for war, and began to utter loud 
 complaints, that (as all the other tribes on the island had 
 formed an alliance with the Americans) the Typees should 
 be tolerated in their insolence, and excused from supply- 
 ing them as the rest had done. The more distant tribes 
 had now discontinued bringing in their supplies, and the 
 others had fallen off' considerably, complaining that the 
 Americans had nearly exhausted all their stock, while the 
 Typees were enjoying abundance. "Lead us to the 
 Typees," they said, " and we shall be able to furnish you 
 from their valley. You have long threatened them, their 
 insults have been great, you have promised to protect us 
 against them, and yet permit them to offer violence to us ; 
 and while you have made every other tribe tributary, you 
 permit the Typees to triumph with impunity. Our canoes 
 are in readiness, our warriors impatient, and for less pro- 
 vocation had you not been here, we should have engaged 
 in hostilities. Let us punish these Typees and bring them 
 to the same terms to which we have agreed; and the 
 whole island will then be at peace." 
 
 These were the sentiments expressed by the Taeehs and 
 Happahs ; but Tavee seemed determined to remain neutral, 
 he was separated from the Taeehs, by the valley of the 
 Typees ; and they had it in their power to retort on him 
 at will, and so in spite of his grievances Tavee was unwill- 
 ing to go to war. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 197 
 
 Finding it absolutely necessary for his own salvation, to 
 bring about a conflict, Porter on the 27th ITovember, in- 
 formed his allies that he should commence hostilities next 
 day, and directed Gattanewa to proceed on board the 
 Essex junior, with two persons who were to be sent to the 
 Typees on the arrival of the ship in their bay, to offer them 
 the same terms as had been accepted by the other tribes. 
 The Essex junior sailed in the afternoon; and next morn- 
 ing, at three o'clock, Captain Porter proceeded with ^ve 
 boats, well manned and armed, accompanied by ten war 
 canoes, the natives blowing their conchs as a signal to 
 keep together. At sunrise they arrived at the Typee land- 
 ing, where they were joined by ten war canoes from the 
 Happahs, and the Essex junior, which anchored oft the 
 landing. The tops of the neighboring mountains were 
 covered with Taeehs and Happahs, armed with spears, 
 clubs and slings ; and the beach was thronged with war- 
 riors, who had come in the canoes or joined them from the 
 hills. The whole force amounted to at least five thousand 
 men, but not a sign of the Typees could be seen. Back 
 of the beach was a small level plain, backed by an im- 
 penetrable thicket and the only approach to habitations 
 seemed to be a narrow pathway leading through the 
 swamp. The boats and canoes were drawn up on the 
 beach, and Lieut. Downes landed with fifteen men, which, 
 with the twenty from the Essex, were supposed to be 
 sufficient to bring the Typees to terms. 
 
 We give the account of this affair pretty much in Capt. 
 Porter's own words, as injustice would be done by any 
 material abridgment. 
 
 In the meantime the Typees had appeared in the 
 bushes, and pelted the invaders with stones while eating 
 breakfast, but without doing any damage. One of the 
 ambassadors (who having married a Typee woman, was a 
 privileged character among the hostile natives) was sent 
 under a white flag to inform the Typees that Opotee had 
 come prepared to offer them peace or war ; all he required 
 was, that they should submit to the same terms as had 
 been complied with by the other tribes ; and that their 
 friendship would be much more pleasing to him, than any 
 satisfaction he expected to derive from chastising them. 
 
198 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 The ambassador returned to tlie beach in a very few 
 moments, the picture of terror, and reported that he had 
 met an ambuscade in the bushes ; and that the Typees, 
 regardless of his flag of truce, had driven him back threat- 
 ening him with death if he again ventured among them. 
 At this moment a shower of stones from the bushes con- 
 firmed the ambassador's story and a native darted across 
 the pathway, who was knocked over by a shot through 
 the leg and carried ofi* by his friends; war had now com- 
 menced in earnest, and the order was given to march. 
 
 The brave Mouina had already forgotten the difficulty 
 between himself and Captain Porter, or else his love of 
 fighting had overcome his ill humor, and he placed him- 
 self as usual in advance. On entering the bushes, the 
 party was assailed by spears and stones, which came in all 
 directions from difierent bands of the enemy lying in 
 ambush. The snapping of slings, and the whizzing of 
 stones and spears, was incessant, but not an enemy could 
 be seen or the sound of a voice heard. To remain still 
 would have been fatal to the Americans ; to have retreated 
 would have convinced the natives of their incapacity, and 
 the only safety for our people was to advance, and clear 
 the thicket, which they were informed was of no great 
 extent. 
 
 The attacking party had advanced about a mile, and 
 had received no injury nor had they inflicted any on the 
 Typees, so far as they knew; although a scattering fire 
 had been kept up on the enemy as they darted from tree 
 to tree. At last they reached a small opening on. the 
 bank of a river, whence from a thicket on the opposite 
 side, a stone was thrown which shattered the bone of Lieut. 
 Downes's leg. Parties of the enemy, in ambush, had 
 been left in the rear, as it was impossible to dislodge 
 them, and to trust the wounded officer to his native allies 
 to take to a place of safety, would be hazarding too much ; 
 while Capt. Porter was fearful of weakening his own force 
 by detaching any part of it as an escort. To have turned 
 back, would have been considered by every native as an 
 acknowledgment of defeat. So far, the allied tribes had 
 stood silent spectators of the scene; waiting, no doubt, to 
 take sides with the stronger party. The mountain sides 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 199 
 
 were thronged with Happahs, whose fidelity the Ameri- 
 cans, as well as the Taaehs, had good reason to doubt. A 
 defeat would no doubt have sealed the destruction of the 
 Americans ; and Porter now found that he had come with 
 inadequate means to reduce the Typees ; having received 
 erroneous impressions regarding the country through which 
 he must pass. There was no other alternative but to go 
 on ; something was necessary to convince all the tribes of 
 American superiority; the accompanying Indians were 
 dropping oiFand no time was to be lost in deliberating. 
 
 Mr. Shaw with four men was now directed to escort 
 Lieut. Downes to the beach ; and this, with the party left 
 to guard the boats, reduced the sailors and marines to 
 twenty-four, who pushed rapidly forward. The allies had 
 fallen off wonderfully, and even Mouina hung back. While 
 he had kept in advance, he was of great service ; for, by 
 the astonishing quickness of his eye, he had put those be- 
 hind him on their guard, and enabled them to elude the 
 shower of stones and spears ; but now they came so thick 
 that even he had to retire to avoid them. 
 
 The Americans soon reached the ford in the river ; on 
 the opposite side of which, the Typees, in great numbers, 
 made a stand in the thick bushes, and discharged a shower 
 of missiles on the invaders. Here the advance was checked 
 for a few moments, the banks of the river being steep their 
 
 ^ retreat would have been difficult and dangerous in case of 
 a repulse. The stream was deep and rapid, and the at- 
 tempt to ford hazardous, on account of the exposed situa- 
 tion of the men crossing in face of a thousand savages. 
 Finding it impossible to dislodge the natives with musketry, 
 Capt. Porter ordered the men to fire a volley, and dash 
 across the river ; and with three hearty cheers the sailors 
 gained the opposite bank. 
 
 The march was now still more difficult, for the under- 
 wood was so interlaced that it was sometimes necessary 
 for the men to crawl on their hands and knees to get for- 
 ward, all the time harassed by the irrepressible Typees. 
 Only Mouina and two of his men had kept up with the 
 Americans, the rest of the allies had halted on the bank of 
 
 ' the river. 
 
 They now reached a small clearing, free of trees or 
 
200 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 bushes, the natives had ceased to annoy them, and they 
 hoped soon to arrive at the Typee village, which was but a 
 short distance ahead. But their joy was of short duration, 
 for they soon perceived a strong and extensive wall, seven 
 feet in height, crowning an eminence covering the road, 
 and flanked on each side by an impenetrable thicket, from 
 which they were assailed with such showers of stones min- 
 gled with horrid yells as left no doubt on their minds that 
 this was the Typee stronghold. The Americans were now 
 in an awkward position, exposed to the missiles of the 
 enemy without any adequate shelter. Capt. Porter, Lieut. 
 Gamble and Surgeon Hoffman, from behind a tree, were 
 enabled to annoy the Typees as they appeared above the 
 wall to throw their missiles. Tliese were the only muskets 
 that could be employed to advantage, the rest keeping up 
 a scattering fire without effect. Orders were now given to 
 storm the fort, but it was found that some of the men had 
 expended their ammunition, and none of them had mor5 
 than four or i^ve cartridges remaining. This news threw 
 a damper on the whole party, for without ammunition 
 their weapons were inferior to those of the savages. They 
 could neither advance nor retreat with safety ; and their 
 only chance was to hold their ground, until a fresh supply 
 of ammunition could arrive. 
 
 Lieut. Gamble and four men were therefore dispatched 
 to the beach to procure from the Essex junior a fresh 
 supply ; and Capt. Porter and his remaining companions 
 were now kept busy in eluding the stones which flew in 
 every direction. Fortunately, the natives fought accord- 
 ing to their established tactics, never sallying out, or ex- 
 posing themselves to capture. If they had made a rush at 
 this time, the Americans would probably have been over- 
 powered ; but the latter keeping up an occasional fire to 
 show that they had no intention of retreating, kept the 
 Typees in check. 
 
 The number of the Americans was now reduced to nine- 
 teen, and Capt. Porter was the only officer left ; all the 
 allies had deserted except the brave Mouina ; and, to add 
 to their troubles, three of the men had been knocked over 
 with stones. Mouina begged Porter to retreat, crying 
 *' mattee, mattee," and the wounded entreated him to per- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 201 
 
 mit their comrades to carry them to the beach ; but this 
 was out of the question, though there seemed to be 
 no hope of success with so small a force, while the Tjpees 
 remained in their stronghold ; and the Captain, therefore, 
 determined to draw them out by a feigned retreat, and by 
 this means gain some advantage, for he believed that 
 to return without this would have rendered an attack 
 from the Happahs certain. These people had no doubt 
 deceived him all along, and had led him through the 
 most difficult passes, hoping to get the Americans in 
 a position where all parties could attack them with a cer- 
 tainty of success. Never was a man placed in a more 
 difficult position ; but Capt. Porter's coolness and self pos- 
 session did not for a moment desert him. He ordered the 
 wounded to be taken charge of, and for all to run to the 
 rear until concealed by the bushes. As the men retreated 
 the natives rushed after them with hideous yells. The 
 first and second to advance were killed at a distance of a 
 few paces, and those who attempted to carry them off 
 were wounded; whereupon, they abandoned their dead, 
 and precipitately retreated. 
 
 Taking advantage of the confusion into which the 
 Typees were thrown, the Americans fell back across the 
 river with their wounded ; they were scarcely over the 
 stream, when the natives again attacked them ; but this 
 did not prevent the Americans from returning to the 
 beach. They were much fatigued with marching and fight- 
 ing, and had now learned to hold their enemy in more 
 respect, as by no means contemptible antagonists, and to 
 properly appreciate the difficulties to be overcome in 
 reaching them. 
 
 On his arrival at the beach, Capt. Porter found a rein- 
 forcement of men from the Essex junior, together with a 
 supply of ammunition. He was desirous of sounding the 
 Typees, before proceeding to further extremities, as also 
 to impress the allies with the idea that he could carry all 
 before him ; assuming the air and manner of a conqueror, 
 although he says he felt very little like one. 
 
 One of the ambassadors was now directed to proceed 
 to the Typee stronghold, to tell the enemy that with a 
 handful of men he had driven them into their fort; that 
 26 
 
202 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 he had killed and wounded several of their party, and now 
 had sufficient force on shore to drive them out of their 
 valley ; but not wishing to injure them, he would still 
 grant them the terms first proposed. The Typees sent 
 back word to Opotee, that they had killed his chief war- 
 rior (Lieut. Downes), and wounded several of his people, 
 compelling him to retreat. It was true, they said, he had 
 killed two of them and wounded many others, but con- 
 sidering their superior numbers what was this compared 
 to the injury done to the Americans. The Typees had 
 plenty of men to spare, the Americans had not. If the 
 latter were able to drive them from the valley, what was 
 the use of telling them about it; they would only believe 
 it when they saw it done. They said they were as well 
 acquainted with the number of Porter's men as himself; 
 they knew their own strength and the numbers they could 
 oppose, and held the bouhies in more contempt than 
 ever ; they frequently missed fire, rarely killed, and the 
 wounds they inflicted were not nearly so painful as those 
 of a spear or stone; and they knew that the bouhies 
 would be perfectly useless if it came on to rain. They 
 dared the Americans to renew the contest, and assured 
 them they would not retreat beyond the fort where the 
 latter had left them. As the men were overcome with 
 fatigue, and discouraged by the formidable appearance 
 of the fortress, Capt. Porter determined to leave the Ty- 
 pees for the present, but meditated a severe punishment 
 for them in the future. 
 
 The Happahs had now descended the hills with their 
 arms ; the Shouemes also appeared, and " the Typees 
 have driven the white men " was the burden of their con- 
 versation. The handful of Americans were surrounded by 
 several thousand Indians upon whose professions of friend- 
 ship they could not rely. Everybody was now directed to 
 go on board the Essex junior ; but they had hardly reached 
 the ship, when the Typees rushed from their cover and drove 
 the allies into their canoes or into the water ; upon seeing 
 this Capt. Porter and his men again pulled towards the 
 shore, causing the enemy to beat a precipitate retreat. 
 When the allies in turn pursued them, knocking over one 
 of the Typee warriors, whose body they carried off in 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 203 
 
 triumph. Seeing that the Typees would not face his men 
 in a clear space, and being disgusted with bush fighting, 
 Porter returned with the boats to Massachusetts bay, and 
 was followed by the Essex junior. 
 
 The behavior of the friendly tribes, and particularly the 
 Happahs, after the supposed defeat of the Americans, con- 
 vinced Porter that he had no alternative but to prove his 
 superiority by defeating the Typees ; for it was obvious 
 that the whole of the tribes would soon join the conquering 
 side, as is the custom with savages, and the safety of the 
 Americans as well as the interests of the government 
 would be compromised b}^ any failure to renew hostilities. 
 So selecting two hundred men from the vessels, he directed 
 them to be ready to start at daylight next morning, and 
 cautioned every one to secrecy not wishing to be annoyed 
 by the presence of his native allies, whom he had found 
 worse than useless. Finding that the boats were leaking 
 so as to be unfit to carry the party, he had the men landed 
 that night, and as the moon shone brightly he hoped to be 
 at the Typee valley long before daylight. 
 
 Supposing he would not be accompanied by many natives, 
 Porter hoped, by moving noiselessly, to surprise the Typees 
 and take some prisoners, which would probably bring the 
 enemy to terms, and avoid the ne(?essity of bloodshed. 
 The crew of the Essex composed the main body, the scout- 
 ing parties from the other vessels being headed by their 
 respective officers. Gattanewa and his people were now 
 notified, that they might not be alarmed at the warlike 
 movements. 
 
 The advance was directed to halt on top of the mountain 
 and await the coming of the main body. Several gave out 
 before they reached the summit, which was attained with 
 great difficulty ; but after rest and refreshment, as it was 
 bright moonlight, and the guides informed him (very in- 
 correctly as it turned out), that they were not more than 
 six miles from the enemy, he gave the order to march on. 
 Several Taeehs had joined the party, but silence had been 
 enjoined upon them as they were under the necessity of 
 passing a Happah village, and were fearful that the Hap- 
 pahs would discover them, and give information to the 
 Typees. i*[ot a whisper was heard along the line. The 
 
204 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 guides marching in front and the sailors and marines fol- 
 lowing in silence, up and down the rocky sides of the 
 mountains, through swamps and thickets, across streams 
 and along the sides of precipices, which made the adven- 
 turous crew shudder. 
 
 At midnight the drum was heard beating in the Typee 
 camp, and the singing and lights in the village gave the 
 impression that the enemy were rejoicing. The guides 
 said they were celebrating the victory over the Americans, 
 and calling on their gods to give rain and render the bou- 
 hies useless. 
 
 The party had now arrived at the pathway leading into 
 the Typee valley, but the guides insisting that it was im- 
 possible to descend the mountain without daylight, as it 
 was almost perpendicular, and that in many places it would 
 be necessary to lower themselves down with great caution, 
 Porter concluded to await patiently the return of day. 
 Experience had shown him that when the Indians con- 
 sidered the roads bad, they were really so ; and as the men 
 were very much adverse to risking their necks any longer 
 at night, he concluded to* follow the advice of the natives, 
 treacherous as they might be. 
 
 Capt. Porter was now in what he considered a good 
 position, being in possession of the pathway to the valley, 
 he could prevent the Happahs from giving the Typees any 
 intelligence of his approach. He was on a narrow ridge 
 separating the valleys of the two tribes, well situated to 
 guard against an attack from either; and to add to the 
 convenience of the situation, there was a stream of water 
 not far distant. Guards were posted and all laid down to 
 sleep on their arms. 
 
 The Captain had fallen into a doze when a native came 
 to inform him that it was now coming on to rain very 
 heavy, and as he expressed it, it would " mattee mattee 
 bouhie." This appearance of rain caused loud shouts 
 in the Typee valley, and drums were beating in every 
 direction. The men were enjoined to take great care of 
 their arms and ammunition but from the torrents of rain 
 that soon poured down, little hope was entertained that 
 any ammunition could be kept dry. The Captain spent a 
 most anxious and disagreeable night. A cold and piercing 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 205 
 
 wind accompanied the deluge (for it could be called no- 
 thing else), and chilled every one to the heart. Without 
 room to keep themselves warm by moving about, fearful 
 of stirring lest they should be precipitated into eternity 
 down the steep sides of the mountain, which had become so 
 slippery that none could keep their feet, all anxiously 
 waited for the morning. 
 
 The dawn of day was a welcome sight, although the 
 wind and rain still continued, and great apprehensions 
 were felt concerning the fate of the ammunition. With 
 such good excuses a man of weaker nerves and less de- 
 termination than Capt. Porter, would have turned back. 
 Every one was drenched to the skin and the natives kept 
 exclaiming that the muskets were spoiled, and wishing the 
 Americans to retreat while there was yet time ; but, not- 
 withstanding his own misgivings, the Captain endeavored 
 to impress them with the belief that water could do the 
 muskets no injury. On careful examination he found that 
 while the muskets were tolerably dry, more than half the 
 ammunition was unfit for service. 
 
 I^ow that it was light enough to look into the Typee 
 valley, the Americans were astonished to see the great 
 height they were elevated and the steepness of the mount- 
 ain they would have to descend. The narrow pathway 
 soon disappeared among the cliffs, and the natives pro- 
 nouncing the descent impossible on account of the slippery 
 condition of the ground, and as the men were worn out 
 with hunger, cold and fatigue, the Captain determined to 
 take up his quarters in the Happah village until the next 
 day, by which time it was hoped they would be refreshed 
 and the weather become more favorable. Before leaving 
 the hill, a volley was fired to show the natives that the 
 muskets had not been injured by the rain; for it was be- 
 lieved that the Happahs, under a contrary impression, 
 would not have hesitated to attack them; besides he 
 wished to give the Typees timely notice of his approach 
 that they might remove their women and children and 
 most valuable effects to a place of safety ; for, although he 
 felt it necessary to chastise them into submission, he wished 
 to prevent the innocent from suffering at the hands of his 
 native allies. Besides he still hoped to terrify the Typees 
 
206 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 into peaceful submission by a show of i'orce, a wrong 
 idea as it seems, for he had certainly ample proof of the 
 determination of the Typees not to surrender without a 
 struggle. 
 
 "When the volley was fired, the Typees, who had appar- 
 ently no suspicion of the proximity of the Americans, 
 shouted, beat their drums and blew their war conchs 
 from one end of the valley to the other, and what with the 
 squealing of the hogs which were now being caught up for 
 removal to a place of safety, the screams of the women 
 and children, and the yells of the warriors, the din was 
 frightful. 
 
 The party now descended with great difficulty to the 
 Happah village and proceeded to the public square, around 
 which were several houses that had been vacated on 
 their account, and in which the officers and men were 
 quartered, the American ensign being hoisted in front 
 of the building selected by the Captain for his own use 
 Guards being stationed, such of the party as needed it 
 retired to sleep, and after the arduous work of the preced- 
 ing night there were few who did not require rest. There 
 was, however, no sign of provisions, nor did the natives 
 seem disposed to accomodate their quasi allies beyond 
 vacating certain houses, which had been stripped of their 
 contents, leaving the Americans to shift for themselves as 
 best they could. The Captain called for a mat to sleep on, 
 but it was long before one could be found; he asked for a 
 piece of cloth to wrap around his loins while his clothes 
 were drying, but it was with difficulty procured. The 
 men were hungry although the valley abounded with hogs 
 and fruit. 
 
 The Happahs now began to assemble armed with clubs 
 and spears, while the women seemed to be gradually re- 
 tiring. Everything bore the appearance of hostile dis- 
 position on the part of the Happahs, and the friendly 
 Taeehs cautioned the Americans to be on their guard. 
 All the Americans were now directed to keep their arras 
 in their hands, ready to assemble at a moment's warning. 
 The chief of the Happahs was summoned and asked if he 
 was disposed to be friendly, it was necessary that the Ame- 
 ricans should have something to eat, and in default of the 
 
Memoik of Commodore David Porter. 207 
 
 Happahs furnishing supplies, they would be obliged to 
 shoot the hogs and cut down the fruit trees as they could 
 not climb them. The Captain also demanded that the 
 Happahs should lay aside their arms; but as no notice was 
 taken of any of his demands, he caused their clubs and 
 spears to be taken from them and broken ; and parties to 
 be sent out to shoot hogs and cut down the fruit trees, 
 and a sufficient supply of provisions was soon obtained. 
 
 The Happahs now became intimidated and commenced 
 to bring in an abundance of provisions, the women re- 
 turned to the village and friendship was reestablished. 
 
 That night proper lookouts were posted, and fires lighted 
 before each house ; all not on guard devoted themselves to 
 sleep ; and at daylight the line of march was again formed, 
 every man fresh and vigorous, and each supplied with 
 provisions for the day. On ascending the ridge where the 
 party had spent such a disagreeable night, they halted to 
 take breath, and view for a few moments the beautiful 
 valley which was soon to become a scene of desolation. 
 The valley was about nine miles in length by three or four 
 in breadth, and everywhere surrounded by rugged mount- 
 ains, except towards the sea. The upper end was closed 
 by a precipice, several hundred feet in height, from which 
 fell a stream of water forming a beautiful cascade, which, 
 meandering through the valley, discharged itself into the 
 sea at the beach where they first landed. Villages were 
 scattered here and there, interspersed with bread fruit and 
 cocoa nut trees, which fiourished in great luxuriance. Well 
 ordered plantations surrounded by stone walls dotted the 
 landscape here and there. Everything indicated industry, 
 abundance and happiness, and no wonder that Capt. Porter 
 felt great repugnance against the necessity which compelled 
 him to make war against this happy and heroic people. 
 
 Perhaps, some may censure Capt. Porter's conduct ; may 
 question his motives, and deny the necessity which com- 
 pelled him to war against the Typees ; but when we reflect 
 on his peculiar situation, with a handful of men among 
 numerous warlike tribes, who kept faith only when it 
 seemed to be their interest to do so, we can readily per- 
 ceive from what had already occurred, that he had 
 either to attack the Typees or be attacked by them, and a 
 
208 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 constant warfare be maintained while he stayed at the 
 island. The Typees had positively refused to be on 
 friendly terms with the Americans, and had abused and 
 insulted their friends whenever an opportunity offered ; 
 and the latter were anticipating further ill treatment, when 
 the ships should depart from the island. 
 
 Hostilities had now commenced, and the Typees believed 
 they had obtained a great advantage, an idea which was 
 somewhat shared in by the other tribes. A mere shadow of 
 a treaty connected him with the others, which, once broken, 
 his destruction was inevitable, unless the sailors could 
 manage to retreat to their ships and sail away, leaving future 
 Americans who should visit the island to suffer for their 
 want of courage. As long as the natives believed them 
 invincible, they would be their friends ; as soon as their 
 power and valor were doubted, instead of war with 
 the Typees, they would have to contend with the whole 
 island. The Happahs considered themselves a conquered 
 tribe, and the others, if not conquered by American arms, 
 were so by the apprehension of them. If they were once 
 satisfied that the Typees could keep the sailors at bay, 
 they would have considered the united force of the islanders 
 strong enough to drive the Americans into the sea. A 
 coalition against the Americans would have been fatal, and 
 it was necessary, in Porter's judgment, to bring on a con- 
 flict before the Typees could come to an understanding 
 with the other tribes. By placing all on the same footing, 
 he hoped to bring about a general peace and secure the 
 future tranquility of the island. 
 
 However Porter might regret the harshness with which, 
 from motives of self preservation, he was compelled to treat 
 this high-spirited people, his conscience acquitted him of 
 any injustice ; and no excesses were committed, except 
 what the Typees had it in their power to stop by a ces- 
 sation of hostilities. Had they wished for peace, they need 
 never have had war ; but proud of their reputation as the 
 greatest warriors on the island, they believed themselves 
 invincible, and hoped to insult all others with impunity. 
 It is the history of savages the world over; they must be 
 made to feel the strong hand of power, and their vicious 
 instincts are only controlled by the presence of a superior 
 force. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 209 
 
 Perhaps, they could have advanced equally strong argu- 
 ments with Porter to justify their own proceedings ; the 
 strongest of which was, that they had an inalienable right 
 to the soil, and the invader had no business on the island. 
 
 While the Americans were looking at the beautiful 
 valley, which lay at their feet, a large assemblage of Ty- 
 pee warriors, posted on the opposite bank of the river 
 which ran near the foot of the mountains, dared them to 
 descend. In the rear of the strongly posted force of war- 
 riors, was a fortified village, encompassed by strong stone 
 walls. Drums and conchs were sounding in all directions, 
 and the Typees were evidently making every effort to give 
 their assailants a warm reception. Mouina now offered to 
 lead as a guide, and the party descended the mountain, al- 
 most as difficult a feat as the ascent. On reaching the foot of 
 the mountain the Americans were saluted with showers of 
 stones from the bushes and from behind the stone walls, 
 but as they were now able to shelter themselves, no notice 
 was taken of the attack, as they could not afford to waste 
 any ammunition. After resting a few moments on the 
 bank of the river, the scouting parties were directed to 
 cross, and were followed by the main body. Notwithstand- 
 ing the Americans were much annoyed by stones, the vil- 
 lage was taken without loss, before the entire party w^ere 
 over, while the chief warrior and another Typee were 
 killed, and several lay wounded on the ground. The natives 
 retreated to stone walls built on higher ground, w^hence 
 they continued to sling stones and hurl spears, and three 
 of the sailors were wounded and many Typees killed before 
 they were dislodged. 
 
 Parties were sent in different directions to scour the 
 woods, and another fort was taken after some resistance; 
 but the attacking party, overpowered by numbers, were 
 obliged to retreat to the main body, after keeping posses- 
 sion half an hour. The main body awaited, in the fort 
 first taken, the return of the scouting parties, w^hile a 
 multitude of Taeehs and Happahs, who had now appeared 
 on the scene, were searching around for plunder. 
 
 Lieut. McKnight was in possession of a strong wall, 
 from which he had driven the enemy, when a large body 
 27 
 
210 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 of Typees rushed from their ambush, past his fire, and into 
 the fort. All the Taeehs and Happahs took to their heels. 
 The Typees approached within pistol shot, but on the first 
 fire from the sailors retreated precipitately, crossing the fire 
 of Mr. McKnight's party, and although none of the enemy 
 were killed, it was thought that many were wounded. The 
 spears and stones were flying from the bushes in every 
 direction, and although many of the Typees were killed 
 and wounded, it was evident that the Americans would 
 have to fight their way all through the valley, since the 
 Typees showed an indomitable courage. As it was feared 
 the ammunition would run short, the scouting parties 
 were exhorted to be more careful ; and firing was forbid- 
 den from the main body, unless it was attacked by great 
 numbers. 
 
 A party of sailors was now left to guard the wounded, 
 and look after a band of natives in ambush, and Mouina 
 was directed to lead the main body to the next village ; 
 but before marching, Capt. Porter sent a message to the 
 Typees that he would cease hostilities when they no longer 
 made resistance, l^o notice was taken of the message, and 
 the march was continued up the valley, past several beauti- 
 ful villages which were set on fire, until the chief village 
 was reached, which really deserved the name of capital. 
 The Americans had been obliged to contest every foot of 
 ground, and at the capital met with renewed opposition ; 
 but the place was soon carried, and Captain Porter re- 
 luctantly gave the order to set fire to it. The beauty and 
 regularity of this village struck the Americans with 
 astonishment, and the public square was finer than any- 
 thing yet seen in the island. Among the articles here 
 destroyed were several large and elegant new war canoes, 
 a large number of drums, and some of the native gods ; 
 while the allies loaded themselves with plunder, after 
 destroying large quantities of bread fruit trees* and young 
 plants. 
 
 The party had now arrived at the upper end of the 
 valley, about nine miles from the beach, and at the foot of 
 the waterfall formerly mentioned. The day was advancing, 
 and it was necessary to hasten their return to the fort 
 first taken, which they reached after an absence of four 
 hours, leaving behind them a scene of desolation. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 211 
 
 It was hoped that the Tjpees would abandon the idea 
 of farther resistance; but, on his return to the fort, Capt. 
 Porter found that the party left there had been annoyed 
 during the whole time of his absence, but being short of 
 ammunition, and sheltered from the stones, they had not 
 fired on the natives. This fort was situated exactly half 
 way up the valley. To return the way they had come, 
 would have been impossible, it was therefore necessary to 
 keep on down to the beach, where it was represented that 
 the difficulty of ascending the mountains would not be so 
 great. Many of the men were exhausted with fatigue and 
 hunger, and a halt was ordered that all might rest and 
 refresh themselves after their hard day's work. 
 
 In half an hour, the line of march was formed, and they 
 proceeded down the valley, destroying several villages on 
 the route, at all of which places they met with continued 
 resistance from the Typees. At one point the latter rolled 
 great stones down, with a view to crush the invaders, but 
 did not succeed in doing them any harm. In all, ten 
 villages were destroyed, and a great amount of plunder was 
 carried off by the native allies, as they called themselves, 
 for the Americans were too busy fighting to prevent them, 
 if it had been possible to do so. The Typees fought to the 
 last, and even attempted to harass the rear as it returned 
 towards the beach; but, by leaving parties in ambush to 
 attack them, they soon ceased to annoy. 
 
 When the party arrived at the formidable fort, which 
 had checked their career on their first campaign against 
 the Typees, all were surprised at the magnitude and beauty 
 of the work. It was about fifty yards in extent, forming 
 the segment of a circle, and was built of stones, six feet 
 thick at the bottom, and gradually narrowing at the top to 
 give strength and stability. On the left, was an entrance, 
 barely wide enough to admit one person, and serving as 
 a sally port. To enter this from the outside, it was neces- 
 sary to pass directly under the wall for one-half its length, 
 as an impenetrable thicket prevented the approach in any 
 other direction. The wings and rear were equally guarded, 
 and the right was flanked by another fortification, of equal 
 strength and ingenuity. It will be seen from this, that 
 the Typees were good engineers as well as strategists and 
 fighters. 
 
212 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 In their fortifications consisted the strength of the Ty- 
 pees; their usual fighting place with the other tribes, was 
 the plain near the beach, and although they had frequently 
 fought the combined forces of several tribes, these had 
 never succeeded in compelling the Typees to retire beyond 
 the river, which was a quarter of a mile from the fort. 
 
 Thus ended the expedition against the Typees. On his 
 arrival at the beach, Capt. Porter met the Shouemes with 
 a white flag, and full of professions, together with the 
 principal chief of the Happahs, who could not do too much 
 for his American alhes. Gattanewa met his friend Opotee 
 as he was ascending the hill side. The old chief's heart was 
 too full for utterance; he placed both the Captain's hands 
 on his head, rested his own forehead on his knees, remind- 
 ing hirli that they had exchanged names. 
 
 Like many another conqueror, Porter could not help a 
 feeling of regret as he saw from the top of the mountain, 
 the scene of desolation he had left behind him — where in 
 the morning all was abundance and happiness — now a 
 line of smoking ruins marked the path of the invader, from 
 one end of the valley to the other. The opposite hills were 
 covered with the unhappy fugitives, and horror and destruc- 
 tion were on every hand. It was on a small scale, but 
 such a scene as many of us have witnessed in late years, 
 and which impresses itself on the mind in vivid colors, 
 that time cannot efface. 
 
 The brave Typees deserved a better fate, though they 
 were the victims of their own mistaken pride, and while 
 the instruments of their punishment pitied their misfor- 
 tunes, thousands of their own countrymen exulted in their 
 distress, showing that sympathy is an element that is only 
 cultivated by the refining influence of civilization. 
 
 The party reached the camp quite exhausted with fatigue, 
 having traveled, for three days and a half, over mountain- 
 ous roads, and passing over a distance of upwards of sixty 
 miles. Many of the strongest men had given out com- 
 pletely and Corporal Mahan died of over exertion, two days 
 after his return. 
 
 The next day a messenger was sent to inform the Typees 
 that Capt. Porter was still inclined to make peace, and 
 would not allow them to return to their valley, until they 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 213 
 
 agreed to terms of friendship. The messenger, on his 
 return, reported that the Typees were in great consterna- 
 tion, and desired nothing so much as peace; and were 
 willing to pay any price for the friendship of the Ameri- 
 cans. They promised to send a flag of truce next day. 
 When the flag arrived, the Captain insisted only on a com- 
 pliance with the conditions formerly ofl:ered, namely, an 
 exchange of presents and peace with all the tribes, to 
 which the Typees readily agreed, and wished to know 
 how many hogs were wanted, as they had lost but few, and 
 should be able to furnish abundant supplies. Four hun- 
 dred hogs were required, for which they were compen- 
 sated with the customary presents. 
 
 All the chiefs on the island now sent in large presents 
 of provisions, and at no time were the Americans so 
 abundantly supplied. Many of the hogs were left in the 
 valley with the Taeehs, when the Essex departed, as a 
 compensation for those which these people had formerly 
 supplied to the Americans. 
 
 The utmost harmony now prevailed throughout the 
 island, between the natives and the Americans, and also 
 between the different tribes, and all met at the American 
 village in the most friendly manner ; the chiefs and priests 
 of the tribes making daily visits to head quarters ; all were 
 pleased, and the defeated natives, like children, soon for- 
 got their griefs. It was a pleasure to the natives to know 
 that they could now go anywhere unmolested, and many 
 of the oldest men assured the Americans, that they had 
 never before been out of the valley in which they were 
 born. They repeatedly expressed their astonishment, that 
 Captain Porter should have been able to extend his influ- 
 ence so far, in so short a time, as not only to give them 
 complete protection in the valley of Tienhoy, but also 
 among tribes with whom they had been at war from the 
 earliest period. 
 
 Captain Porter informed the natives that he should 
 shortly leave them, and would return again at the end of a 
 year, and would punish any of them whom he found at 
 war ; but all assured him of their purpose to remain on 
 good terms with the Americans, and with one another. 
 
 The chiefs and principal persons of the different tribes 
 
214 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 affected to be very solicitous of forming a relationship with 
 Porter, by exchanging names with some of his family. 
 Some wished to bear the name of a brother, or brother-in- 
 law, or son, and when the stock of masculine names was 
 exhausted, they were anxious to adopt those of the other 
 sex. The name of his son was, however, most in demand, 
 and many venerable savages were honored by the euphoni- 
 ous appellation of " Pickaneenee Opotee," the word Picka- 
 neenee having been introduced among them by the sailors 
 of ships, that had touched at the island. 
 
 Thus ended the Typee war, which if it cannot be ranked 
 with the invasion of Cortez, formed at least an interesting 
 episode in the cruise of the Essex ; and many of the inci- 
 dents of the campaign are spoken of, to this day, by the 
 islanders; having been handed down, by tradition, from 
 father to son. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 1. HE refitting of the Essex, and the loading of the New 
 Zealander with oil, from the Greenwich, Seringapatam, and 
 Hammond, now rapidly progressed ; and on the 9th of 
 December, 1813, all the provisions, wood and water were 
 on board. The decks were filled with hogs, cocoa nuts, 
 and bananas, with which they had been furnished by their 
 ]N'ookaheevan friends, who seemed anxious that the Ameri- 
 cans should want for nothing, that it was in their power to 
 supply. While the ships had been lying in Massachusetts 
 bay, many connexions had been made between the sailors 
 and the fair ones on shore ; and the former really regretted 
 their approaching departure from a people, at whose hands 
 they had received so much kindness,- which does not often 
 fall to the lot of a man-of-war's man. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 215 
 
 Captain Porter now found it necessary to restrict the 
 liberty, which had heretofore been so freely allowed ; and 
 gave orders that every one should remain on board, work- 
 ing late and early, for he was extremely anxious to get to 
 sea. ISTotwithstanding these orders, three of the crew (de- 
 termining to have a parting interview with the young 
 women whom they had enshrined in their hearts), swam 
 ashore in the night, and were arrested on the beach and 
 brought back to the ship ; for knowing the character of 
 sailors so well, the Captain had taken extra precautions to 
 have his orders carried out. The unfortunate Leanders 
 were at once placed in irons, and the Captain determined 
 to check further disobedience by inflicting on them exem- 
 plary punishment ; so next morning, after giving them a 
 lecture in regard to the impropriety of their conduct, and 
 their meanness in making so poor a return for the many 
 indulgences granted them, the culprits were set to work 
 with their irons on with the English prisoners, the Captain 
 not wishing to resort to corporeal punishment, and sorry 
 that circumstances required any punishment whatever. 
 This severity excited some discontent among the crew, 
 many of whom would have committed the same offense 
 had opportunity offered ; but this, the punishment of their 
 three shipmates, effectually prevented. 
 
 Nookalieevah had many attractions for a sailor, and had 
 part of the crew felt disposed to remain there (which was 
 very probable), they would have seized the opportunity to 
 desert, just before the time set for the ships to sail. As it 
 was, the only desertion was that of a lazy negro taken on 
 board at Tumbez, and who was not missed until the Essex 
 got to sea. 
 
 This swimming affair came very near causing serious 
 trouble, for the sailors did not see the same necessity for 
 remaining on board, on the eve of sailing as did their 
 captain. Like most persons who have been treated with 
 great indulgence, they became discontented, a feeling which 
 can very soon be detected in a ship's crew. They stood 
 about the decks in groups with gloomy countenances, and 
 when called to duty did not move with their usual alacrity. 
 The girls lined the beach from morning until night, con- 
 stantly importuning the captain to take the taboo off 
 
216 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 the men ; and laughingly expressing their grief by dipping 
 their fingers into the sea water and touching their black 
 eyes. Others would hold a chip, in the manner of a shark's 
 tooth, threatening to cut themselves to pieces in despair; 
 some threatened to beat their brains out with a blade of 
 grass, and others to drown themselves if their sweethearts 
 were not permitted to go- on shore. This was all very 
 tantalizing to the men, who did not bear the separation 
 philosophically. They said their situation was worse than 
 slavery, and one Robert White declared on board the Es- 
 sex junior, that the frigate's crew did not intend to weigh 
 the anchor ; or if compelled to get the ship underway, 
 they would hoist their own flag in three days time. Such 
 a thing was by no means improbable, under great tempta- 
 tion, and the mutiny on board H. M. ship Bounty, is a 
 case in point. The sailor's life is a hard one, and it is sel- 
 dom that he falls into such a pleasant place as ^ookaheeva 
 with its beautiful groves and lithesome houris. 
 
 With such a variety of characters as compose the crew 
 of a ship of war, only the most energetic measures will 
 avail, and when the report of White's speech was brought 
 to Capt. Porter, he determined to take immediate action 
 in the matter. As long as the men confined themselves to 
 grumbling he thought it very natural ; but a threat of this 
 kind he could not tolerate. All hands were mustered and 
 after explaining to them the necessity for getting the ship 
 ready for sea with all dispatch, he informed them that this 
 w^as the sole cause of their deprivation of liberty, which was 
 by no means intended as a punishment, since their conduct 
 had merited his entire approbation. He then pointed out 
 to them the serious consequences that would occur, if every 
 man in the ship should follow the example of the three 
 who had treated his orders with so much contempt. All 
 seemed impressed with the Captain's remarks on the ne- 
 cessity of strict subordination. He then informed the men 
 of the report that had been circulated, and assured them 
 that while he gave not the slightest credit to it he would in 
 the event of such a thing put a match to the magazine, and 
 blow all hands into eternity. But he added, " to see if 
 there are any grounds for the report that some will refuse 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 217 
 
 to obey my orders, let those of you who are disposed to 
 get the ship under way at the proper time, go over on the 
 starboard side and those who are otherwise disposed re- 
 main where they are." All hands hastened to the starboard 
 side. He now called for White, who had spread the re- 
 port of the intended mutiny, and he tremblingly advanced. 
 Capt. Porter informed the crew that this was the man who 
 had spread reports so injurious to their character, and in- 
 dignation was marked on every countenance. The Captain 
 then directed the rascal to get into a native canoe, that 
 happened to be passing, and never to let him see his face 
 again; and amid the contemptuous sneers of the sailors ' 
 White departed, and that was the last they ever saw 
 of him. 
 
 This was a delicate affair to manage, and none but one 
 who thoroughly understood the character of sailors could 
 have so easily disposed of it. It must be borne in mind 
 that when these events were taking place the navy was 
 not as it is now, an old established branch of the govern- 
 ment, and the authority of its officers was by no means so 
 well defined as at present. There were many English- 
 men in the service, who not too good to tight against their 
 own flag, would probably not mind changing the one under 
 which they temporarily served to another suited to the 
 career of free rovers. Mutinies have occurred in the 
 British navy, and there was no reason why they might 
 not happen in that of the United States, considering the 
 peculiar temptations of Nookaheevah. 
 
 The women of that island were more comely and attract- 
 ive than was generally the case at the other islands, and 
 some of them had formed strong attachments to members 
 of the crew, which though not lasting were sincere at the 
 time, particularly on the part of the men; for the women 
 were apt to be unfaithful, whenever a new object attracted 
 their love or cupidity. It is said, to excuse their conduct, 
 that these women did not seem sensible they were doing 
 any injury to their lovers. They were often inconstant 
 in retaliation on some of their female acquaintance, 
 and if the truth must be told they were always flattered by 
 any preference for them, and this preference, together with 
 the present of a whale's tooth, could at any time purchase 
 • 28 
 
218 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 the favors of the most exchisive; for whale's teeth to them 
 were what diamonds are to the sex in the civilized world. 
 
 The N'ookaheevans were arrant flirts, and having re- 
 ceived a present they were so anxious to parade it and also 
 to show their power over the donor, as to lose sight of, or 
 not to care for tlie interpretation that might be put upon 
 the adventure. In time a report would come to the ears 
 of the lady who innocently supposed that she had a claim 
 to the present ; this produced an act of retaliation on her 
 part, not to injure her lover, but to mortify the woman who 
 had infringed on her prerogatives. Yet with all these 
 little infelicities, we hear of no serious difficulties; though, 
 it is said, that the I*^ookaheevan women, in spite of their 
 own laxity of conduct, watch their lovers as carefully as a 
 jealous Spaniard does his wife. But love is one of the 
 refinements of civilization, and it is unlikely that a savage 
 can really feel this absorbing passion, as it is felt by the 
 heart of educated man or woman. 
 
 What we understand as virtue, was unknown in JN'ooka- 
 heevah. The young girls are the wives of all who can 
 purchase their favors, and a handsome daughter is a bless- 
 ing that secures to her parents abundant wealth. From 
 the ages of twelve to eighteen, the young girls rove at will, 
 and this period of their lives is one of unrestrained plea- 
 sure. Their days are spent in dancing, singing and orna- 
 menting their persons, to render themselves attractive in 
 the eyes of those upon whom they indiscriminately bestow 
 their favors, without shame or fear of consequences. No 
 wonder the sailors did not wish to leave the island, but 
 the example made of White brought them to their senses; 
 and though they loved the little Nookaheevan girls they did 
 not care sufficiently for them to forsake ship, pay, and 
 prize money on their account; and, perchance, the remem- 
 brance of some black eyed Susan was at that moment 
 swaying away upon the sailor's heart strings. 
 
 All went cheerfully to duty, and the Seringapatam, 
 Hammond and Greenwich were moored near the fort in 
 charge of the marine officer Lieut. Gamble, who with Mid- 
 shipman Feltus and twenty men volunteered to remain 
 with the prizes, until the return of the frigate ; or until 
 further orders from Ca.ptain Porter; failing to receive these, 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 219 
 
 Lieut. Gamble was ordered to leave ISTookaheevah in ^ve 
 and a half months. Mr. King was ordered to proceed, 
 with the Kew Zealander, to the United States ; and on the 
 9th of December, 1813, the Essex, Essex junior, and E'ew 
 Zealander weighed anchor, and put to sea bound for Val- 
 paraiso. 
 
 The residence of Capt. Porter among the N'ookaheevans, 
 had given him an excellent opportunity of investigating 
 the character and habits of that interesting people, who 
 possessed so many excellent qualities that he became much 
 attached to them; but the limits of our work preclude the 
 possibility of enlarging on this topic, and the people must 
 be judged by the incidents which have been narrated in 
 the preceding pages. 
 
 Sixty years ago the inhabitants of ISTookaheevah were 
 estimated at 65,000, of which 19,000 were capable of bear- 
 ing arms. They were almost in a state of nature, having 
 had little intercourse with the outside world, and had 
 little knowledge of the vices and habits which have since 
 done so much to demoralize these ingenuous islanders. 
 Their guileless faces then shone with good nature and in- 
 telligence, presenting a strong contrast to the Sandwich 
 islanders andTahitans, who had already become corrupted 
 by their intercourse with the white man. The Nookahee- 
 vans have now become sensible of their guilt, in what in 
 their primitive state was not considered wrong, and it is 
 marked in their countenances by a sullen look which cha- 
 racterizes these islanders after living under the oppressive 
 rule of foreigners. 
 
 After dwindling away to a population of 9000, the 
 natives of the Washington islands in the year 1842, placed 
 themselves under the protection of the French ; still re- 
 taining many of the good qualities they were said to pos- 
 sess in 1813, and exhibiting in their great size and beauty 
 of form, that likeness to the classic sculptures which has 
 been before remarked. 
 
 Captain Porter's account of the inhabitants of the Wash- 
 ington islands, is, perhaps, the most interesting that has 
 appeared. His opportunities for observation were unusu- 
 ally good ; and his habits of observation and powers of 
 description, well qualified him for the task. 
 
220 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 CHAPTER XY. 
 
 It is not necessary to describe the voyage of the Essex 
 and Essex junior to Valparaiso, in which port the frigate 
 came to anchor on the 3d of February, when salutes and 
 visits were exchanged with the authorities. The Essex 
 Junior was directed to cruise oft' the port, to intercept any 
 of the enemy's merchant vessels, and to give warning of 
 the approach of British ships of war ; and, in the mean- 
 time, every eftbrt was made to get the Essex ready for sea. 
 The hospitality of the people of Valparaiso seemed to 
 increase, and as a return for their kindness and the disap- 
 pointment they had experienced on a former occasion, 
 Captain Porter, on the evening of the 7th, invited the 
 governor, the officials and their families, together with the 
 principal citizens, to an entertainment on board the frigate. 
 Lieut. Downes was directed to anchor his vessel, but in 
 such a position as would give him a full view of the sea. 
 The dancing continued until midnight, when Lieut. 
 Downes left the frigate and proceeded to sea in his vessel. 
 The awnings and flags which had been used to decorate 
 the Essex had not been taken down, and the usual scene 
 of confusion which follows such aftairs on shipboard pre- 
 vailed, when the Essex junior signalled : " Two enemy's 
 ships in sight." One-half the frigate's crew was ashore 
 on liberty, but they were immediately summoned on board 
 by signal ; and, after ordering the ship prepared for action. 
 Captain Porter went outside in the Essex junior to recon- 
 noitre the two vessels, both of which appeared to be frigates. 
 The Essex junior was ordered to take a position near the 
 frigate, where the two ships could mutually support each 
 other, and the Captain returned to the Essex where he 
 found the ship completely prepared for action, and every 
 officer and man at his post in just an hour and a half after 
 the enemy's ships were sighted. 
 
 At 8 A. M., the British ships, fully prepared for action, 
 entered the harbor; the larger vessel (which proved to be 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 221 
 
 the frigate Phoebe, Captain Hilljar), ranging up along side 
 of the Essex, and between her and the Essex junior. Cap- 
 tain Ilillyar politely enquired after Captain Porter's health, 
 to which a courteous response was given. These officers 
 were old acquaintances in the Mediterranean, and Captain 
 Porter had spent many pleasant hours with Captain Hillyar 
 and his family at Gibraltar. Captain Hillyar was in fact 
 greatly esteemed by the American officers, and at one 
 time, during his absence, his family placed themselves 
 under the protection of Commodore Rogers, who con- 
 veyed them from Malta to Gibraltar, where they joined 
 Captain H. 
 
 Finding that the Phoebe was approaching nearer the 
 Essex than a strict neutrality justified him in permitting, 
 Captain Porter called out to Capt. Hillyar, that he was 
 prepared for action, but would only act on the defensive; 
 whereupon, Hillyar, leaning over the side, answered in a 
 careless, indifterent manner : " Oh sir, I have no intention 
 of getting on board of you ; " and being again warned that 
 if he did fall foul of the Essex, there would be much blood 
 shed. Hillyar nonchalantly, repeated his assurance that 
 he had no such intention. Finding, however, that the 
 Englishman luffed up so that he caused his ship to get 
 aback, whereby the Phoebe's jib boom came across the 
 Essex's forecastle, Captain Porter called away the boarders, 
 directing them if the ships' hulls touched, to spring upon 
 the deck of the English frigate. 
 
 At this moment, not a gun from the Phoebe could be 
 brought to bear on either the Essex or the Essex junior, 
 while her bow was exposed to the raking fire of one, aud 
 her stern to the raking fire of the other; and her consort, 
 the Cherub of 23 guns, was too far to leeward to affi)rd 
 any assistance. The consternation on board the English 
 frigate was very great, when it was seen that every officer 
 and man on board the Essex, was armed with a cutlass 
 and brace of pistols, ready to jump on board, while the 
 guns were trained to fire as occasion might require. 
 Capt. Hillyar had been informed, by the boat of an English 
 ship in port, that the American frigate was in great con- 
 fusion from an entertainment, and that most of her men 
 were on shore; so on witnessing this unexpected prepara- 
 
222 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 tion for his reception, the English captain protested with 
 great vehemence that he had no intention of boarding the 
 Essex ; that it was altogether an accident, that his ship had 
 been taken aback, that he was exceedingly sorry, &c., &c. 
 
 The temptation to destroy the Phoebe, which was com- 
 pletely at his mercy, was very great, and Captain Porter 
 would have been amply justified in sinking the English 
 frigate, on the plea of self defense, but the assurances of 
 Captain Hillyar disarmed him, and Captain Porter missed 
 the opportunity which he never should have lost. He 
 hailed Lieut. Downes and told him not to commence 
 hostilities without orders, as it was his intention to let 
 Captain Hillyar extricate himself. The Phoebe accord- 
 ingly separated from the Essex, drifted by the two ships 
 exposed to their raking fire, and anchored on the eastern 
 side of the harbor, within range of her long 18 pounders, 
 but beyond the range of the Essex's carronades. The 
 Cherub came to anchor within pistol shot of the Essex's 
 larboard bow, whereupon the Essex junior was moored to 
 place the Cherub between her fire and that of the Essex, 
 an arrangementthat gave great umbrage to Captain Tucker, 
 the commander of the Cherub. 
 
 The government officials and people of Valparaiso were 
 much surprised at Captain Porter's forbearance, in not de- 
 stroying the British frigate when at his mercy, after her 
 evident attempt to violate the neutrality of the port ; but 
 Capt. Porter assured them that he always had and always 
 should respect the neutrality of the port, unless attacked, 
 and although subsequent events proved that Captain Hill- 
 yar was incapable of similar forbearance, yet Porter never 
 regretted the course he pursued, in permitting the English 
 frigate to escape, when he had her completely in his power. 
 
 It is pleasant to see the courtesies of life maintained, 
 even between the citizens of nations at war with each other, 
 for there is no reason why gentlemen bred to arms, should 
 not practice those little civilities which tend to soften as- 
 perities, and often to ameliorate the condition of captives. 
 The day after their arrival, Capts. Hillyar and Tucker 
 called on Capt. Porter, at the house of Mr. Blanco, where 
 he was staying, and were received with the courtesy which 
 was a part of his nature. Not wishing to be outdone in 
 
m Mil 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 223 
 
 politeness, Capt. Porter returned the visit and a friendly 
 intimacy was soon established, not only between the com- 
 manders, but also between the officers and men of the re- 
 spective ships. Judging from appearances, no one would 
 have suspected the two nations were at war, the conduct 
 of the English and Americans towards each other bore so 
 much the appearance of friendly alliance. At their first 
 interview, Capt. Porter enquired of Capt. Hillyar whether 
 he intended to respect the neutrality of the port, to which 
 that officer replied with much feeling : " You have paid 
 so much respect to the neutrality of the port that I feel 
 bound in honor to respect it," an answer which was very 
 gratifying to the American, as he would not now have to 
 be continually on his guard or prepared for action. 
 
 Soon after the British vessels arrived in port, the Phoebe 
 hoisted a flag containing the motto : " God and Country, 
 British Sailors' best Eights, Traitors offend both," which 
 was an answer, Capt. Hillyar said, to the motto of the 
 Essex " Free Trade and Sailors' Eights," which had given 
 great ofl^^nse to the British navy. 
 
 The second time the Phoebe's flag was displayed, a flag 
 appeared at the mast head of the Essex, bearing the in- 
 scription : " God, our Country and Liberty, Tyrants offend 
 Them." Three cheers followed on the part of the Phoebe's 
 crew, which were returned from the Essex. The incident 
 was taken good naturedly by Capt. Hillyar ; and on their 
 next meeting he and Capt. Porter talked over amicably 
 the object of the former in coming to the Pacific, his long 
 hunt after the Essex and his desire to know what Porter 
 intended to do with his prizes, &c. Capt. Porter informed 
 Hillyar, that whenever he sent away the Cherub, he in- 
 tended to go to sea, and would take the first opportunity, 
 when the Essex could meet the Phoebe alone, of testing 
 the force of the two ships ; that as the Essex was much 
 the smaller vessel of the two, he did not feel justified 
 in challenging the Phoebe to fight, but that if Capt. Hillyar 
 would send away the Cherub, he would have no hesitation 
 in engaging him. 
 
 To these and similar utterances, the British captain 
 would reply, that the results of naval actions were very 
 uncertain, as they depended on many contingencies, and 
 
224 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 that the loss of a mast or spar often turned the fate of the 
 day. He observed, that notwithstanding the inferiority of 
 the Essex, if she could get to close quarters, she would do 
 great execution with her carronades. On the whole, 
 therefore, he should trust to circumstances to brin^ the 
 ships together, as he was not disposed to yield the advan- 
 tage of superior force, which would effectually blockade 
 the Essex until other ships arrived, and at all events pre- 
 vent her doing further damage to British commerce. 
 Capt. Porter told him as regarded the prizes they were an 
 incumbrance, and he intended to take them to sea on the 
 first opportunity, and burn them. liillyar dared him to 
 do it, while he was in sight, to which the other replied, 
 "we will see." 
 
 It was soon ascertained, beyond a doubt, that Captain 
 Hillyar was determined to yield none of the advantages of 
 his superior force, and as there were other British vessels 
 of war expected in the Pacific, the arrival of which in Val- 
 paraiso would effectually blockade the Essex, Capt. Por- 
 ter determined to use every means of provoking Hillyar 
 to single combat with the Phoebe. 
 
 As the Cherub laid quite near the Essex, the crews of 
 the two vessels amused themselves by singing songs at 
 each other, selecting those most appropriate to their situa- 
 tion and feelings, some of them of their own composition. 
 Yankee Doodle was the vehicle through which the 
 sailors of the Essex in full chorus conveyed their sarcasms, 
 while Dibdin's Poor Jack w^as generally selected as a 
 tune by their rivals. These amusements were not only 
 tolerated, but encouraged by the officers through the 
 whole of the first watch of the calm, delightful nights of 
 Chili, much to the amusement of the people of Valparaiso 
 and the crews of the other ships. At length Capt. Hillyar 
 requested Capt. Porter to put a stop to this practice, which 
 the latter declined to do while the singing continued on 
 board the Cherub. As a sample of the poetry manu- 
 factured by the sailors at that time, we give the following, 
 which was sung for the benefit of the Phoebe and Cherub. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 225 
 
 Ye tars of our country, who seek on the main, 
 The cause for the wrongs your country sustain, 
 Rejoice and be merry, for bragging John Bull 
 Has got f. sound drubbing from brave Captain Hull. 
 
 The bold Constitution, a ship of some fame, 
 Sure each jolly tar must remember her name, 
 On the 19th of August, o'ertook the Gruerriere, 
 A frigate once captured by John from Monseer. 
 
 At five past meridian, the action begun. 
 
 It was before John had learned from our frigates to run, 
 
 So he backed his main top sail so tickled to find, 
 
 A Yankee for fighting so stoutly inclined. 
 
 Proud Dacres commanded the enemy's ship, 
 Who often had promised the Yankees to whip. 
 But it seems he had reckoned without his good host. 
 As he found on that hot, bloody day to his cost. 
 
 That boasting commander his crew first addressed, 
 It was partly made up of Americans pressed ; 
 Says he, " my brave boys, see our wish is fulfilled. 
 For 'tis better to capture a ship than to build." 
 
 '' And you who are tired of our boatswain's whip. 
 And sigh to return to some vile Yankee ship. 
 Ten minutes or less of our fierce British fire, 
 Will give me that ship and give you your desire." 
 
 Our drum beat to quarters, each jolly tar hears. 
 And hails the glad tidings with three hearty cheers ; 
 All eager for battle, to quarters they fly. 
 Resolving to conquer that ship or to die. 
 
 So at it we went in a deluge of fire. 
 Each party too stubborn an inch to retire ; 
 Balls, grape shot and langridge promiscuously fly. 
 While the thunder of cannon fills ocean and sky. 
 
 At a quarter past five, our shot told so well 
 That the enemy's mizzen mast tottered and fell. 
 And while eager to board, for orders we wait. 
 Her foremast and mainmast shared the same fate. 
 
 Our cabin had now from his shot taken fire. 
 Yet danger but kindled our courage the higher, 
 'Twas quickly extinguished, and Dacres' lee gun 
 Proclaimed his ship ours, and the bloody fight done. 
 29 
 
226 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 The prize then we boarded all armed in a boat, 
 We found her so riddled she'd scarce keep afloat, 
 Fifteen of her seamen lay dead in their gore, 
 And wounded and dying were sixty-four more. 
 
 Our loss was but seven, Heaven rest their brave souls, 
 
 For over their bodies the green ocean rolls, 
 
 And seven who wounded will long live to tell, 
 
 How they got their brave scars which become them so well. 
 
 Huzza for the can boys, come give us a pull, 
 Let's drink a full bucket to brave Captain Hull, 
 And when next to meet us, the enemy dare, 
 God grant in his mercy that we may be there. 
 
 The English songs were fully up to the above standard, 
 but unfortunately it is out of our power to produce any of 
 them. It was not likely that these songs would tend to 
 maintain the good feeling which had previously existed, 
 and in fact they eventually led to some bitterness. The 
 people of Valparaiso, who could hear all these songs from 
 the hillsides, enjoyed them amazingly, and would have 
 been as much pleased to see the frigates join in battle, as 
 to witness their national sport of bull fighting, regardless 
 of the number of killed and wounded that might result 
 from such an encounter. 
 
 While these sarcastic compliments were being passed 
 around, one of the prisoners on board the Essex junior 
 jumped overboard, and in spite of every effort made by the 
 Americans to prevent it, he was picked up by a boat from 
 the Cherub and carried in triumph on board that vessel. 
 This incident led to a racy correspondence between Cap- 
 tains Porter and Hillyar, in which was shown some as- 
 perity on both sides, the first that had been manifested 
 since the meeting of these officers. Captain Porter con- 
 sidered that Hillyar had violated his pledge in permitting 
 the rescue of the prisoner, but on the whole it was not an 
 unfair transaction, as the British officer could not with 
 propriety give him up. The precedent could only be ad- 
 vantageous to the Essex, predisposed as were the British 
 sailors to desert at every opportunity. Notwithstanding 
 the correspondence, the next interview between Captains 
 Porter and Hillyar was friendly, and the former made a 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 227 
 
 proposition to put all his prisoners on board one of the 
 prizes without a cargo, and send her to England, there to 
 take an equal number of American prisoners, and proceed 
 with them to the United States. Captain Hillyar expressed 
 some doubt as to the propriety of this arrangement, and 
 referred to a similar agreement made with the captain of 
 the Alert. In the course of conversation, he adverted to 
 certain reports that had been circulated, accusing Capt. 
 Porter of maltreating his prisoners, saying that these stories 
 had made a bad impression upon British officers, and would 
 tend to make the condition of American prisoners very 
 uncomfortable hereafter. Captain Porter therefore felt it 
 due to his own honor, and to that of his country, to set this 
 matter right at once, and he accordingly wrote to Captain 
 Hillyar a letter, which, with that officer's answer, is here 
 inserted. 
 
 ' U. S. Frigate Essex, 
 Valparaiso, 23d Feb., 1814. 
 
 Sir : As you have expressed some doubts respecting the correct- 
 ness of an arrangement, proposed by me, for the disposal of the 
 prisoners of war on board the ships under my command ; and as 
 those doubts were occasioned by a communication made by Admiral 
 Duckworth, to the secretary of the navy of the United States, of 
 which you had not a perfect recollection, I have done myself the 
 honor to transmit a copy of a letter from the department, containing 
 an extract from the aforesaid communication, by which you will be 
 enabled to judge whether the objections made by the admiral, can 
 be here applied. 
 
 I also do myself the honor to send you the copy of a letter from 
 the admiral to myself, as well as several other communications of a 
 private nature, and beg you to restore the originals after you have 
 perused, and (if you think them of sufl&cient importance) taken a 
 copy of them. 
 
 I have been induced to do this, from a wish to remove certain 
 impressions which have been made on the public mind highly preju- 
 dicial to the character of an American officer ; and I assure you, 
 although I have endeavored to perform and shall continue to do my 
 duty to my country to the utmost of my abilities, I disdain a mean 
 and dishonorable act, whatever advantages may result from it. It 
 has been my study to alleviate the miseries of war and I have been 
 rewarded in most instances with the basest ingratitude. 
 
 British boats, with British subjects on board, daily pass and re- 
 pass between the shore and the ships under your command when far 
 
228 Memoik of Commodoee David Porter. 
 
 bevond the jurisdiction of this port. It has frequently been in my 
 power to cut them off; but I have not done so, under the persuasion 
 that American boats, under similar circumstances would be per- 
 mitted by you to pass unmolested. I beg you to inform me, whether 
 my opinion is correct ? 
 
 I have the honor to be, &c. 
 Captain James Hillyar, &c., &c. D. Porter. 
 
 11. B. M. Ship Phoebe, 
 Off Valparaiso 24th Feb., 1814. 
 
 JSir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor 
 of yesterday, with its in closures, and I beg you will accept my thanks 
 for the trouble you have taken. The copy of Sir John Duckworth's 
 letter and the extracts accompanying it, confirm me in my opinion, 
 that the cases are too nearly similar to justify my acceding to your 
 proposition of sending one of your prizes as a cartel, and the British 
 government would certainly disapprove of the act. 
 
 The letters from your prisoners must be highly gratifying to your 
 personal feelings, and I hope the individuals who have benefitted 
 by your humane attentions, will feel themselves bound in honor to 
 rescue your character from every unjust and illiberal aspersion. 
 
 I certainly could have no objection to American boats passing in 
 the way British do to us, under similar circumstances. They have 
 all the governor's permission. 
 
 I must now appeal to your humanity, and repeat to you how anxious 
 I am for the sufferings of my countrymen at present your prisoners — 
 and express my request that you will liberate them here, as the only 
 expedient I can think of. If you accede to it I pledge myself that 
 they shall not be permitted to serve on board any of his majesty's 
 ships, under my orders j and I will write immediately to the British 
 government, that an equal number of Americans may be restored to 
 their country. 
 
 I have availed myself of your permission to copy some of the 
 papers, and have taken the names of those who have acknowledged 
 your goodness to them. The liberal minded will always do you jus- 
 tice — and a much higher reward awaits the performance of every 
 Christian duty to an afflicted fellow creature. 
 
 I have the honor to be &c., 
 David Porter, Esqr., &c., &c. James Hillyar. 
 
 From the above correspondence it will be seen, that the 
 two English ships had gone to cruise off the port. The 
 circumstances of their going to sea were as follows. A 
 signal from the Spanish telegraph on the hill, announced 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 229 
 
 a sail in the offing, and the morning being calm, the Essex 
 junior was ordered to go in pursuit in tow of the frigate's 
 boats. After reconnoitering the vessel, which proved to be 
 an English storeship, the Phoebe and Cherub made all sail 
 with the intention of cutting off the Essex junior from the 
 harbor which they were near effecting, but for the Essex's 
 boats which towed the ship back to her former anchorage. 
 On the 25th of February Capt. Porter sent a flag of truce 
 on board the Phoebe with the following note : 
 
 U. S. Frigate Essex, 
 Valparaiso 25tli Feb., 1814. 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 
 of yesterday, and agreeably to your request and assurances, immedi- 
 ately liberated, on parole, the British prisoners who were on board 
 the vessels under my command. Their obligation, as well as a cer- 
 tificate of their liberation, are herewith enclosed. 
 
 My feelings have been greatly roused by the scandalous reports 
 which have been circulated respecting my conduct, yet I hope I 
 shall always have sufficient control over myself, to prevent any change 
 in my conduct towards those whom the fortune of war may place in 
 my power ; for though such a change might be just, it would not be 
 generous. I fear I have done injury to my country and my fellow 
 citizens, by the practice of liberating British subjects who have 
 fallen into my hands before they were exchanged, but the purity of 
 my intentions was evident to Admiral Duckworth, and so long as 
 my country does not disapprove of this mode, I hope I may be the 
 means of averting some of those evils incident to captivity. 
 
 I have the honor to be, &c., D. Porter. 
 Captain James Hillyar, &c., &c. 
 
 About this time, desiring to ascertain the comparative 
 rate of sailing between his own and the British ships, and 
 choosing a favorable opportunity when the enemy were to 
 leeward of the port and could not cut him off, Capt. 
 Porter got underway, and let the Phoebe and Cherub chase 
 him. He soon ascertained that the Essex had greatly the 
 advantage, and felt satisfied that he could at any time make 
 his escape ; but he did not abandon the hope of bringing 
 the frigate to an engagement, and he endeavored to con- 
 trol his impatience to depart, while he tried in every 
 way to provoke his adversary to single combat. 
 
 On the 14th of February, it being calm and the two 
 
230 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 British ships far in the offing, Capt. Porter towed the 
 Ilector, one of his prizes to sea, and when within reach of 
 f e enemy's guns, set fire to her and made his escape, in 
 spite of every effort to cut him off. 
 
 On the afternoon of the 27th the Phoebe stood in towards 
 the harbor, hoisted her fiag containing the answer to the 
 motto, "Free trade and sailors' rights," hove to, and fired 
 a gun to windward. This was considered by everyone on 
 board the Essex as a challenge, and Captain Porter did 
 not hesitate to accept it. The frigate's motto was run up, 
 a gun fired, and the Essex, slipping her cables, got under- 
 way, and stood out after the Phoebe. Valparaiso was all ex- 
 citement and the hills were covered with people, among 
 whom were many women all anxious to witness an engage- 
 ment. The Phoebe stood off shore as the Essex stood out, 
 under press of sail, and the latter was fast closing with her an- 
 tagonist, when, to the astonishment of every one, the British 
 frigate bore up before the wind and joined her consort. 
 Captain Porter was naturally indignant at this conduct, 
 after having been invited to a contest with the Phoebe, 
 and ordered two shots fired ahead of the latter to bring her 
 to, but she continued on her course. When the Phoebe 
 joined the Cherub, both gave chase to the Essex, and after 
 the latter had anchored came into the harbor together. 
 
 This affair was discussed in Yalparaiso, and surprise was 
 expressed that the Phoebe had not availed herself of the 
 opportunity offered. Capt. Porter himself warmly ex- 
 pressed his dissatisfaction at Capt. Hillyar's course, and 
 his remarks reached that officer's ears. A bad feeling was 
 springing up, causing a very annoying state of affairs. 
 The Cherub was now too far off to hear the songs of the 
 Essex, but still feeling sore at some taunts of the latter's 
 crew, on the subject of the late challenge, addressed 
 some letters to them of a most insulting character, which 
 were brought to Captain Porter. The latter thought this 
 a good opportunity of rousing the British captain to offer 
 battle in earnest, and accordingly addressed him the fol- 
 lowing letter : 
 
 U. S. Frigate Essex, 14th March, 18U. 
 Sir : The two enclosed papers have been handed to me by my 
 ship's company, and were delivered to one of my seamen by a British 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 231 
 
 prisoner on parole as coming from your ship. One of my seamen lias 
 also assured me, that the crew of an English ship now in port, have 
 showed him a letter bearing your signature, holding forth encourage- 
 ment to my people, for deserting the cause in which they are now 
 engaged. The style of the two papers is a sufficient evidence that 
 they were not written by a common sailor. But, although I have 
 received the most positive assurances respecting the latter, my 
 knowledge of the character of Captain Hillyar, will not permit me 
 to believe him capable of so base an expedient to effect the object of 
 his cruise, notwithstanding the circumstances, and alleged object of 
 the Phoebe's flag might induce a suspicion. 
 
 It appears that my ship's company have made some reply to the 
 first of these papers ; and it is highly probable that it was couched 
 in the ordinary language of sailors. The most insulting epithets 
 have been applied to them and in the most public manner. I have 
 not, therefore, thought it proper to restrain that indignation my 
 people have felt, in common with myself at such proceedings. Their 
 character as well as my own, has been misunderstood ; and if it is 
 believed that we have wished to shake the loyalty of your seamen, I 
 can positively assure you, our intentions have been equally misunder- 
 stood. 
 
 It is not necessary for us to resort to so pitiful an expedient, 
 and were it necessary I should spurn it. My men are equally pre- 
 pared with myself, to do our duty ; they have given me innumerable 
 proofs of their readiness at all times, to die in support of their 
 country's cause ; they have my unlimited confidence — I have theirs. 
 
 I have the honor to be, &c., 
 Captain James Hillyar, &c., &c. D. Porter. 
 
 To this missive Captain Hillyar returned a temperate 
 reply, disclaiming the conduct attributed to him, retorting 
 the charge of his men being the aggressors in the paper 
 war, and hinting at various reports he had lately heard to 
 the Captain's disadvantage. Several letters were inter- 
 changed, and while the commanders w^ere engaged in a 
 keen encounter of their wits, the crew of the hostile ships 
 continued to carry on the war in poetry and prose, sonie 
 of the poetical effusions of the British tars being so merito- 
 rious, as to induce a suspicion that they were the produc- 
 tion of higher authority. 
 
 Shortly after this, the 1st lieutenant of the Phoebe came 
 on board the Essex, under a flag of truce. Presuming 
 that he was the bearer of another challenge, Capt. Porter 
 required the presence of some of his officers to witness 
 
232 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 the interview. The English officer stated that Capt. 
 Hillyar had been informed, that Porter had accused him 
 of acting in a cowardly manner, in running from the 
 Essex after having challenged her. Capt. Porter admitted 
 that he had said so, and still thought so, whereupon the 
 officer stated, on the part of Capt. Hillyar, that the firing 
 a gun and hoisting a flag was merely intended as a signal 
 to the Cherub ! Captain Porter replied, that Hillyar had 
 informed him that the motto of the flag was intended as 
 an answer to that of the Essex, and that there was not a 
 soul in Valparaiso that did not think it a challenge. As 
 the officer still continued his assurances, Captain Porter 
 told him that he was bound to take Captain Hillyar's 
 word if he said that he had not intended a challenge, but 
 assured him that whenever Captain Hillyar thought pro- 
 per to send away the Cherub, and perform a similar ma- 
 noeuvre he should consider it an invitation to battle; but 
 the English officer said, that Hillyar being a religious 
 man, did not approve of challenges. Some excitement 
 grew out of this last afikir, and Capt. Porter, not wishing 
 to be accused of getting under way to perform an act of 
 bravado, when he knew the English captain had determined 
 to risk nothing in the performance of his duty, received 
 from his officers the following certificates which belong to 
 the history of that time. 
 
 " On Sunday the 27th February, 1814, at 5 P.M., the Phoebe ran 
 close in with the harbor, hoisted an English ensign, bearing the 
 motto, " God and our Country ; British Sailors' Best Rights : Trai- 
 tors Offend Them," and fired a gun to windward. The sloop-of-war 
 was about two and a half miles to the leeward. The Essex immedi- 
 ately got underway, hoisted a flag bearing the motto, " God, Our 
 Country and Liberty : Tyrants offend them," and fired a gun to 
 windward. The Phoebe hove to until the Essex was within gun 
 shot, when she bore up and ran down for the sloop of war. Two shots 
 were fired across her bows to bring her to, but without effect. After 
 chasing her as far as was prudent, Capt. Porter observed that their 
 conduct was cowardly and dishonorable, and returned into port 
 where we came to anchor. 
 
 John Downes M. W. Bostwick 
 
 Wm, H. Odenheimer Alex. Montgomery 
 Edward Barnewell George W. Isaac 
 
 Richard K. Hoffman S. L. Duzenbery. 
 John K. Shaw 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 233 
 
 On the 16th of March, 1814, Lieut. lagraham, first of the Phoebe, 
 came on board the Essex, under a flag of truce, having a letter from 
 Commodore Hill jar to Captain Porter. Lieut. Ingraham informed 
 Captain Porter, that Commodore Hillyar had heard Captain P. had 
 called him a coward for running away from the Essex, and begged 
 to know if it was the case. Capt. Porter informed him that con- 
 sidering the circumstance of the challenge, and the conduct of the 
 Phoebe in bearing up, he believed anything he could have said on 
 the occasion justifiable. Lieut. Ingraham assured Captain Por- 
 ter, that no challenge was intended, and that the gun was fired 
 by accident. Capt. P. said he supposed it to be a challenge at 
 that time, and had accepted it ; and that he should accept another, 
 if given by the Phoebe, observing, " it cannot be expected that I 
 would take upon myself the responsibility of challenging a 36 gun 
 frigate, with a frigate of 32 guns : as my country would censure 
 me, should I prove unsuccessful ; but the difference of force will 
 not prevent my accepting a challenge given by Captain Hillyar. 
 
 The Phoebe and Cherub ever after, kept close together, and 
 showed a determination of not risking an action, unless they could 
 both engage the Essex. 
 
 John Downes. 
 
 After these events the Phoebe and Cherub kept a close 
 blockade, off' the harbor, and an end was put to the paper 
 war which had been carried on quite long enough. Capt. 
 Porter not finding it likely that he should be able to bring 
 the Phoebe to action singly, determined to put to sea on the 
 first opportunity, and give the enemy the slip. His main 
 object in departing was to avoid the Tagus 38, and two 
 other frigates which had sailed for the Pacific in pursuit of 
 him. The Raccoon was also expected from the 1^. W. 
 coast, where she had been sent to destroy our fur estab- 
 lishments, on the Columbia river. A rendezvous was 
 appointed for the Essex junior, and every arrangement 
 made for sailing, and it was the Captain's intention to let 
 the enemy chase him off' the coast, to give the Essex junior 
 a chance to escape. 
 
 On the 28th of March, 1814, the wind came on to blow 
 fresh from the southward, when the Essex parted her lar- 
 board cable and dragged the starboard anchor directly to 
 sea. ITot a moment was lost in getting sail on the ship. 
 The enemy were close in with the point, forming the west 
 side of the bay, but on opening them. Captain Porter 
 30 
 
234 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 thought he saw an opportunity to pass to the windward of 
 them. On account of the freshness of the wind, he took in 
 the top gallant sails which were set over single reefed top- 
 sails, hut as she rounded the point the ship was struck by 
 a heavy squall, which carried away the main top mast, 
 throwing the men who were aloft into the sea wliere they 
 were drowned. 
 
 The only thing now to be done, was to endeavor to re- 
 gain the port, or else fight both the British ships in this 
 crippled condition. Finding that the ship was too much 
 disabled to beat up to the anchorage, Capt. Porter stood 
 across the harbor and ran into a small bay about three 
 quarters of a mile to leeward of the battery, on the 
 east side of the harbor, where he anchored within pistol 
 shot of the shore, intending to repair damages. The Essex 
 was now about three miles from the town of Valparaiso, a 
 mile and a half from Castle Viejo, and half a mile from a 
 detached battery consisting of one 24 pounder. 
 
 It may here be remarked, that though the inhabitants of 
 Valparaiso were still friendly to the Americans, the policy 
 of the Chilian government had changed since the Essex's 
 former visit, and they now favored the interests of the Eng- 
 lish on all occasions, in preference to those of our country- 
 men ; and it is not unlikely that the Chilians acquiesced in 
 the violation of the neutrality of the port, which shortly 
 afterwards took place. 
 
 ^Notwithstanding the Essex had anchored within the 
 limits of the harbor and close to the shore, the British 
 ships continued to approach with the evident intention of 
 attacking her regardless of the neutrality of the place. 
 They had all their motto flags hoisted, and approached the 
 crippled Essex so cautiously, that it looked as if they 
 hardly thought it safe to attack her even in her disabled 
 condition. The Americans, though still doubting if the 
 British would be base enough to attack them, cleared ship 
 for action, which they had hardly accomplished, when at 
 54 minutes past 3, the enemy commenced the attack, plac- 
 ing the Phoebe under the Essex's stern and the Cherub on 
 her starboard bow. 
 
 The Phoebe's fire proved very destructive, as she occu- 
 pied a position where, with her long guns, she could rake 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 235 
 
 the Essex, which vessel coald scarcely bring a gun to bear 
 on her, while the Cherub was pouring in a galling fire. 
 The latter vessel, however, soon found her position such 
 a hot one that she ran down to leeward, near the Phoebe, 
 where both ships kept up a raking fire on the American 
 frigate. Capt. Porter now got three long twelve pounders 
 out of the stern ports which were worked with such skill 
 and courage, that in half an hour both the enemy's vessels 
 hauled off to repair damages, which is admitted in the 
 British account of the battle. 
 
 During this first attack Capt. Porter had succeeded, 
 through the exertions of the master, Mr. Barnwell, and 
 the boatswain, Mr. Linscott, in getting springs on the 
 cables three different times, but before the ship's broadside 
 could be brought to bear on the enemy, they were cut 
 away by the excessive fire of the British. The Essex had 
 been frequently hulled, and several of her crew killed and 
 wounded, but notwithstanding the unfavorable circum- 
 stances under which they were engaged in fighting against 
 so superior a force, it was not possible forofiicers and men 
 to conduct themselves in a more cool or gallant manner. 
 All seemed determined to defend their ship to the last, 
 and die rather than surrender ignominiously. 
 
 The enemy soon finished his repairs and the Phoebe and 
 Cherub now took up a position on the Essex's starboard 
 quarter, out of the reach of her carronades, and where her 
 long guns could not be brought to bear upon them. The 
 fire was very galling and Capt. Porter had no other alter- 
 native than to get under way and become the assailant. 
 The top sail sheets and halliards having all been shot away, 
 the flying jib was the only sail that could be hoisted. The 
 flying jib was set, and the cable cut, and with the sails 
 hanging from the yards the Essex ran down upon her 
 assailants, and for a short time succeeded in closing with 
 them (so as to use her carronades), and open a very de- 
 structive fire On the enemy. The Cherub was forced to 
 haul oft' and for a few moments the hope was entertained 
 that the enemy would be so far disabled as to enable the 
 Essex to escape. 
 
 The Americans fought with desperation, fully justifying 
 the high expectations their commander had formed of 
 
236 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 tlicm. Tlie decks were now strewn with the dead, the 
 ship had heen several times on fire, the cock-pit was filled 
 with the wounded, yet there was no talk of surrender. 
 The Cherub did not again return to close action, but kept 
 up a distant fire with her long guns, which both the British 
 ships were enabled to do, their sails and masts not having 
 been crippled. The Phoebe chose the distance best suited 
 to her long 18s, where out of the range of the Essex's 
 carronades, she kept up a deliberate fire, which told 
 severely on the Americans, and this advantage she main- 
 tained to the end. Many of the Essex's guns were by 
 this time disabled, and some of them had lost their entire 
 crews. As the men fell at the guns, their places were 
 supplied by others, and one gun in particular, was manned 
 three times during the action, fifteen men having been 
 slain, the captain of the gun alone escaping. 
 
 The action had now lasted nearly two hours, and finding 
 it impossible to close with an adversary who chose his dis- 
 tance at pleasure, and the wind for the moment favoring the 
 design, Capt. Porter determined to run his ship on shore, 
 land his men and destroy her. For a few moments every- 
 thing seemed to favor his wishes, and the Essex had got 
 within musket shot of the beach, when the wind suddenly 
 shifted ofi^' the land, and payed the ship's head down to- 
 wards the Phoebe, which left her exposed again to a raking 
 fire. Still as the Essex was now closing again with the 
 enemy, it was hoped to get alongside the Phoebe, and carry 
 her by boarding. 
 
 At this moment Lieut. Downes went on board, to re- 
 ceive orders, under the impression that the Essex would 
 soon have to surrender. He could be of no use in the 
 then wretched condition of the ship, and finding that the 
 enemy were not going to give him a chance to board, Capt. 
 Porter directed him to return to the Essex junior and be 
 prepared to destroy her in case of necessity. 
 
 The slaughter on board the Essex was now terrible, the 
 enemy raking her continually without her being able to 
 bring a gun to bear ; the Captain, therefore, directed a 
 hawser to be bent to the sheet anchor, and the anchor to 
 be cut from the bow, to bring the ship's head round. This 
 succeeded, and the Essex's broadside was again brought to 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. '2^7 
 
 bear and the enemy would, probably, have drifted out of 
 gun shot, before he discovered she had anchored when the 
 hawser unfortunately parted. 
 
 During the action, the American consul general, Mr. 
 Poinsett, demanded of the governor, that the batteries of 
 Valparaiso should protect the Essex, but he received only 
 an evasive promise, that if the ship should reach the ordi- 
 nary anchorage, he would request the English commander 
 'to cease the attack. He, however, declined resorting to 
 force in any case, and did not seem at all concerned at the 
 violation of the neutrality of the port. There was un- 
 doubtedly collusion between the British and the Chilian 
 authorities from the first, and the Essex would have been 
 attacked long before, but for the risk of injuring the ship- 
 ping and the town. Mr. Poinsett was so fully satisfied of 
 this, that he took the first occasion to demand his passports^, 
 and return to the United States. 
 
 The Essex had been on fire several times during the ac- 
 tion, and at one moment alarmingly so, the flames burst- 
 ing up each hatchway. The ship was now within three 
 quarters of a mile of the shore, and it was hoped that many 
 of the crew might save themselves should she blow 
 up, as the fire was reported to be near the magazine ; and 
 the explosion of some powder below, served to increase 
 the apprehension of the ship's destruction. The boats had 
 all been destroyed by the enemy's shot, and Capt. Porter 
 therefore considered himself justified in authorizing all 
 those who could swim to try and gain the shore. Some 
 reached the land, some were taken by the enemy, but the 
 majority preferred remaining to share the fate of the ship 
 they had so nobly defended. Those who remained gave 
 their attention to the work of extinguishing the flames, and 
 when they had succeeded went again to the few guns they 
 could use, and recommenced firing on the British, who 
 amidst all the horrors of the fire, had kept up an incessant 
 cannonade from their long guns. 
 
 The sea was as smooth as glass, and the Essex lay like 
 a target, riddled by every shot from the enemy. The crew 
 were completely exhausted, and had become so weakened 
 in numbers, that they entreated the Captain to surrender, 
 in order to save the lives of the wounded. Capt. Porter 
 
238 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 felt, himself, that further resistance was useless, and that 
 it was impossible for his wreck of a vessel to succeed 
 against the two ships, which were coolly boring her 
 through and through, at every discharge of their long 
 guns. 
 
 The Captain now summoned the officers of divisions for 
 consultation, but could find but one remaining, Lieut. 
 Stephen Decatur McKnight, who confirmed the report re- 
 specting the condition of affairs. Mr. Wilmer, the first 
 lieutenant, after fighting most gallantly throughout the 
 action, was knocked overboard by a splinter. Lieut. 
 Cowell had lost a leg, Mr. Barnwell, the master, had been 
 carried below, severely wounded, and Lieut. Odenheimer 
 had been knocked overboard and did not regain the ship 
 until after she had surrendered. The cockpit and steerage 
 could contain no more of the wounded, who were killed 
 in several instances while the surgeon was dressing their 
 wounds. The ship, it was evident from the number of 
 holes in her bottom, could not long be kept afloat. All 
 the carpenter's crew were either killed or wounded, and 
 the carpenter himself, in stopping some shot holes in the 
 sides, had the slings shot away and came very near drowning. 
 It was nothing but a useless waste of life to continue such 
 an unequal struggle, and accordingly at twenty minutes 
 past six the order was given to haul down the colors. 
 This was the most painful order that Captain Porter gave 
 in his life, although he had defended his ship with a hero- 
 ism seldom equalled, and never surpassed. Seventy-five 
 officers and men were all that remained capable of doing 
 duty, some of whom afterwards died from wounds received. 
 
 The enemy still kept up their fire, nfter the colors were 
 struck, and four men fell near the Captain, although an 
 opposite gun was fired from the Essex, to indicate the sur- 
 render. Thinking that the English intended to show no 
 quarter, Capt. Porter was about to again hoist the colors, 
 when ten minutes after the surrender, the enemy ceased 
 firing. 
 
 Thus ended this bloody encounter ; bloody on one side 
 only, for the English did not sufier materially in killed 
 and wounded. The Essex lost fifty-eight killed, and sixty- 
 six wounded, a total of one hundred and twenty-four, or 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 239 
 
 nearly one half of those who were on board at the com- 
 mencement of the action. Of the thirty-one missing, the 
 greater part were probably drowned in attempting to swim 
 on shore, or were knocked overboard by splinters, so that 
 out of two hundred and twenty-five, the loss was actually 
 one hundred and fifty-five. 
 
 'No one can fail to remark the great disparity of force in 
 this engagement, for, except during the few moments 
 when the Essex closed with the enemy, and could make 
 use of her carronades, she fought the action with her six 
 long twelve pounders, opposed to fifteen long eighteen 
 pounders on board the Phoebe, and the long guns of the 
 Cherub, and by the carronades of the two ships, while 
 they lay on the Essex's quarter, where she could not bring 
 a gun to bear. The English official report makes the 
 Phoebe's loss four killed and seven wounded ; that of the 
 Cherub, one killed and three wounded, and there seems 
 to be no reason to dispute the truth of this account, 
 although it is strange that with such accurate firing as to 
 put eighteen twelve pound shot into the Phoebe below the 
 water line, the mortality on board that ship should have 
 been so small. 
 
 The two English ships were much cut up aloft and in 
 their hulls, and no doubt if the Essex could have en- 
 countered them under her three topsails, she would have 
 beaten them offl 
 
 Although the engagement lasted nearly two hours and 
 a half, Capt. Hillyar in his report evidently seeks to con- 
 vey the impression that it was terminated much sooner ; a 
 statement which could have been contradicted, if neces- 
 sary, by the thousands of spectators who witnessed the 
 battle from the hills of Valparaiso. It is estimated that 
 seven hundred eighteen pound shot were fired at the Essex, 
 and that the latter fired her twelve long guns seventy-five 
 times each. 
 
 After the lapse of sixty years, one can examine more 
 dispassionately into this aftair, than was possible at the 
 time of its occurrence. It caused great excitement through- 
 out the United States and called forth severe strictures 
 against Capt. Hilly ar's conduct in violating the neutrality 
 of the port, after Porter's magnanimity in sparing the 
 
240 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Phoebe, when she was completely at his mercy. The Brit- 
 ish captain no doubt conformed strictly to orders from his 
 government, to capture the Essex, whenever circumstances 
 would permit (regardless of consequences), in order to stop 
 the havoc which she was committing on British commerce. 
 
 Capt. Hillyar's situation must have been anything but a 
 pleasant one, and less enviable, under the circumstances, 
 than that of Porter ; for it can never be a pleasant reflec- 
 tion to an officer, no matter what applause he may have 
 gained from his government, to feel that he has vio- 
 lated the principles of honor and generosity, and disre- 
 garded the sacred rights of neutrality. For six weeks, 
 Capt. Hillyar had been offered fair and honorable combat, 
 on terms greatly to his advantage, and such as his govern- 
 ment would no doubt have justified him in accepting; for 
 we cannot conceive, that with all the prestige of Great 
 Britain upon the ocean, she would desire one of her officers 
 to decline an engagement with an inferior force. 
 
 Captain Hillyar's report to his government, detailing the 
 capture of the Essex, is not creditable to him, inasmuch as 
 he treats the capture of that vessel, after a brave defense, as 
 a matter of small moment, and a foregone conclusion; 
 whereas, had he felt that security of success, which he 
 leaves us to infer, he should have taken advantage of the 
 several opportunities that had been offered him, to add to 
 the laurels previously gathered by the British navy. 
 
 Soon after the capture of the Essex, Captain Porter en- 
 tered into an agreement with Captain Hillyar to disarm the 
 Essex junior, and proceed with his surviving officers and 
 crew to the United States, Captain Hillyar furnishing a 
 passport to secure her from recapture. The ship was too 
 small to properly accommodate so many people, but they 
 were all willing to suffer any inconvenience, in order to 
 reach their native land, where they might once more have 
 it in their power to serve their country. 
 
 Whatever blame may be attached to Captain Hillyar's 
 conduct before the capture of the Essex, his subsequent 
 proceedings were marked by the greatest humanity toward 
 the wounded, and he did all in his power to alleviate the 
 distresses of war by a generous deportment towards his 
 prisoners, indicating that a higher authority than his per- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 241 
 
 sonal feelings had dictated what must have been the 
 painful course of capturing a crippled ship in a neutral 
 harbor. 
 
 In taking leave of Capt. Hillyar, Capt. Porter, after 
 thanking him for his attentions, took occasion to remark 
 that although he should lose no opportunity to do him 
 full justice on the score of humanity, in the treatment of 
 his prisoners, yet he should nevertheless be perfectly plain 
 in making known Hillyar's conduct, in attacking the Essex 
 in the manner he had done. The tears came into Hillyar's 
 eyes, and grasping Porter's hand, he exclaimed, '' My 
 dear Porter, you know not the responsibility that hung 
 over me with respect to your ship ; perhaps my life de- 
 pended on my taking her." E'o explanations were asked, 
 and none were given, and Captain Hillyar has long since 
 gone to his grave leaving to his descendants, or to his go- 
 vernment the duty of doing him justice in this matter. It 
 was, however, asserted at the time, and we have no reason 
 to doubt the truth of the report, that an admiralty order 
 was issued to officers in the South seas, not to respect the 
 neutrality of any port where the Essex should be found; 
 and it is not unlikely, that Captain Hillyar may have anti- 
 cipated the fate of Byng, if he had allowed the Essex to 
 escape from Valparaiso. 
 
 The capture of the Essex cost the British government 
 great anxiety and expense, and was only effected after she 
 had entirely destroyed their whale fishery in the Pacific. 
 The fact of their sending so superior a force in pursuit 
 of her, with orders to leave nothing to chance, shows the 
 importance they attached to her capture. 
 
 Captain Porter sailed from Valparaiso, in the Essex 
 junior, on the 27th of April, 1814, and made every effort 
 to reach home in time to fit out ships to intercept the 
 Phcebe and her prize in the British channel ; and favored 
 by the winds, of which they took every advantage, they 
 arrived oft' Sandy Hook on the 5th of July, where they fell 
 in with H. B. M. ship Saturn, Captain iTash. This officer, 
 at first treated Captain Porter with great civility, furnished 
 him with late newspapers and sent him a present of fruit. 
 The boarding officer, after examining the papers of the 
 Essex junior, suftered her to proceed and she stood along 
 31 
 
242 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 on the same tack with the British ship, but in about 
 two hours she was again hove to by the Saturn. An officer 
 now came on board and reexamined the papers, and with 
 the boat's crew overhauled the ship's hold. The cause of 
 this strange proceeding was unknown, and when Capt. 
 Porter expressed his astonishment, he was informed that 
 Captain Nash had his motives, and doubted whether 
 Captain Hillyar had authority to make such an arrange- 
 ment as he had entered into with Captain Porter, and that 
 the Essex junior must be detained for a short time. Cap- 
 tain Porter protested against any detention, and informed 
 the boarding officer that he should no longer consider him- 
 self on parole ; he then offered the British officer his sword, 
 with the remark that he delivered it with the same feelings 
 with which he had surrendered it to Captain Hillyar. 
 The boarding officer declined to receive the sword, but 
 after visiting the Saturn returned with an order from 
 Captain jN'ash, that the Essex junior should remain all night 
 under the lee of the British ship. Whereupon Capt. Porter 
 exclaimed, " Tell the captain that I am his prisoner, and 
 do not consider myself any longer bound by my contract 
 with Captain Hillyar, which he has violated, and I shall act 
 accordingly." 
 
 At 7 next morning the wind being quite light and the 
 Essex junior still detained under the guns of the Saturn, 
 Captain Porter feeling very uncertain as to the intentions 
 of the British commander, ordered a boat to be lowered 
 and manned, and left the ship leaving a message for Capt. 
 E"ash, that he considered most British officers regardless 
 of each other's honor, that he had escaped, was armed and 
 prepared to defend himself and if met it must be as an enemy. 
 Captain Porter had got nearly a gun shot from the Saturn, 
 before his departure was noticed; at that instant afresh 
 breeze springing up, the British ship made sail after the 
 boat but fortunately a thick fog set in, and the pursuer 
 was baffled. After sailing and rowing about sixty miles, 
 Porter landed near the town of Babylon, Long Island, 
 where his account of himself was at first discredited, and 
 he was obliged to produce his commission, to c^j^nvince 
 the inhabitants that he was not a British officer. When 
 their doubts were removed he was treated with all hospi- 
 tality. 
 
ij»;- vy-ns: 
 
 •^ 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 243 
 
 The Essex junior was detained the whole of the day fol- 
 lowing Captain Porter's escape, and searched, it was said, 
 for the purpose of finding money. Her crew was mus- 
 tered under plea of looking for deserters, her officers 
 insulted, and finally, after inflicting all the annoyance possi- 
 ble, Capt. I^ash permitted the vessel to proceed to E"ew 
 York, where she was condemned and sold for the benefit of 
 the captors. 
 
 The English spread the report through their news- 
 papers, that Capt. Porter's escape was a breach of parole, 
 and it was asserted that Admiral Cochrane had mustered 
 the oflicers of his fleet on the quarter deck, and declared 
 that Porter was out of the pale of honor and must be 
 treated accordingly ; but the correspondence between the ' 
 agents of the two governments shows that Capt. Porter 
 was, b}^ the admiral's own admission, discharged from his 
 parole, and as free to serve his country as if he had never 
 been made prisoner. The following copy of the"*passport, 
 or safe conduct, given by Captain Hillyar to Porter, shows 
 that the contract on the part of the British was virtually 
 broken. 
 
 By James Hillyar, Esq., Captain of his majesty's ship Phoebe, 
 and senior officer of his majesty's ships in Valparaiso Bay. 
 
 I hereby certify, that I have on the part of his Britannic majesty, 
 entered into an agreement with Captain David Porter, of the United 
 States navy, and late commander of the frigate Essex, who on the 
 part of his government engages as follows, to wit : 
 
 That himself, his officers and crew, will proceed to the United 
 States in the ship called the Essex junior, as a cartel commanded by 
 Lieut. John Downes, of the United States navy, and having a crew 
 consisting of the officers and men named in the annexed list. 
 
 That the said Captain Porter, his officers and crew, a list of which 
 is subjoined, will remain on board on parole, not to take arms 
 against Great Britain until regularly ^exchanged : and that he 
 pledges his honor to fulfil the foregoing conditions. 
 
 I therefore request, that the said ship, the Essex junior, may be 
 permitted to pass freely to the United States, without any impedi- 
 ment; and that the officers commanding his majesty's ships of war, 
 as well as private armed vessels, and all others in authority under 
 the British government, as also those in alliance with his said 
 majesty, will give the said David Porter, his officers and crew, and 
 the crew of the aforesaid ship, called the Essex junior, every aid 
 
244 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 and assistance to enable them to arrive at the place of their destina- 
 tion. 
 
 And as it may become necessary for the Essex junior to touch 
 at one or more places, for the purpose of obtaining refreshments 
 and supplies, it is requested that in such case, all to whom this 
 passport may be presented, will give the persons on board said ship 
 every facility in supplying their wants, and permit them to depart 
 with her without hinderance. 
 
 Given under my hand, on board his majesty's ship Phoebe, at 
 Valparaiso, April 1814. 
 
 James Hillyar. 
 
 The following letter, from the Honorable William Jones 
 to Captain Porter, is inserted to show the sentiments of 
 the navy department in regard to the detention of the 
 Essex junior by Capt. jN"ash of the British navy, showing 
 that whatever action was taken with regard to dissolving 
 Capt. Porter's parole was authorized by the United States 
 government : 
 
 Navy Department, July 13, 1814. 
 
 Sir : I have before me your letter of the 9th, which has been 
 exhibited to the president and received his attention. The conduct 
 of the commander of the Saturn has excited in his breast, as it must 
 in every liberal and correct mind, the most indignant feelings. 
 
 The history and presence of the brave remnant of the crew of the 
 Essex, was alone calculated to inspire a generous sympathy, and 
 courteous demeanor, though the highest safeguard known to civilized 
 warfare had not guarantied their exemption from molestation ; and 
 it is difficult to reconcile the absence of those feelings with the cha- 
 racter Captain Nash doubtless aspires to. 
 
 The circumstances of your escape from the Essex junior, while 
 under detention, would, it is believed, sustain yourself and your go- 
 vernment in dissolving your parole; but as the Essex junior was 
 suffered to proceed under the original passport, though indecently 
 detained, and rudely treated, the scrupulously exact and liberal con- 
 duct of the government of the United States, in despite of the 
 injustice and illiberality which it has received from the hands of the 
 enemy, may possibly induce the president to waive the right which 
 the violation in this case would enable him to assert. The matter 
 however is still under consideration and will be decided upon in due 
 time. 
 
 Your officers will, for the present, and until further order can be 
 taken, remain attached to the Essex junior. Your crew will be im- 
 mediately paid off, upon a requisition being made upon the agent at 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 245 
 
 New York for the amount of the balances due them, which shall be 
 remitted to him without delay. I have this day accepted Purser 
 Shaw's bills for $29,000 approved by yourself. 
 
 You will proceed to join your friends at your pleasure ; and after 
 having consoled them for your long absence, we shall be gratified 
 with your presence here. 
 
 The court of inquiry will be ordered to be held either in Philadel- 
 phia or New York, as may best suit your convenience. I confirm 
 the purchase of the Essex junior for the navy of the United States 
 at the sum of $25,000. 
 
 You will please to transmit to this department the valuation made 
 by the persons appointed by you for that purpose. 
 
 I am very respectfully, sir, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 Captain David Porter, U. S. Navy, New York. W. Jones. 
 
 There is scarcely a circumstance connected with the con- 
 duct of the British, from the moment of the attack on the 
 Essex to the time the Essex junior was arrested in her voyage, 
 which does not deserve severe condemnation. It marks the 
 difference between the manner in which the little navy of the 
 United States carried on the war, compared with England 
 and her thousand ships, and it is another evidence of the 
 destruction our navy was dealing to British commerce, 
 and the humiliation to British pride that the government 
 should become so regardless of the rights of neutrals, as to 
 direct the capture of certain vessels under any and all cir- 
 cumstances. All authorities on international law concur 
 in the opinion, that it is strictly forbidden, as well by the 
 universal law as by the laws and treaties of all nations, to 
 commence or continue any act of violence against any ship 
 whatever, within the limits of the maritime jurisdiction of 
 a friendly and neutral state. 
 
 On the faith of this law of nations, which is familiar to 
 every naval officer, a ship of war should be able to enter 
 the port of any neutral with full confidence that he would 
 be secure against any force of his enemies, and it was this 
 confidence that Great Britain would respect the universal 
 law, which led Captain Porter to anchor his crippled ship, 
 not supposing that she would be attacked within pistol 
 shot of the shore. Had he supposed that this would be 
 done, not only in violation of neutrality l^ut also of the 
 
246 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 plighted faith of a British officer, Capt. Porter would have 
 landed his men and blown up his ship, and thus deprived 
 his enemy of a trophy which added nothing to his renown, 
 and saved the lives of his brave officers and men, who, re- 
 posing too much faith in the honor of their foes, fell vic- 
 tims to their own confidence. 
 
 The action of the Chilian government, in denying to 
 the Essex that protection which a neutral is bound to 
 grant under such circumstances, was due to the fact that 
 there had lately been a change in the administratiou, 
 by which the particular friends of the United States had 
 been deprived of power, and thrown into prison. It be- 
 came, therefore, the great object of the faction in power, 
 to conciliate the English by evincing hostility to the Ameri- 
 cans. Had the Chilians possessed the sensibility which 
 once influenced their Spanish ancestors, they would have 
 insisted on the restoration of the Essex, with all the brave 
 survivors of that glorious defeat. 
 
 The reader, who has taken any interest in the transac- 
 tions related in these memoirs, will naturally desire to 
 know the fate of Lieut. Gamble of the marines, and his 
 companions, who were left at jN'ookaheevah, in charge of 
 the prize ships IsTew Zealander, Sir Andrew Hammond, 
 Greenwich and Seringapatam on the 18th of December, 
 1813. Lieut. Gamble had received instructions, that if he 
 did not hear of the Essex for five and a half months, he 
 was to repair with the three ships to Valparaiso. Under 
 his orders were left three officers and twenty-six men, six 
 of the latter being prisoners of war. Lieut. Gamble soon 
 found that his situation was a very unpleasant one, and 
 that it was much easier to control a large body of men, 
 on board a man-of-war, than a few individuals relieved, in 
 a great measure, from the constraint of discipline, and with 
 very little to occupy tlieir time. 
 
 The Essex was hardly clear of the islands, before the 
 natives began to prove troublesome. The Englishman 
 who was found on the island when the Essex arrived, 
 commenced inciting the natives to commit depredations 
 upon the live stock which Captain Porter had left behind, 
 in consequence of which Mr. Gamble placed the ships in a 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 247 
 
 state of defense and landed six guns which were placed on 
 Fort Madison completely commanding the bay. 
 
 On sending a message to the tribes of the adjacent valley 
 warning them not to kill any more swine, they sent back 
 word that they were aware how few men he had, that 
 Opotee was not coming back, and that they would do as 
 they pleased. Thereupon, Lieut. Gamble warned the old 
 chief Gattanewa, that unless the stolen swine was restored, 
 he would proceed through the valley with an armed force 
 and destroy everything the natives had. The old chief 
 sincerely regretted the bad conduct of his people, and tried 
 to make them do better, but his remonstrances were un- 
 heeded; and the natives, emboldened by the apparent 
 weakness of the party, ventured into the encampment to 
 commit their thefts. Lieut. Gamble, finding that there 
 w^as no alternative, conducted an expedition against the 
 natives, which soon brought them to terms ; but during his 
 stay he had several times to repeat the operation, to make 
 the savages listen to reason. 
 
 At length the iTew Zealander was fitted for sea, and 
 dispatched to the United States, but was unfortunately re- 
 captured by a British cruiser, within one day's sail of ]^ew 
 York. 
 
 After the sailing of the New Zealander, the remaining 
 men became exceedingly insubordinate, and. were con- 
 stantly leaving their posts in defiance of orders, and Lieut. 
 Gamble was therefore obliged to inflict severe punishment 
 on them in his attempt to maintain discipline. In order to 
 try and keep the natives in ignorance of the strength of his 
 force, Lieut. Gamble gave orders to the crews of his three 
 vessels, not to permit a single native to come alongside ; 
 but one morning he was informed that a female was seen 
 to swim from one of the ships to the shore, carrying with 
 her a bundle of bread. Now Gamble was not a romantic 
 man, and he looked upon these sea nymphs as so many 
 sharks engaged in public plunder, and he determined by 
 summary measures to put a stop to these illicit proceed- 
 ings. Next night Midshipmen Clapp and Feltus were sent 
 quietly on board the Seringapatara, and unexpectedly enter- 
 ing the cabin, three of the sea nymphs jumped out of the 
 cabin windows carrying with them a large bundle of bread 
 
248 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 for transportation to the shore. After securing the fair 
 plunderers, the Sir Andrew Hammond was boarded, and 
 though no natives were found it was evident they had re- 
 cently been there. The boat now returned to the Green- 
 wich with the fair prisoners (all women are supposed to 
 be fair), when the unromantic lieutenant, forgetful of the 
 respect due to the sex, gave them a spanking^ as he con- 
 sidered it necessary for the lives of all his party that his 
 weakness should not become too well known to the 
 savages. 
 
 The Sir Andrew Hammond was now sent to the adjacent 
 islands to procure provisions, the natives of IN'ookaheevah 
 professing to be unable to keep up their contributions. 
 The cruise was successful, and for a time the supply was 
 ample. 
 
 The sojourn among the islanders had greatly demoral- 
 ized the seamen, who were generally of the lowest class, 
 and some of them being Englishmen who had deserted 
 their own flag, they were ready to desert the one under 
 which they now served, on the first opportunity. Several 
 desertions took place, and when the culprits were captured 
 they were punished, and a mutinous spirit began to be 
 manifest among the sailors. 
 
 At 2 o'clock A. M., of the 18th of April, three men who 
 had been punished for misconduct deserted in one of the 
 Greenwich's boats, carrying with them three muskets, a 
 supply of ammunition and all the provisions, clothing, &c., 
 that they could lay hands on, and to delay pursuit they 
 scuttled the ship's other boat. 
 
 On the 3d of May, Lieut. Gamble found that a boat's 
 sail had been stolen from the Greenwich, and suspected 
 one Belcher, a boatswain's mate of bad reputation, of the 
 theft. Next day he was informed that most of the men 
 were plotting either to mutiny, or to make their escape in 
 one of the ships, and that they were instigated by Belcher 
 and four of the prisoners. Mr. Gamble thought it prudent 
 to make light of the report, but took every precaution 
 against the success of the plan, and removed all the arms 
 and ammunition on board his own ship. It was now evi- 
 dent, from the manner of the sailors, that a storm was 
 brewing, and that Lieut. Gamble's position was becoming 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 249 
 
 critical. He knew that Belcher was a villain, and at the 
 head of the disturbance, yet in the absence of any very in- 
 subordinate act he could do nothing, for if he had attempted 
 to confine those whom he had grounds to suspect, the 
 others would refuse to obey him. Such is the force of the 
 bad example of one man, who will often corrupt a whole 
 ship's company, who without his presence would have 
 given little trouble. 
 
 On the 7th of May, the mutiny broke out. Lieut. Gam- 
 ble went on board the Seringaptam for the purpose of 
 having the tanks properly stowed, and upon reprimanding 
 one of the men for his careless manner of working, the 
 villain called out that he would not obey the order nor do 
 any more work on board the vessel. The words had no 
 sooner escaped his lips than all the men on deck threw 
 down their hats and refused to do duty. One of the men 
 drew a knife, and told his accomplices to seize Lieut. 
 Gamble, who made an attempt to get into a boat, but was 
 prevented by the mutineers, who threw him violently to 
 the deck, bound him hand and foot, and thrust him into 
 the vessel's run, where he was soon joined by Midshipmen 
 Clapp and Feltus, who were treated in the same brutal 
 manner. The scuttle was then nailed down and a sentry 
 placed over it. 
 
 Sailors, under wholesome discipline, are the most orderly 
 and well behaved people in the world, capable of perform- 
 ing acts of courage that would do honor to any one ; but, 
 when discipline is relaxed, they are apt to be mutinous, in 
 which condition they will stop at nothing to carry out their 
 ends. So it was in this case, the men having mutinied 
 they threw off all restraint, and notwithstanding the many 
 acts of kindness they had received from Lieut. Gamble, 
 they treated him in the most inhuman manner. It was 
 the mutiny of the Bounty over again. 
 
 When Mr. Gamble attempted to expostulate, one of the 
 ruffians named Stanley, raised a maul and threatened to 
 dash his brains out if he spoke another word ; but the 
 lieutenant persisted, and demanded what -they were going 
 to do ; to which they answered, that having been kept 
 prisoners long enough in the damned place they were de- 
 termined to regain their liberty; they then gave three 
 32 
 
250 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 cheers and hoisted the British flag. They afterwards went 
 on shore and spiked the guns in the fort, bringing all the 
 arms and ammunition on board. 
 
 They sent for White, who had been expelled from the 
 Essex by Captain Porter, for his attempt to excite a 
 mutiny on board that ship, and then bending some of the 
 sails, they unmoored the ship and stood out to sea. Mr. 
 Gamble and his companions suifered much in their horrid 
 place of confinement, for want of air, and after urgent re- 
 quests the two midshipmen were allowed to come into the 
 cabin, and they finally persuaded the mutineers to let the 
 lieutenant come there also; where, seated on a chest, two 
 men kept guard over him with his own pistols. The 
 mutineers amounted to thirteen in number, including six 
 prisoners of war, but it was a great satisfaction to know 
 that they were all Englishmen, who had deserted their own 
 flag to enlist under the stars and stripes. 
 
 In tlie evening, the ship was out of the bay, and Lieut. 
 Gamble was to undergo further sufterings and mortifica- 
 tions. One of bis guards (either by accident or design), 
 fired a pistol, and the ball struck the lieutenant's left heel 
 and the report was no sooner heard, than several muskets 
 were pointed at the prisoner through the hatch, and would 
 have been discharged but for the remonstrances of his 
 guard. At 9 p. m., the maintopsail was backed, and the 
 three ofiicers were informed that a boat was in readiness to 
 receive them. Lieut. Gamble expostulated with the men on 
 their barbarity in turning them adrift without arms to 
 defend themselves against the natives, whereupon tbey 
 gave him two muskets and some cartridges. On passing 
 to the boat, which Midshipmen Feltus and Clapp and Wil- 
 liam Worth and Richard Sansbury had already entered, 
 Mr. Gamble found all the mutineers armed to the teeth, 
 showing that, although under proper discipline seamen 
 are brave to a fault, as mutineers they are both cowardly 
 and cruel. Man difters from the beast through the force 
 of good example, and under the influence of good laws. 
 Left to his own discretion, he has only the instincts of 
 the animal. 
 
 The unfortunate ofiicers and men in the boat, were 
 turned adrift some miles from the entrance to the bay. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 251 
 
 Lieut. Gamble, suffering intense pain from his wound, 
 steered the boat, while his four companions alternately 
 bailed and pulled. They at length reached the Green- 
 wich, and were informed that the Englishman Wilson 
 was at the bottom of the mutiny, and that he had informed 
 the natives that they could do as they pleased with the 
 Americans who were now perfectly helpless. 
 
 The natives now commenced to be very troublesome, 
 and Mr. Gamble, learning that Wilson was close at hand. 
 Midshipman Feltus and a trader named Burdenelle volun- 
 teered to go on shore and capture him; to which Mr. 
 Gamble very reluctantly consented, for he had for some time 
 been convinced, that the natives were only watching an 
 opportunity to commit some act of treachery. Feltus and 
 Burdenelle started on their mission, well armed, but 
 Wilson fled into the interior. About 12 o'clock, as Lieut. 
 Gamble was anxiously watching the shore from the deck 
 of the Greenwich, he discovered the boat in the surf, sur- 
 rounded by natives, while others were robbing the encamp- 
 ment of all they could lay their hands on. The guns of 
 the Hammond were fired at them, when at the same 
 instant two white men were seen swimming towards the 
 ship, and throwing up their arms in token of distress. 
 Mr. Clapp with two men hastened in a boat to their rescue. 
 
 Lieut. Gamble now remained alone on board the Green- 
 wich, while two boats, full of savages, were approaching 
 with evident hostile intent. ^Notwithstanding the excru- 
 ciating pain from his wound he managed to hobble from 
 gun to gun (which were loaded with grapeshot), and to fire 
 them so effectively, as not only to drive back the savages 
 in the boats, but also to clear the beach, enabling Mr. 
 Clapp to save the lives of the two men who were struggling 
 in the water. These proved to be Worth and Coddington, 
 the latter badly wounded and nearly exhausted from loss 
 of blood. They reported what had been anticipated by 
 Mr. Gamble, that Midshipman Feltus, Burdenelle, Thomas 
 Gibbs, and John Thomas had been murdered by the natives, 
 and that a trader named Ross must inevitably share the 
 same fate. 
 
 Being now reduced to the necessity of leaving the island 
 as soon as possible, Lieut. Gamble commenced fitting the 
 
252 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Sir Andrew Hammond for sea, in the meantime keeping 
 up a fire on the natives on shore. Some of the shots were 
 directed at the fort, where a number of natives were as- 
 sembled, under Wilson, who was endeavoring to draw the 
 spikes from the guns there mounted. 
 
 At sunset, May 9, the Greenwich was set on fire by 
 Lieut. Gamble's orders, and that night, the cables of the 
 Sir Andrew Hammond being cut, she stood out of the bay, 
 lighted on her way by the flames of the burning vessel. 
 Lieut. Gamble now found himself at sea in a leaky ship, 
 without boats or anchors, and with a short allowance of 
 provisions. There was but one seaman on board, but he, 
 with the assistance of the other men, finally got a sufficient 
 number of sails bent, with which to manage the ship. Find- 
 ing it impossible to reach the continent, in the condition in 
 which he then was, Lieut. Gamble steered for the Sandwich 
 islands, in the hope of there obtaining a crew sufficient to 
 reach Valparaiso, for his present force only included himself, 
 badly wounded ; Midshipman Clapp, in good health ; B. 
 Bispham (marine), in good health ; P. Coddington (marine), 
 wounded in the head ; Wm. Worth (seaman), leg frac- 
 tured ; K. Sansbury (ordinary seaman), down with rheu- 
 matism ; J. Burnham (ordinary seaman), an old man just 
 cured of scurvy ; J. Pittenger (marine), a cripple ; so that 
 only two persons on board were fit for duty, and only one 
 acquainted with the management of a ship. After many 
 hardships and narrow escapes from shipwreck, the ship ar- 
 rived off the S. W. end of the island of Wahoo on the 31st 
 of May, 1814. When an American, named Harbottle, 
 came oflT and offered to pilot them in ; and with the aid of 
 Capt. Winship, a generous American, he procured a crew 
 of natives who worked the ship safely through the reefs 
 into the port, where Capt. Winship had an anchor ready 
 for them. 
 
 While here a ship came off the island, and looked into 
 the harbor. Lieut. Gamble was satisfied that this was the 
 vessel which the mutineers had run oft' with, but he never 
 heard of them more. 
 
 Lieut. Gamble received every attention from Capt. Win- 
 ship and others, and left on the 11th of June, 1814, sup- 
 plied with everything he could reasonably expect, bound 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 253 
 
 to Honolulu, a number of the natives taking passage with 
 him, bearing presents for King Kamahama, but the second 
 day out the ship was captured by H. B. M. sloop Cherub, 
 Captain Tucker, one of the vessels that had captured the 
 Essex. Noth withstanding the troubles that Lieut. G-amble 
 had experienced, his greatest sorrow was on being informed 
 of the loss of the Essex, although it was some alleviation 
 to his feelings when Capt. Tucker confessed that he never 
 saw a ship make so desperate a defense, and that he " had 
 expected to see her colors lowered an hour before Free 
 Trade and Sailors' Rights came down." 
 
 Lieut. Gamble and his companions were not particularly 
 well treated on board the Cherub, where they remained 
 nine months, until the ship arrived in Rio de Janeiro, 
 where, upon receiving news of peace being declared, they 
 were set at liberty, and a little over a year after his cap- 
 ture, Lieut. Gamble was restored to his family and friends, 
 on the 27th of August, 1815. 
 
 This gallant officer died on the 11th of September, 1836, 
 having attained the rank of major, and brevet lieutenant 
 colonel in the marine corps, respected by all who knew 
 him. 
 
 Mr. Gamble's account of his adventures is extremely 
 interesting, but we could do no more than give a brief 
 outline of his narrative. 
 
 CHAPTER XYI. 
 
 W HEN the Babylonians were satisfied of Porter's true 
 character, they hauled his boat from the water, and plac- 
 ing it on wheels, he was conducted by a number of the 
 towns people to the city of New York. Here he was again 
 the recipient of a popular demonstration. On his entry 
 into the city in a carriage, the horses were removed from 
 
254 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 the traces, and the people hauled the vehicle to the hotel, 
 amid the shouts of the whole city. Capt. Porter remained 
 but a short time in N"ew York to receive the plaudits of 
 his countrymen, but proceeded towards his home in Penn* 
 sylvania, meeting on his way continued tokens of the 
 estimation in which his services were held by the com- 
 munity. He entered Philadelphia in a carriage, accom- 
 panied by the mayor, and escorted by an immense 
 cavalcade of citizens of all ranks, and passed through streets 
 gaily decorated with flags, in his honor. When the pro- 
 cession arrived opposite Christ's church, on Second street, 
 it was met by a large body of respectable seamen, who at- 
 tached a rope to the carriage (from, which the people had 
 removed the horses), and proceeded through the city with 
 enthusiastic shouts. On arriving at the Mansion House 
 hotel the sailors insisted on carrying the Captain in, on 
 their shoulders, and these demonstrations continued until 
 he reached Chester, where his family was residing. 
 
 Had Porter returned a conqueror, he could not have 
 received more honor, and this was gratifying to him, as it 
 was an evidence that he had performed his duty to the 
 satisfaction of his countrymen. 
 
 After a short visit to his family, Capt. Porter reported 
 in person to the secretary of the navy, in Washington. 
 Mr. Jones received him with great kindness, and accom- 
 panied him to see the president, who invited the Captain 
 to dinner, and listened with great interest to his account 
 of events in the Pacific. 
 
 Captain Porter was immediately offered the command 
 of the Columbia, 44, then building at Washington, the 
 name of which vessel was subsequently changed to Essex. 
 
 The Captain had several ideas which he desired to put 
 into execution, one was the building and equipping of a 
 number of small, fast vessels, to be under his command, 
 and with which he would burn, sink and destroy all the 
 British merchant vessels he could come across. The 
 government approved of this plan, and immediately 
 ordered to be purchased or built, and equipped at the 
 Washington navy yard, five vessels called the Firefly, 
 Torch, Spitfire, Eagle and Lynx. These were to have 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 255 
 
 been very fast sailers, and would no doubt have performed 
 good service had they ever been finished. 
 
 In the meantime, -Captain Porter was ordered to com- 
 mand the steamer Fulton, constructed by the distinguished 
 man whose name she bore. This vessel was intended to 
 carry 32 pounder carronades, and two 100 pound Colum- 
 biads to fire hot shot. She was 145 feet long, 55 feet beam, 
 and was to draw ten feet of water with all her guns, ma- 
 chinery, stores and crew. Her machinery was protected 
 against shot, and the vessel would, no doubt, have proved 
 a powerful auxiliary to the navy, had she been put in com- 
 mission during the war, for at her trial trip on the 2d of 
 June, 1815, according to the chronicles of the times, " she 
 exceeded the most sanguine expectations, having stemmed 
 the current in l^orth river with the greatest ease ! " 
 
 Events were now thickening, and the enemy were making 
 demonstrations towards Washington. Rear Admiral Cock- 
 burn had assembled a large fleet at the mouth of the 
 Potomac, and another fleet, consisting of several ships of 
 war, and some thirty transports, appeared off Annapolis. 
 The government had collected a force of about eleven 
 thousand men to resist the landing of the enemy, and 
 Commodore Rodgers, Captain Perry and Captain Porter 
 were called upon to assist in defending the capital. 
 
 Captain Porter on receiving this order issued the follow- 
 ing animating summons to his old crew : 
 
 Free Trade and Sailor's Rights. 
 To the crew of the old Essex : Sailors, the enemy is about attempt- 
 ing the destruction of your new ship at Washington, and I am 
 ordered there to defend her. I shall proceed immediately, and all 
 disposed to accompany me will meet me at three o'clock this after- 
 noon, at the navy agent's office. 
 New York, Aug. 22, 1814. 
 
 The enemy had entered the Potomac, and on the 19th 
 of August had landed an army, with the intention of 
 marching on Washington. On the 22d the army had with- 
 out opposition reached upper Marlborough, Md., only about 
 20 miles from the capital. At Pig's point, on the Patuxent 
 river, a short distance from this place. Admiral Cockburn 
 engaged Commodore Barney's flotilla, which was obliged 
 
256 Memoir of Commodore David Porter, 
 
 to retire before superior numbers. On the 24th the army 
 of General Ross reached Bladensburg, having met with very 
 little opposition during their march. • 
 
 We have no space to spare for a recital of the humiliat- 
 ing events on the field of Bladensburg. Almost the only 
 redeeming feature, on the American side, was the desperate 
 struggle of the seamen and marines, under the heroic 
 Barney, to maintain the honor of the nation, for the com- 
 manding general ordered a retreat almost at the first sight 
 of the British uniform. 
 
 With the fall of Commodore Barney, and the dispersion 
 of his men, the road to Washington was unobstructed, and 
 the British reached the city at 8 o'clock that evening, 
 where they lost no time in destroying the public buildings, 
 including the Capitol, Treasury, War Ofiice, navy yard. 
 President's House, bridge across the Potomac, &c., &c. 
 Among the property destroyed at the navy yard was the 
 new Essex, and a sloop of war nearly completed. 
 
 The enemy's fleet had anchored off Alexandria, Va., the 
 citizens of which, to save their property, had made a 
 shameful capitulation, and the object of the British general 
 having been attained-, and many rapacious and barbarous 
 acts committed by his soldiers, he made his arrangements 
 to get back to the ships, before troops could be assembled 
 to cut ofi* his retreat. 
 
 In the meantime. Captain Porter being busy in collect- 
 ing his men, was not able to reach Washington until the 
 British were evacuating the city. His plan was now 
 to prevent the return of their ships down the river, or to 
 inflict upon them all the damage possible, and he was ac- 
 cordingly instructed by the secretary of the navy to erect 
 batteries along the Potomac, and annoy the enemy in their 
 retreat. At the time of Porter's arrival in Washington, the 
 British had loaded fourteen American vessels, at Alexan- 
 dria, with a large amount of flour, tobacco, cotton, sugar, 
 cofiee and many other articles which an honorable enemy 
 would not have embarked. Captain Porter, accompanied 
 by Captain Creighton of the navy, mounted horses and 
 dressed in citizens' clothes rode to Alexandria to recon- 
 noitre. They found at the dock, some English boats in 
 charge of a midshipman, and were so disgusted at the pro- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 257 
 
 ceeclings that they made a dash into the party. Capt. 
 Creightoii seized the young Englishman by the cravat, 
 and endeavored to haul him on to his horse to carry him 
 off, but the cravat gave way and the midshipman fell to 
 the ground, while the two officers rode away, leaving the 
 citizens of Alexandria in great consternation for fear the 
 English would retaliate. The signal of alarm was given 
 and all the Enirlish in the nei«;hborhood flew to arms, 
 expecting an attack, and could hardly be convinced that 
 only two persons would dare to do such a desperate thing. 
 
 Captain Porter selected a place called the White House, 
 on the west bank of the Potomac, about 30 miles below 
 the capital, as the site of his battery to prevent the return 
 of the enemy's vessels down the river. Capt. Creighton, 
 Lieut. Clack and several other officers of the navy volun- 
 teered their services, as also Mr. Augustus Monroe, Mr. 
 Ferdinand Fairfax, and other citizens and officers of the 
 militia. On the 1st of September, Porter arrived at the 
 White House, accompanied by the remnant of the Essex's 
 crew, and prepared the ground to mount three long 
 eighteen and two long twelve pounders which were on 
 their way down. Generals Hungerford and Young had 
 received orders to cooperate with him, and to make 
 such a disposition of their forces as would enable him to 
 mount his cannon, without obstruction, by protecting him 
 in the rear in case the enemy attempted to land. Posi- 
 tions were also allotted to the militar}^ w4ien the enemy's 
 ships should attempt to pass down, as it was believed that 
 concealed by the thick woods on the high bank, they 
 would be enabled to clear the enemy's decks with their 
 musketry, and divert their fire from the batteries. 
 
 Capt. Porter had no sooner reached the ground selected 
 for the battery, than an 18 gun brig was seen coming up 
 the river. General Hungerford and his men were sta- 
 tioned in the woods, and a couple of small four pounders 
 arriving at that instant, the Captain planted them on the 
 edge of the bank and opened tire on the British vessel. 
 Having a fine breeze, the brig was enabled to get by, but 
 only fired one broadside as she passed the Ime of field pieces 
 and musketry. The militia followed the brig up the bank, 
 and greatly annoyed the enemy by their fire. In this affair 
 S3 
 
258 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 but one American was wounded, the sailors and soldiers 
 behaved well, and if any mistakes or confusion occurred 
 it was from an excess of zeal and desire to injure the British. 
 
 That same evening two eighteen pounders arrived, and 
 next morning a British bomb vessel and two barges (one 
 carrying a long thirty-two pounder the other a mortar), 
 commenced operations against the American position, the 
 first throwing shells in front out of the reach of shot, the 
 others flanking the battery on the right. The firing lasted 
 all day without intermission, and though shells fell near 
 and. burst over the battery, they had no other effect than 
 to accustom the militia to the danger. 
 
 In the afternoon, Capt. Porter removed one of the eight- 
 een pounders to a more advanced position, about a mile 
 distant, and commenced a fire on the bomb vessel, which 
 became so effective as to draw on him the fire of all the 
 enemy's vessels, including an 18 gun brig and a schooner 
 which had now dropped down the river. 
 
 On the 3d of September, the enemy were reinforced by 
 another bomb vessel and a sloop of war fitted as a rocket 
 ship. The latter anchoring near the battery such a fire 
 was opened on her that she was forced to change her posi- 
 tion. All this day and the succeeding night, the enemy 
 kept up a brisk fire of shot, shell and rockets without affect- 
 ing the Americans in the least ; and the work of increasing 
 and improving the batteries continued. 
 
 Five light field pieces were added on the 3d, and the 
 Captain had every hope of receiving two long thirty-two 
 pounders from Washington. He built a furnace for heat- 
 ing shot, and time alone was required to make his position 
 a very formidable one. On the 4th and 5th, the enemy 
 kept up an incessant fire day and night, and one night at- 
 tempted to land and spike the guns, but were driven off'. 
 A twelve pounder and two sixes were now moved to an 
 advanced position, where they could reach the rocket ship, 
 which vessel was much cut up, while the whole British 
 force opened fire on the new position without driving the 
 sailors from their guns. They fought till their ammunition 
 was exhausted, and then coolly retired (with their pieces) 
 amid a shower of shot from the enemy. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 259 
 
 Firing now ceased, as if bj mutual consent, and some 
 32 pounders arriving, the Americans made great exertions 
 to get them mounted, but carriages could not be furnished, 
 much to their regret, asin the evening two frigates anchored 
 above, making the entire force of the enemy, two frigates 
 each of 48 guns, three bomb ships each of 10 guns, one 
 sloop of war 26 guns, one brig 18 guns, one schooner one 
 gun, and two barges each carrying one gun, a total of 
 one hundred and seventy three guns. The guns mounted 
 in the battery, were three 18 pounders, two 12 pounders, 
 six 9 pounders and two 4 pounders. 
 
 On the morning of the 6th, the enemy showing a disposi- 
 tion to move, Captain Porter advised General Hungerford 
 of their intentions and prepared to meet them. At Meri- 
 dian, the frigates stood down for the battery with a fair 
 wind and tide, the other vessels, together with the prizes 
 loaded with plunder from Alexandria, following in succes- 
 sion. As the enemy approached, a well directed fire of 
 hot and cold shot from the batteries was directed against 
 them, while the ships poured in their broadsides, which our 
 men endured with great firmness. The militia failed to 
 open fire (as had been expected) on the ships to clear their 
 decks, and the result was that the whole fire of the enemy 
 was concentrated on the battery, the two frigates coming 
 to anchor while the other vessels passed by. The Ameri- 
 cans in the battery now retired behind an adjacent hill, in 
 readiness to charge the enemy in case he should attempt 
 to land, but the latter contented himself by keeping up a 
 tremendous fire with guns, bombs and rockets, owing to 
 which General Hungerford found it impossible to change 
 bis position, without losing a large number of his men. 
 
 The English effected their object in passing down the 
 river, but had there been sufficient time to have got the 
 heavy guns into position, they would no doubt have met 
 with serious disaster. As it was, they were much cut up, 
 while the Americans' loss did not exceed eleven killed and 
 nineteen wounded. 
 
 In his official report of these transactions, Captain Por- 
 ter spoke in high terms of the gallant conduct of the United 
 States and Virginia artillery. Had they possessed as good 
 artillery in 1814, as they did at the same place in 1862, on 
 
260 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Jill oeL'usioii wli'u'li the writc^r well remembers, the British 
 would have hticl a much hotter time in getting down the 
 river. 
 
 The remnant of the Essex's crew had received, before 
 this, a baptism of fire to which all others w^ould seem 
 feeble, and they stood to their guns like veterans as they 
 were. Lieut. Barnewell received on this occasion his third 
 wound, and Dr. Ploffman, surgeon of the Essex, w^as shot 
 in the head. The detachment of marines, under Capt. 
 Grayson, forming part of the naval force that had so much 
 distinguished itself under Commodore Barney at Bladens- 
 burg, were anxious to do their part on this occasion to 
 wnpe out the odium of that defeat, and two of them were 
 killed in their courageous but unsuccessful endeavor to 
 stop the progress of the enemy. 
 
 After the other vessels had passed the battery, the two 
 frigates got under way and proceeded down to Indian Head 
 where Captain Perry, of the navy, had a battery of light 
 guns atid an eighteen pounder, but he could make no im- 
 pression on them, and after pouring their broadsides into 
 him until after sunset, they proceeded on their way with 
 their plunder. 
 
 It seems strange to us at this day, w^ho have had hun- 
 dreds of thousands of soldiers on the Potomac at onetime, 
 that a handful of British soldiers and a few British ships 
 should ascend the river and burn the Capitol. Yet such 
 was the case, and the operation may be repeated if more 
 attention is not paid to the urgent appeals of those who 
 will have to fight the battles of the country, when war does 
 come upon us. We are, comparatively, not better pre- 
 pared for war than w^e were in 1814. The forts that we 
 have built since then, would make less impression on the 
 iron clads of to-day, than did the 18 pounders of Porter at 
 the White House, on the marauding squadron of sixty 
 years ago. 
 
 The marks of the British invasion have long since been 
 eradicted, a magnificent Capitol has arisen from the ashes 
 of the old, and all that suffered from the ruthless hands of 
 the enemy has given place to something more grand and 
 beautiful. One little marble monument alone bears wit- 
 ness to the work of the destroyer. This was made iu Rome, 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 261 
 
 from a design by Captain Porter, and was erected, under 
 his supervision, in tlie Washington navy yard, to the 
 memory of those gallant officers, Caldwell, Somers, Decatur, 
 Israel, and Wadsworth, who fell at Tripoli. Later, the 
 Captain had inscribed upon this cenotaph " Mutilated 
 by Britons 1814." 
 
 It seems almost incredible to us, that a military force 
 belonging to the most enlightened and professedly phi- 
 lanthropic nation in the world, commanded by distinguished 
 officers, and without any extraordinary motive for venge- 
 ance, should have emulated the exploits of savages, and 
 carried fire and sword into the capital city of their enemy, 
 involving public buildings, monuments of art and litera- 
 ture, government records, and private property, in common 
 ruin. It is a satisfaction to know, that when the vandals 
 fled from the scene of their barbarism, our gallant tars 
 gave them a parting salute to remind them of their trip to 
 Washington. 
 
 The particular misfortune to Captain Porter in all this 
 business, was the destruction of the new Essex, which was 
 rapidly approaching completion, when burned by the 
 enemy at the Washington navy yard, and as there was no 
 ship that he could command at the moment, he was forced 
 to wait patiently for employment. 
 
 We have before alluded to Captain Porter's plan for 
 fitting out a flying squadron, to cruise in the British chan- 
 nel for the destruction of the enemy's commerce. His 
 scheme was warmly approved by the government, and 
 he was now busily engaged in getting the Rve ves- 
 sels designed for this service ready for sea, and in col- 
 lecting around him the choice spirits w^ho were to sail 
 under his command, including many of the old officers 
 and men of the Essex. Fortunately peace intervened, and 
 the project of illuminating the British channel was not 
 carried out ; for whatever inhumanities Great Britain may 
 have perpetrated towards us, it is just as well that we had 
 no opportunity to indulge in acts of retaliation. Such a 
 system was one that we should have pursued only, when 
 at our last gasp, and was unnecessary when we were 
 almost everywhere victorious on land and sea. 
 
 Perry also was to have had command of a flying squadron, 
 
262 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 designed for a similar service, and it may be imagined 
 how well these energetic men would have performed their 
 duties, and helped to convince the British of the necessity 
 of peace. These vessels were ultimately devoted to the 
 more beneficent purpose of teaching the dey of Algiers 
 to respect the rights of American commerce. 
 
 Immediately after peace was declared with Great 
 Britain, the United States government fitted out two 
 squadrons, one under Decatur, and the other under Bain- 
 bridge, who had supreme command of the entire force. 
 The five vessels, late of Porter's squadron, were under 
 Decatur's command, and were present when he taught the 
 despot of Algiers to respect the rights of civilization, by a 
 treaty which guarantied our exemption from any further 
 tribute to barbarians. 
 
 Although our navy had succeeded so well in the war of 
 1812, it was evident at the close, that a more thorough 
 organization was required; and, after wasting much dis- 
 cussion on a very plain subject, congress, on the 7th of 
 February, 1815, established aboard of naval commissioners, 
 whose duty it was, under the superintendence of the secre- 
 tary of the navy, to look after all supplies for the navy, the 
 construction, armament, and equipment of ships, manage- 
 ment of navy yards, and in fact everything pertaining to 
 naval affairs. Of this important board. Commodore John 
 Eodgers was appointed president. Captains Hull and Por- 
 ter members, and James K. Paulding of New York (after- 
 wards secretary of the navy), was appointed secretary of the 
 board. When we look back to the system by which our 
 naval affairs were administered, previous to the organiza- 
 tion of this board, we can only ascribe our success, upon 
 the ocean, to the talents of our commanding ofiicers ; and 
 it is certain, that the service has never since embraced an 
 equal number of men who possessed, in so eminent a 
 degree, the qualifications of naval heroes. 
 
 The board was no sooner established, than discussion 
 was rife as to its powers, and the papers of the day were 
 full of speculations as to whether the commissioners were 
 instruments in the hands of the head of the department, 
 without power except such as he might choose to delegate 
 to them ; or, whether their functions were ministerial, leav- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 263 
 
 ingto the secretary of the navy the duties of political and 
 financial head of affairs. It could not, certainly, have been 
 the intention of congress to select three of the most con- 
 spicuous officers of the late war, to play the part of mere 
 automatons, and it was therefore held, by those best in- 
 formed on the subject, that the secretary of the navy had 
 no more authority over the commissioners, than the com- 
 missioners had over him, except to see that they did not 
 go outside the duties required of them by the act of con- 
 gress. They were, in fact, empowered to discharge all the 
 ministerial duties of the department, under the superin- 
 tendence of the secretary of the navy (the organ of the presi- 
 dent) ; to draw up regulations for the navy, subject to the 
 approval of the president, and to furnish such information 
 for congress as the secretary might require ; the control and 
 and direction of the naval forces in commission being left at 
 the discretion of the secretary. Itwas with this understand- 
 ing that the board organized and commenced its labors. 
 The navy being small, the machinery of the board was 
 ample for its requirements, and a construction of the law 
 was adopted, tending to overcome the supposed difficulties, 
 leaving in the hands of the board the executive authority, 
 and in those of the secretary of the navy the power which 
 the importance of his office required him to hold. Mr. 
 Crowninshield, of. Massachusetts, then held the office of 
 secretary of the navy, and seems to have labored har- 
 moniously with the board, which soon prepared a system 
 of regulations by which every person in the naval service 
 was held to a strict accountability for his acts. It was 
 fortunate for the service, that the secretary of the navy 
 was disposed to cooperate with the commissioners, and 
 instead of jealously excluding them from a knowledge of 
 the affairs of his office, he imparted to them freely the 
 necessary information to enable them to carry out promptly 
 the views of the executive. 
 
 About this time, there was a disposition on the part of con- 
 gress, to lay up most of the vessels of the navy, drop from 
 the service most of the officers, and place the remainder 
 on half pay, apparently forgetting the glorious record of 
 the navy in the late war, and how much it had contributed 
 towards forcing from Great Britain an honorable peace. 
 
264 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Bat the influence of the navy commissioners, aided by 
 judicious friends, prevented the threatened dismember- 
 ment of the service. 
 
 In the early part of the year 1815, Captain Porter pub- 
 lished, at Philadelphia, in two volumes 8vo, a Journal of 
 his Cruise to the Pacific. In his dedication of the book to 
 the " Citizens of the United States, " Captain Porter depre- 
 cates criticism, but his journal was soon exposed to the 
 attacks of the tory press of Great Britain. The most ela- 
 borate onslaught on it. Was made in an article written by 
 the celebrated William Gifford, for the Quarterly/ Beview, 
 in which a comparison is made between the achievements 
 of Captain Porter and Blackbeard, and other notorious 
 pirates, greatly to the advantage of the latter. To this 
 able and bitter attack of a stipendiary of the British govern- 
 ment, Captain Porter thought it necessary to publish a 
 reply, which was embodied in the preface to the second 
 edition of the Journal, published in 1822, of which the title 
 is as follows : '* Journal of a Cruise made to the Pacific 
 Ocean, by Captain David Porter, in the United States Fri- 
 gate Essex, in the years 1812, 1813, and 1814. Second 
 Edition. To which is now added the transactions at Val- 
 paraiso, from the period of the author's arrival, until the 
 capture of the Essex ; the fate of the party left at Madison's 
 Island under Lieut, (now Major) Gamble ; and an Intro- 
 duction in which the charges contained in the Quarterly 
 Review, of the first edition of his Journal, are examined, 
 and the ignorance, prejudice and misrepresentations of the 
 reviewer exposed. Embellished with engravings, in two 
 volumes. New York, Wiley and Halsted 1822." 
 
 The book had an extensive circulation, and is written in 
 the simple style of the old navigators, with no attempt at 
 literary embellishment. 
 
 The bitter attack of Gifi:brd, drew from the eccentric 
 William Cobbett, a characteristic letter to Captain Porter, 
 which was published in Cobbetfs Register of April 12, 1816. 
 Cobbett in his usual trenchant style demolishes the hire- 
 ling reviewer, and shows conclusively what motives actuated 
 his base attack on Capt. Porter. 
 
 Captain Hull left the board of commissioners, after a 
 few months service, and Decatur, who had returned from 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 265 
 
 Algiers covered with fresh laurels, was " appointed in his 
 place. Considerable prize money had fallen to the lot of 
 Roclgers, Decatur and Porter, and they determined to 
 build residences in the District of Columbia. Capt. Por- 
 ter accordingly purchased a farm of 157 acres on the 
 heights, about one mile due north of the president's house, 
 which being directly on the meridian of Washington, he 
 called Meridian Hill. Here he erected a large and elegant 
 mansion overlooking the city of Washington and the broad 
 Potomac. The chain of hills, on which the house was built, 
 forms an amphitheatre around the city, and were, at the 
 time, covered with a fine growth of forest, the whole form- 
 ing an extensive landscape which, to this day, has lost little 
 of its beauty. Here was to be found everything that money 
 could procure, to make the time pass pleasantly after the 
 life of toil and warfare through which Captain Porter had 
 passed ; and here he delighted to dispense that hospitality, 
 which made his house a place of reunion for some of the 
 wisest and greatest in the land. 
 
 Decatur built an equally fine establishment on the 
 corner of H. street and Lafayette square, which is still 
 standing; and here these distinguished officers, daily ex- 
 tending their influence with congress and the executive, 
 were enabled to prevent the service from being afibcted 
 by any lack of congressional information, and kept it up 
 to high water mark by the arguments they could supply 
 to the secretary in making his annual report. They were 
 always mindful of the adage, that "the way to a man's 
 heart is through his stomach," and although their enter- 
 tainments materially affected their financial resources, yet 
 they were the means of bringing the naval officers in con- 
 tact with the men who held the public purse strings, and 
 who were not always inclined to be liberal where the navy 
 was concerned. 
 
 A regular plan of increase was established by the 
 acts of 1819, and 1820, contemplating a force of twelve 
 line-of-battle ships, fourteen frigates of the first, and three 
 of the second class, six sloops of war, and as many 
 smaller vessels as circumstances might require. These 
 enactments were modified from time to time, so as to in- 
 crease the number of sloops of war, surveying vessels, etc. 
 34 
 
266 
 
 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 As it may be interesting to see a list of vessels compris- 
 ing our navy, at the end of the war with Great Britain, 
 one is here inserted. The vessels were not all finished at 
 the time peace was declared, but soon would have been, 
 and there is no doubt, that the construction of these large 
 ships had much to do, in conjunction with our victories, 
 in bringing the enemy to terms. 
 
 List of Vessels in the U. S. Navy at the Close of the War with 
 
 
 Great Britain, 1815. 
 
 
 
 Guns. 
 
 
 Guns 
 
 Independence, 
 
 74 
 
 Nonsuch, 
 
 ]4 
 
 Washington, 
 
 74 
 
 Ticonderoga, 
 
 17 
 
 Franklin, 
 
 74 
 
 Lady Provost (captured), 
 
 10 
 
 New Orleans, 
 
 . 74 
 
 Prometheus, 
 
 9 
 
 Chippewa, 
 
 74 
 
 Tom Bowline, 
 
 9 
 
 Guerierre, 
 
 44 
 
 Aligator, 
 
 9 
 
 United States, 
 
 44 
 
 Roanoke, 
 
 7 
 
 Constitution, 
 
 44 
 
 Hunter (captured), 
 
 10 
 
 Java, 
 
 44 
 
 Firebrand, 
 
 7 
 
 Plattsburgh, 
 
 44 
 
 Surprise, 
 
 7 
 
 Superior, 
 
 44 
 
 Hornet, 
 
 5 
 
 Constellation, 
 
 36 
 
 Ghent, 
 
 5 
 
 Congress, 
 
 36 
 
 Caledonia (captured), 
 
 3 
 
 Macedonian (captured), 36 
 
 Lynx, 
 
 5 
 
 Mohawk, 
 
 32 
 
 Despatch, 
 
 3 
 
 Confiance, 
 
 32 
 
 Asp, 
 
 3 
 
 Cyane, 
 
 28 
 
 Porcupine, 
 
 3 
 
 Saratoga, 
 
 24 
 
 Gov. Tompkins, 
 
 2 
 
 John Adams, 
 
 24 
 
 Conquest, 
 
 8 
 
 Genl. Pike, 
 
 24 
 
 Ranger, 
 
 1 
 
 Madison, 
 
 20 
 
 Lady of the Lake, 
 
 3 
 
 Alert, 
 
 20 
 
 Ontario, 
 
 1 
 
 Hornet, 
 
 18 
 
 Raven, 
 
 
 Wasp, 
 
 18 
 
 Asp, 
 
 
 Peacock, 
 
 18 
 
 Pert, 
 
 3 
 
 Ontario, 
 
 18 
 
 Fair American, 
 
 4 
 
 Erie, 
 
 18 
 
 Ameha, 
 
 1 
 
 Louisiana, 
 
 18 
 
 Finch (captured), 
 
 11 
 
 Niagara, 
 
 18 
 
 Chubb (captured), 
 
 11 
 
 Detroit (captured), 
 
 18 
 
 Preble, 
 
 7 
 
 Lawrence, 
 
 18 
 
 Montgomery, 
 
 6 
 
 Eagle, 
 
 18 
 
 Camel, 
 
 5 
 
 JeflFerson, 
 
 18 
 
 Buffalo, 
 
 5 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 267 
 
 
 Guns. 
 
 
 Gnus. 
 
 Jones, 
 
 18 
 
 Tickler, 
 
 
 Epervier (captured), 
 
 18 
 
 President, 
 
 12 
 
 Chippewa, 
 
 16 
 
 Galley Centipede, 
 
 2 
 
 Boxer, 
 
 16 
 
 Nettle, 
 
 2 
 
 Saranac, 
 
 16 
 
 Viper, 
 
 2 
 
 Linnet (captured). 
 
 16 
 
 Boxer, 
 
 2 
 
 Troup, 
 
 16 
 
 Allen, 
 
 2 
 
 Sylph, 
 
 16 
 
 Burrows, 
 
 2 
 
 Queen Charlotte (captured), 16 
 
 Alwyn, 
 
 1 
 
 Enterprise, 
 
 16 
 
 Ballard, 
 
 1 
 
 Oneida, 
 
 14 
 
 Ludlow, 
 
 1 
 
 Flambeau, 
 
 12 
 
 Wilmer, 
 
 1 
 
 Firefly, 
 
 12 
 
 Ketches Spitfire, 
 
 
 Spark, 
 
 12 
 
 " Vesuvius. 
 
 
 Spitfire, 
 
 11 
 
 " Vengeance. 
 
 
 Torch, 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 Captain Porter's restless nature would not permit him 
 to sit quietly in an office attending to ministerial affairs. 
 Before he had been a year on the board of commissioners 
 he began to weary of the work, and we find him in 1816, 
 submitting a plan to the president for the survey of the 
 west coast of Mexico, the north-west coast of America, 
 and for the exploration of the vast country between the 
 Mississippi river and the I^orth Pacific. His proposition 
 was favorably considered, and two vessels were even fitted 
 out for him, but for some unexplained reason the expedi-. 
 tion never sailed. 
 
 It was the policy of the board of navy commissioners, to 
 have large vessels on the stocks as nearly completed as pos- 
 sible, with guns, gun carriages, masts, etc., ready to be 
 put into them at short notice, and to collect at the various 
 naval stations, large quantities of timber, copper, iron, 
 and naval stores. In fact, it is mainly owing to the 
 foresight of the board of navy commissioners, that we 
 were enabled to procure proper ship timber when the 
 south was closed against us. Under their administration 
 our ships were the admiration of the world, and our im- 
 provements in ordnance set Europe to thinking. The 
 British government sent a clever naval officer, on a special 
 mission to this country, to quietly examine our system, 
 and in his report he declared " the organization of the 
 
268 Memoir of Commodore Dayid Porter. 
 
 American naval department, either for administrative 
 duties or for practical w^ork to be the best system extant. 
 Their ships are the best built, and their timber is unsur- 
 passed. Their frigates are competent to cope with ships 
 of the line, and their ships of the line with three deckers, 
 and the whole administration of the navy is conducted with 
 comparatively little expense." 
 
 When the navy commissioners commenced their labors, 
 the government was in possession of several places styled 
 navy yards, which were in fact destitute of most of the 
 necessary appliances for building and equipping ships, 
 they were as follows : 
 
 Acres. Orip^inal cost. 
 
 ITavy Yard at Gosport, Ya., 16 $12,000 
 
 u u Washington, D.C., 37 4000 
 
 " " *' Philadelphia, Pa., 11 37,060 
 
 " " Brooklyn, K Y., 40 40,000 
 
 " " " Charlestown,Mas8.,34 3,900 
 
 " " " Portsmouth, K H., 58 5,000 
 
 These yards were purchased under the act of Feb. 25, 
 1799, which authorized the construction of six 74 gun 
 ships. There was no special appropriation for their pur- 
 chase, but it was a case of necessity, for in building ships of 
 war in private yards, great losses were sustained, for want 
 of room to make a proper disposition of the timber, and 
 from various other causes. On these lands, purchased by 
 government, have been built the docks, ship houses, rope 
 walks, founderies, shops, storehouses and all the other 
 necessary constituents of a navy yard. For many years 
 there was not a single dock, in any of our navy yards, and 
 the first appliance for taking a ship out of water owned 
 by our government, was invented by Commodore John 
 Podgers. This was erected at the Washington yard, in 
 1821, at an expense of $45,000, and consisted of an inclined 
 plane with various fixtures, an apparatus for hauling up 
 ships and a house to preserve them from the weather. It 
 was owing to the commissioners that dry docks were at 
 last constructed, and a thousand other things were done, 
 which saved millions to the government, while preventing 
 the navy from lapsing into inefficiency, during a period of 
 profound peace. 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 269 
 
 About the year 1822, Captain Porter received a serious 
 injury. An inventor was showing a patent gun lock in 
 the navy commissioners' office, when a chamber exploded, 
 and one of the fragments striking the Captain's hand, it 
 was severely fractured. This laid him up for some time, 
 and he never recovered the entire use of the injured mem- 
 ber. 
 
 During his residence at Meridian Hill, Captain Porter 
 became much interested in farming. His friend, Mr. John 
 Skinner, was the editor of an agricultural paper, and the 
 various hints in regard to the proper cultivation of the soil, 
 the Captain endeavored to put in practice on his gravelly 
 land, where crops did not seem to thrive. In truth, though 
 an excellent sailor, he was no judge of land for farming pur- 
 poses, though if he had suspected the existence of that de- 
 posit of white sand under his estate, which since the 
 establishnient of the board of public works has been made 
 manifest, he might have made the place pay good dividends. 
 James K. Paulding, an intimate friend of Captain Porter, in 
 his amusing book, John Bull in America, good naturedly 
 satirizes the nautical hero's system of farming. 
 
 All sailors imagine themselves competent to manage a 
 farm, and are never satisfied until they own one. The 
 historic Pennsylvania Dutchman may not have under- 
 stood the theory of farming, but in practice he was certainly 
 successful, for what vegetables he could not sell, he gave 
 to the pigs, and what the pigs wouldn't eat he ate himself. 
 The Captain on the other hand, was so proud of his farming, 
 that he supplied his acquaintances with the best of vegeta- 
 bles for nothing. He had a kitchen garden of ^yq acres, 
 and had to buy vegetables for winter ; he had a hundred 
 acres in corn, oats, wheat, &c., and was obliged to pur- 
 chase grain for his stock. He imported English bulls, at 
 twelve hundred dollars apiece, people would not patronize 
 them. He had the finest piggery in the country, but alas, 
 it did not pay. Thousands of cart loads of manure were 
 hauled upon the farm, only to be washed away by the 
 spring rains ; the place was in beautiful order, highly satis- 
 factory to the casual observer, but it yielded absolutely 
 nothing. 
 
 The Captain then introduced an English farmer on the 
 
270 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 premises, established him with his family in a beautiful 
 little farm house, and supplied him with half a dozen 
 assistants. At the end of the year, the crops realized just 
 about enough to pay the expenses of this party, without 
 any overplus in the way of profit. On the whole, Captain 
 Porter found that he had been more successful in plough- 
 ing the sea than he was ever likely to be in ploughing terra 
 Jirma. Still his farming was a great source of recreation 
 to him, and not wishing to let it run down he formed, in 
 company with a few friends, a joint stock company for the 
 purpose of running a horse boat between Washington and 
 Alexandria. This scheme promised to be a great success, 
 as the only communication between the two cities was by 
 a lumbering old stage coach, but the speculation ultimately 
 proved a bad one. The new mode of conveyance was 
 slower than the old coach, and the boat frequently gave 
 out on the journey ; the Captain gave free tickets to all 
 his friends, and after awhile the ferry boat was withdrawn 
 from the route and used for transporting passengers from 
 Georgetown across the river, to Analostan island. 
 
 In looking over the Captain's papers, it is curious to see 
 how little he thought of his own personal advantage in 
 this and in other enterprises, and how many dead heads 
 were included with the traveling public in this boat enter- 
 prise. These incidents are mentioned to show the pecu- 
 liarly restless disposition of the man, who labored so hard 
 without apparently having any pecuniary object. He re- 
 mained a member of the board of navy commissioners, 
 until the 31st December, 1822, when he sought active 
 service afloat. 
 
 During the conflict between Spain and her South 
 American colonies, which finally resulted in the independ- 
 ence of the latter, a system of piracy grew up which was 
 very detrimental to the commerce of the United States. 
 The Spanish cruisers and privateers, employed in blockad- 
 ing the ports of the revolutionary states, were constantlyii 
 capturing our merchant vessels, under the pretense that 
 they had violated what the United States government con- 
 sidered merely a paper blockade ; and so many complica- 
 tions had arisen, that it was determined to dispatch a 
 squadron to the West Indies to protect American interests. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 271 
 
 Besides tlie above mentioned source of trouble, the way 
 in which the war had been carried on, by a system of legal- 
 ized piracy, had produced a very low state of morals among 
 the Spanish seamen, which, in the absence of suflS-cient 
 power to repress it, broke out into piracy of the worst 
 kind, filling the West Indian annals with accounts of 
 horrors, that seem almost incredible in these days. The 
 coasts of Cuba, Porto Pico, St. Domingo and the Spanish 
 main, were the resorts of merciless freebooters who plun- 
 dered and burned vessels with impunity, and frequently 
 murdered their passengers and crews, after inflicting upon 
 them the most shocking brutalities. Families bound to 
 the West Indies, in merchant vessels, disappeared from 
 the face of the earth, and often the only clue to the fate of 
 passengers and crew, would be the charred hull of their 
 vessel drifting about the gulf of Mexico. 
 
 At length, the numerous tales of horror aroused the in- 
 dignation of the American people, and they demanded 
 that the government should protect their merchant vessels 
 from these bloody buccaneers. A number of small vessels 
 were accordingly dispatched to the West Indies, but were 
 so hampered by their instructions, that they were obliged 
 to surrender all pirates captured in Spanish American 
 waters, to the Cuban authorities for punishment, who, after 
 a mockery of a trial, often released the wretches, to com- 
 mence anew their depredations. The captures made by 
 these vessels had little effect in suppressing piracy, and in 
 1822, a large squadron was sent to the West Indies under 
 Commodore Biddle. This squadron consisted of the fri- 
 gates Macedonian and Congress, sloops John Adams 
 and Peacock, and schooners Alligator, Grampus, Shark 
 and Porpoise, mounting 178 guns, and with a comple- 
 ment of 1,830 men. This squadron performed the service 
 required, with as much efficiency as could have been ex- 
 pected, under the circumstances, most of the vessels being 
 too large to follow the pirates into the shallow waters and 
 secret retreats, with which the West Indies abounded. It 
 was strongly suspected also, that many of the Spanish 
 officials connived at the depredations on American com- 
 merce, finding it more lucrative to protect the freebooters 
 than to give them up to j astice. Piracy, instead of diminish- 
 
272 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 ing on the arrival of a stronger squadron, was actually on 
 the increase, and outrages on Americans were more fre- 
 quent than ever. 
 
 Under these circumstances, the navy department was 
 harassed with appeals to rid ^the sea of these wretches, 
 and the newspapers were filled with complaints of the 
 remissness of our naval officers, in the West Indies, who 
 were doing all that could be done under the circumstances, 
 as many brave encounters with the pirates in and about 
 the island of Cuba testified. Under these circumstances, 
 the government was glad to accept Capt. Porter's offer, to 
 resign his position as a navy commissioner, and take 
 command of the West India squadron, and he accepted 
 the duty with the understanding, that he was to fit out a 
 force adequate to meet the wants of the occasion. 
 
 The following anecdotes may serve to illustrate Commo- 
 dore Porter's character about this time of his life. Like 
 all other men he had his imperfections, and it would be 
 unreasonable to suppose him free from human frailties.- 
 His very peculiarties sho\t the strength of his character. 
 His temper was very quick, and he would flash up like 
 powder, at anything he considered in the least insulting, 
 or showing a want of respect towards him. IsTo man is a 
 hero in the eyes of his wife, or valet, unless he is a very 
 milk and water fellow indeed, and parts his hair in 
 the middle. We are apt to picture to ourselves a great 
 man as always calm and dispassionate, never losing his 
 dignity, and free from the passions of the mass of man- 
 kind, like Scipio Africanus. Few heroes were ever 
 moulded out of such stufl:* as this. Even the immortal 
 Washington may have chastised his little darkies when he 
 had the toothache, or scolded Martha when he had to 
 scoop around under the bed with a bootjack to find his 
 slippers. It is unlikely that the wise Solomon kept his 
 temper when he cracked his crazy bone, and Job, the 
 most patient man on record, forgot himself so far as to 
 wish his enemy might write a book. We can imagine 
 Pharaoh swearing worse than the army in Flanders, when 
 Moses turned the grasshoppers into his favorite pasture, 
 and raised the price of fine tooth combs in Egypt when he 
 distributed his other favors. It is said, that Andrew 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 273 
 
 Jackson would tear his shirt in two, if he found that 
 Mother Jackson had neglected to sew on the buttons. 
 Think of how Alexander the Great would abuse his wife, 
 if called upon to get up in the middle of the night and 
 make pap for the baby, how Ferdinand of Castile railed 
 at Isabella when she forgot to put his boots outside the 
 door to be blacked; how Socrates swore with "true in- 
 wardness" when he tore his trowsers on the ra2:i^ed edo^e 
 of nothing, or howB. Franklin would howl when his form 
 was knocked into pi. 
 
 If these illustrious philosophers could thus let their tem- 
 per get the better of their judgment, is it at all wonderful 
 that an impulsive sailor, who made no claims to philosophy, 
 should sometimes allow his feelings to get the better of 
 him. However, it was only in trifles, that Commodore 
 Porter lost his self control; in his intercourse with men in 
 manner and language he generally observed the most per- 
 fect decorum, and often under great provocation main- 
 tained perfect command of his temper. It was only among 
 his immediate family that he felt licensed to show, that 
 after all he was only human. 
 
 Among the things he had collected about him for his 
 amusement, was a lot of beautiful Barbary pigeons, which 
 had increased and multiplied to an extraordinary degree. 
 On a beautiful day in July, 1823, these birds were sun- 
 ning themselves on the top of a fanciful building erected 
 for their accommodation, and perhaps congratulating 
 themselves on the happiness of their condition. At this 
 moment one of the Commodore's sons — which one it is 
 not necessary to mention — thought it would be an excel- 
 lent opportunity to try his skill on the unsuspecting 
 pigeons with his father's double barrelled Joe Manton. 
 The youngster sagely concluded, that three or four birds 
 would not be missed among so many, and he promised 
 himself great pleasure in presenting the trophies of his 
 skill as a marksman, to a friend in the neighborhood who 
 was fond of pigeon pie. After mature deliberation, and 
 a careful calculation whether the fun of shooting the 
 pigeons would compensate for the punishment he was sure 
 to receive, if found out (a kind of mental exercise he has 
 often since indulged in), and then not caring a continental 
 35 
 
274 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 what might be the result, the youth let drive both barrels 
 into the midst of the Barbary birds, raking them more 
 than he ever raked anything before or since. The slaugh- 
 ter was terrible, the pigeons dropped b}^ the dozen, and 
 many of the flying wounded were distributed over the 
 fields, along the roads, in the garden, and on the housetop. 
 The youngster was delighted, for the result had exceeded 
 his most sanguine expectations; he had not supposed that 
 even a Joe Manton could do such execution. He smiled 
 complacently, laid the gun aside, and climbed a cherry 
 tree with a young friend of his to regale himself on for- 
 bidden fruit. 
 
 Just at that moment the Commodore was returning 
 home on horse back, and as he ascended the hill he heard 
 the report of the gun and saw his pigeons reeling in the air, 
 and one of them dropping at his feet. Seeing the boys in 
 the tree, and the gun leaningagainstthegate heat once took 
 in the situation, and quietly dismounting he crept softly up 
 to the tree unnoticed by the cul[)rits, who were busy in 
 appropriating the cherries. "Who killed those pigeons," 
 shouted the Commodore. The young Porter supposing 
 his father w^as in the city, and mistaking the voice 
 for that of his pigeon pie loving friend at the foot of the 
 hill, sung out, " I did Uncle Tom, and the old man '11 
 have to send a sloop of war to Tunis to get a supply, for 
 there's dead ones enough to keep you in pigeon pie for a 
 month, so pick 'em up before Pop comes home ; " but 
 when the young sportsman heard the order to come down, 
 and recognized his father's voice, he fairly shook in his 
 shoes. 
 
 As he approached the ground he received a smart cut 
 with a horse whip on the most vulnerable point of juvenile 
 anatomy, but before a second dose could be administered 
 the youngster jumped to the ground and took to his heels, 
 pursued by the Commodore, who called on the young 
 rascal to stop, and threatening the direst vengeance when 
 he should overtake him. Around the circle they went, 
 the Commodore highly indignant at this piece of disre- 
 spect, and after making two turns without gaining on the 
 boy the senior began to give out, when the young hopeful 
 sang out over his shoulder: " Pop if you didn't chase the 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 275 
 
 British better than tliat, no wonder you made so little prize 
 money." The Commodore could not help laughing, and 
 regaining his good humor was struck with the absurdity 
 of getting angry at such a small matter; but though 
 his good humor had returned he thought proper to give 
 the other boy a good thrashing for concealing himself in 
 the branches, instead of coming down like a man and 
 taking his share of blame. 
 
 1^0 doubt he felt better after performing this act of duty, 
 but he made a bargain with his son, that the latter should 
 own half the pigeons and look after them, and never again 
 exhibit his skill with a Joe Manton in that direction. 
 
 The Commodore, though fond of practical jokes, did 
 not like them carried too far. He had a coachman named 
 IS"athan in the house, who died from bilious fever. A 
 few days after this man's death, the servants in the kitchen 
 were much alarmed at a strange figure that was seen 
 every night in the cellar, declaring it to be the ghost 
 of the coachman. Every night, at eleven o'clock, they 
 would all rush up stairs shouting out that the ghost was in 
 the cellar and throw the whole house into confusion. 
 The Commodore, convinced that there was some trickery 
 in the matter, kept a strict watch, and one night saw 
 through the cellar window the ghost entering with a 
 lighted candle in its hand. It proved to be an English 
 girl he had in his employ, dressed in a long night gown 
 and with her face sprinkled with flour. The next night 
 the Commodore was dressed betimes, to resemble the dead 
 man, and with his face and hands well blacked stood 
 with a wood saw in his hand ready to begin operations on 
 a log as soon as the ghost should make its appearance. 
 Presently, he heard a footstep descending the stairs, and saw 
 the glimmer of a light through the door. He then com- 
 menced sawing and the ghost entered, expecting to frighten 
 the servant whom she supposed was sawing wood for the 
 morning fires, but when she got close to the woodsawyer, 
 he rested from his labors and said in a sepulchral voice : 
 " Miss Jane, God Almighty done sent me for you." The 
 frightened woman sank shrieking to the ground, then 
 jumping to her feet she rushed frantically from the house, 
 and took to the woods, the coachman's ghost shouting afte r 
 
276 MEMotB, OF Commodore David Porter. 
 
 her. The woman nearly died of fright, but was eiFectnally 
 cured of any desire to play the ghost again. 
 
 Next to the Commodore's place on Meridian Hill, the 
 present Columbia college was established, which was in 
 some respects a nuisance, the boys constantly trespassing 
 upon the farm and robbing his orchard. Instead of com- 
 plaining to the faculty, the Commodore one day went to the 
 ground where the boys were at play and called them around 
 him. He told them that he was sorry to see that some of 
 their number w^ere disposed to commit depredations, that 
 such things were dishonorable, and, that they might have no 
 excuse for such actions he would in future reserve for their 
 use the outer row of apple trees, about a quarter of a mile 
 in length, warning them not to trespass on the others. 
 The youngsters gave him three cheers, and promised to 
 stick to the bargain. Only one of their number violated the 
 agreement, and he received a sound horsewhipping at the 
 hands of the Commodore. This culprit later in life became 
 a member of congress, and although he harbored no 
 animosity against the Commodore, never forgot the horse- 
 whipping, and never afterwards liked the taste of apples. 
 
 Tl]e Commodore was never so much oppressed by the 
 cares of office as to lay aside his chivalric feelings. One 
 day riding in to his court martial from Meridian Hill, he 
 noticed a lady leading a small dog by a ribbon, while a 
 constable, armed with a double barrelled gun, was dodging 
 around her endeavoring to shoot the little animal, on the 
 ground that an order had been issued requiring him to 
 kill all dogs found in the street. The lady pleaded earn- 
 estly for the life of her favorite, but without avail, for the 
 ruthless constable fired and killed the dog before her eyes. 
 The Commodore witnessed this transaction too late to pre- 
 vent the catastrophe, but jumping from his horse he ran to 
 the spot and gave the man such a chastisement with his 
 horsewhip, that he took to his heels, leaving his gun, which 
 the Commodore smashed to pieces against a lamp post. 
 
 On another occasion he was requested to act as one of 
 the managers at a ball, given by the citizens of Washing- 
 ton. Against one lady, whom it was proposed to invite, 
 certain of the managers took exception, on the ground of 
 reports against her character. The Commodore was not 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 277 
 
 present at the meeting where this matter was discussed, 
 bat heard of the affair just before the company assembled, 
 and learned that a committee would be appointed to load 
 the lady from the ball room should she appear upon the 
 floor. The Commodore never tolerated oppression, and 
 was always ready to take up the gauntlet where a lady was 
 concerned. He considered the conduct of the committee 
 contemptible in the extreme, and believed the reports 
 against the lady exaggerated. Taking his stand near the 
 dressing room he said to her as she came out, '^ Take 
 my arm Madam, and give yourself no uneasiness about 
 what may occur," and they advanced into the ball room. 
 The committee were standing near the door, and to them 
 the Commodore remarked : " I will hold any one personally 
 responsible who attempts in any way to interfere with this 
 lady, whom I take under my particular charge." The 
 committee did not feel disposed to encounter the anger 
 of the fiery sailor, in whose eye they plainly saw mischief. 
 It only remains to say that the injured lady received as 
 much attention at that ball as any one. 
 
 Such acts as these gave the Commodore great popularity, 
 and made him friends in all quarters where he cared to.. 
 have them, for he did not wish to be friendl}^ with mean 
 men, and took no trouble to conceal his aversion to them. 
 
 Difficulty with Decatur. — Decatur, although one of the 
 most gallant officers in the navy, was not a man of great 
 administrative abilities, nor did he at first thoroughly appre- 
 ciate the necessities of the service, while holding the office 
 of navy commissioner. He was of an arbitrary disposition, 
 and like all the old sea dogs of 1812, liked to have his own 
 way. The several duties of navy commissioners were 
 divided among the three members of the board, but 
 Commodore Decatur was constantly interfering in the 
 duties allotted to his colleagues. On one occasion, he 
 ventured to oppose some action of Commodore Porter's, 
 who objected to the proposition, when Decatur in a pet 
 declared that he was of no use on the board, for Commodore 
 Podgers and Porter always voted against him. When 
 Porter turning quickly upon him said : " Commodore De- 
 catur, what you say is untrue, and your complaints are 
 frivolous, and I hold myself responsible for what I say." 
 
278 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Decatur did not wait to hear any more, but flung himself 
 out of the office. Commodore Rodgers, who was always 
 coolheaded and generally a peace maker, anticipated that 
 Decatur would take notice of the remark ; but after stay- 
 ing away two or thr^e days Decatur returned in better 
 humor, and the old friendship was not in the least dis- 
 turbed. This was about the only difficulty that took place, 
 while the Commodore held the office of navy commissioner. 
 
 CHAPTER XYII. 
 
 Commodore Porter received orders from the Hon- 
 orable Smith Thompson, secretary of the navy, on the first 
 of February, 1823, to command the West India squadron, 
 and as his letter of instructions has an important bearing 
 on the events of the cruise, and will hereafter be frequently 
 referred to, we insert it entire. 
 
 Navy Department, Feb. 1, 1823. 
 
 Sir : You have been appointed to the command of a squadron fitted 
 out, under an act of congress of the 20th of December last, to cruise 
 in the West India seas and the Gulf of Mexico, for the purpose of 
 repressing piracy, and affording effectual protection to the citizens 
 and commerce of the United States. 
 
 Your attention will also be extended to the suppression of the 
 slave trade, according to the provisions of the several acts of con- 
 gress, on that subject; copies of which, and of the instructions 
 heretofore given to our naval commanders thereon, are herewith 
 sent to you. 
 
 While it is your duty to protect our commerce against all unlaw- 
 ful interruption, and to guard the rights, both o^ person and property^ 
 of the citizens of the United States, wherever it shall become ne- 
 cessary, you will observe the utmost caution not to encroach upon 
 the rights of others; and should you, at any time, be brought into 
 discussion, or collision with any foreign power, in relation to such 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 279 
 
 rights, it will be expedient and proper that the same should be con- 
 ducted with as much moderation and forbearance^ as is consistent 
 with the honor of your country, and the just claims of its citizens. 
 
 Should you, in your cruise, fall in with any foreign naval force 
 engaged in the suppression of piracy, it is desirable that harmony 
 and good understanding should be cultivated between you ; and yuu 
 will do everything, on your part, that accords with the honor of the 
 American flag, to promote this object. 
 
 So soon as the vessels at Norfolk shall be ready for sea, you will 
 proceed to the West Indies, by such route as you shall judge best, 
 for the purpose of effecting the object of your cruise. You will 
 establish at Thompson's island, usually called Key West, a depot, 
 and land the ordnance and marines to protect the stores and pro- 
 visions; if, however, you shall find any important objections to this 
 place, and a more suitable and convenient one can be found, you 
 are at liberty to select it as a depot. 
 
 You will announce your arrival and object, to the authorities, civil 
 and military, of the island of Cuba, and endeavor to obtain, as far 
 as shall be practicable, their co-operation; or at least their favorable 
 and friendly support, giving them the most unequivocal assurance, 
 that your sole object is the destruction of pirates. 
 
 The system of piracy which has grown up in the West Indies, has 
 obviously arisen from the war between Spain and the new govern- 
 ments, her late provinces in this hemisphere; and from the limited 
 force in the islands, and their sparse population, many portions of 
 each being entirely uninhabited and desolate, to which the active 
 authority of the government does not extend. It is understood that 
 establishments have been made by parties of these banditti, in those 
 uninhabited parts, to which they carry their plunder, and retreat in 
 time of danger. It cannot be preswmec/, that the government of any 
 island will afford any protection, or countenance, to such robbers. 
 It may, on the contrary, confidently be believed^ that all govern- 
 ments, and particularly those most exposed, will afford all means in 
 their power for their suppresssion. 
 
 Pirates are considered, by the law of nations, the enemies of the 
 human race. It is the duty of all nations to put them down ; and 
 none, who respect their own character or interest, will refuse to do 
 it, much less afford them an asylum and protection. The nation 
 that makes the greatest exertions to suppress such banditti, has the 
 greatest merit. In making such exertions, it has a right to the aid 
 of every other power, to the extent of its means, and to the enjoy- 
 ment, under its sanction, of all its rights in the pursuit of the object. 
 In the case of belligerents, where the army of one party enters the 
 territory of a neutral power, the army of the other has a right to 
 
280 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 follow it there. In the case of pirates, the right of the armed force 
 of one power to follow them into the territory of another, is more 
 complete. In regard to pirates, there is no neutral party ; they 
 being the eoemies of the human race, all nations are parties against 
 them, and may be considered as allies. 
 
 The object and intention of our government is, to respect the feel- 
 ings as well as the rights of others, both in substance and in form, 
 in all the measures which may be adopted to accomplish the end in 
 view. Should, therefore, the crews of any vessels which you have 
 seen engaged in acts of piracy, or which you have just cause to 
 suspect of being of that character, retreat into the ports, harbors, 
 or settled parts of the islands, you may enter in pursuit of them, 
 such ports, harbors, and settled parts of the country, for the purpose 
 of aiding the local authorities, or people, as the case may be, to seize 
 and bring the offenders to justice; previously giving notice that 
 this is your sole object. Where a government exists and is felt, 
 you will in all instances respect the local authorities, and only act in 
 aid of and in cooperation with them ; it being the exclusive purpose of 
 the government of the United States to suppress piracy, an object in 
 which all nations are equally interested; and in the accomplishment 
 of which, the Spanish authorities a^udi people will, it {^presumed, 
 cordially cooperate with you. If, in the pursuit of pirates found at 
 sea, they shall retreat into the unsettled parts of the islands, or 
 foreign territory, you are at liberty to pursue them so long only, as 
 there is reasonable prospect of being able to apprehend them ; and 
 in no case are you at liberty to pursue and apprehend any one, after 
 having been forbidden so to do by competent authority of the local 
 government. 
 
 And should you, on such pursuit, apprehend any pirates upon 
 land, you will deliver them over to the proper authority, to be dealt 
 with according to law ; and you will furnish such evidence, as shall 
 be in your power, to prove the offense alleged against them. Should 
 the local authorities refuse to receive and prosecute such persons, so 
 apprehended, on your furnishing them with reasonable evidence of 
 their guilt, you will then keep them safely and securely, on board 
 some of the vessels under your command, and report without delay 
 to this department, the particular circumstances of such cases. 
 
 Great complaints are made of the interruption and injury to our 
 commere, by privateers fitted out from Spanish ports. You will 
 endeavor to obtain, from the Spanish authorities, a list of the vessels 
 so commissioned, and ascertain how far they have been instructed to 
 intercept our trade with Mexico and the Colombian Republic ; 
 impressing upon them, that according to the well settled rule of the 
 law of nations^ the United States will not consider any portion of the 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 281 
 
 coast, upon the Gulf of Mexico, as legally blockaded, except where 
 a naval force is stationed, sufficient to carry into effect the blockad- 
 ing order or decree ; and that this government does not recognize 
 the right, or authority of Spain, to interdict or interrupt our com- 
 merce with any portion of the coast, included within the Colombian 
 Republic or Mexican government, not actually blockaded by a com- 
 petent force. 
 
 All the United States ships and vessels of war in the West Indies, 
 of which a list is herewith enclosed, are placed under your command, 
 and you will distribute them to such stations, as shall appear to you 
 best calculated to afford complete protection to our commerce, in 
 which you will embrace the object of protecting the convoy of specie 
 from Vera Cruz, and the Mexican coast generally, to the United 
 States. Keep one vessel at least upon this service, to be at or near 
 Vera Cruz, during the healthy season of the year, and to be relieved 
 as occasion shall require, both for convoy of trade, and to bring specie 
 to the United States, confining the transportation to the United 
 States only. 
 
 You will be particularly watchful to preserve the health of the 
 officers and crews under your command, and to guard, in every pos- 
 sible manner, against the unhealthiness of the climate; not per- 
 mitting any intercourse with the shore where the yellow fever 
 prevails, except in cases of absolute necessity. 
 
 Wishing you good health, and a successful cruise, I am. 
 Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, 
 Com. David Porter, commanding Smith Thompson. 
 
 U. S. Naval Forces, West Indies, Present. 
 
 While his instructions were preparing, Commodore 
 Porter was authorized to proceed north, and purchase 
 vessels of light draft, suitable for following pirates among 
 the shoals and secret hiding places of the West Indies. 
 With this view, he purchased at Baltimore eight schooners 
 called bay boats, very fast sailers ; but, as they were at the 
 time loaded with firewood for market, they did not much 
 resemble vessels of war. They were sent to the navy yards 
 at Norfolk and ]^ew York, and there fitted for service, 
 and named as follows : 
 
 
 Tons. 
 
 Guns. 
 
 Men. 
 
 
 Tons. 
 
 Guns. 
 
 Men. 
 
 Fox, 
 
 51 
 
 3 
 
 31 
 
 Terrier, 
 
 61 
 
 3 
 
 31 
 
 Greyhound, 
 
 65 
 
 3 
 
 31 
 
 Weasel, 
 
 53 
 
 3 
 
 31 
 
 Jackall, 
 
 47 
 
 3 
 
 31 
 
 Wild Cat, 
 
 48 
 
 3 
 
 31 
 
 Beagle, 
 
 52 
 
 3 
 36 
 
 31 
 
 Ferret, 
 
 51 
 
 3 
 
 31 
 
282 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 At 'Rew York, the Commodore purchased a storeship, 
 which he named the Decoy, and a steam vessel, the Sea 
 Gull, which was originally built for a Jersey city ferry 
 boat, and was about half the size of those now in use. 
 The Decoy, whose name indicated her character, mounted 
 six guns, the Sea Gull three; the latter was rigged as a 
 steam galliot, and made a very respectable appearance, 
 although the croakers predicted that she would founder 
 at sea in the first blow. 
 
 Besides the above, the Commodore had constructed ^ve 
 large barges, each pulling twenty oars, and named Mus- 
 quito. Gnat, Midge, Sandfly, and Gallinipper. 
 
 The vessels then in the West Indies, were the sloops of 
 war, John Adams, Peacock, and Hornet, and the schooners 
 Spark, Shark and Grampus. The whole squadron consisted 
 of 16 vessels, 1150 seamen and marines, and 133 guns; a 
 small force for so important a service, but the commander- 
 in-chief determined, by imposing extra labor upon his 
 officers and men, to make it adequate to the occasion. 
 
 The Commodore hoisted his broad pendant on board the 
 Peacock, and proceeded to sea with all the vessels of the 
 squadron, on the 14th of February, 1823. As the United 
 States government had not placed itself in communication 
 with the Spanish authorities in relation to the suppression 
 of piracy, through our naval officers. Commodore Porter 
 deemed it his duty to do so on the first opportunity. 
 
 Great publicity had been given, by the press of'this 
 country, to the movements of the vessels of the squadron, 
 and much comment had been made on the increased force 
 the United States were about to send to the West Indies, 
 with the double purpose of suppressing piracy and vindi- 
 cating our commercial rights, by raising those paper block- 
 ades on the Spanish main, which our government with 
 characteristic weakness had sufiered to exist, unnoticed, 
 until compelled by public clamor to take some action. 
 Even when the government did move in the matter, they 
 reduced the force which it was originally intended to put 
 under Com. Porter's orders, by several vessels, including 
 two frigates, notwithstanding his urgent application to the 
 department to be allowed at least one vessel of this class, as 
 
M 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 283 
 
 a naval head quarters, in which to perform the duties 
 appertaining to such a command. 
 
 His first visit was to the Island of Porto Rico, where he 
 wrote to the governor, on the 4th of March, and disclosed 
 to him fully the objects that brought him to the West 
 Indies, and invoked his excellency's aid in the suppression 
 of piracy, an object in which the civilized world had a 
 common interest with the governments of the West 
 India islands. The West India governors had, hitherto, 
 been so lukewarm in the pursuit of pirates, as to subject 
 them to the suspicion of being personally interested in 
 the nefarious transactions which took place almost under 
 their eyes. Lieut. John Porter, of the Greyhound, was 
 the bearer of this communication, and the schooner Fox, 
 Lieut. Cocke, was sent into the harbor of St. Johns to 
 bring back an answer. As the Fox stood in, a shot was 
 fired over her from the fort, which not being noticed a 
 second was aimed directly at her, killing Lieut. Cocke on 
 the spot. The fort did not cease firing until the schooner 
 anchored under its guns. There was no excuse for this con- 
 duct on the part of the Spaniards, as the schooner had the 
 American flag flying, and there was no restriction against 
 a vessel of war entering a Spanish port, at any time 
 between sunrise and sunset. It seems that the governor 
 being absent from the city, the commander of the fort took 
 upon himself the responsibility of prohibiting the entrance 
 of any vessel belonging to the strange squadron seen out- 
 side, whose character he did not understand, and this was 
 the only satisfaction that could be obtained. Thus at the 
 outset of his expedition. Commodore Porter found him- 
 self involved in difficulties with the Spanish authorities, 
 who wantonly fired on the American flag with hardly the 
 shadow of a reason to give for so doing. 
 
 The Commodore immediately wrote to the governor, 
 demanding information relative to this unwarrantable pro- 
 ceeding (he had not yet received an answer to his former 
 letter), which closed as follows: 
 
 " It will afford me sincere pleasure, should I be so fortunate as to 
 fulfill the expectations of my government, and at the same time pre- 
 serve harmony and a good understanding with those with whom I 
 may be so unfortunate as to come into collision, or discussion, in 
 
284 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 relation thereto ; indeed, it will add much to my happiness if it can 
 be avoided altogether." 
 
 In Ms second letter, after narrating the fact of the case, 
 he proceeds to say : 
 
 " On the arrival of the Fox within gunshot of the castle, I was 
 much surprised to observe that six guns were fired at her, but know- 
 ing of no cause to justify such an act of violence, I should have 
 thought I had been mistaken had not the commander of the three 
 vessels failed to obey my instructions, which could not have hap- 
 pened, but for some violent detention by the authorities at St. Johns. 
 
 " Until I am better satisfied of the fact, however, I shall refrain 
 from the expression of my sentiments on the subject, and shall for 
 the present merely observe, that the character of the' vessels could 
 not have been misunderstood, as my squadron at the time of the de- 
 parture of the Fox was lying in full view of the castle, with colors 
 flying, and a British squadron, under command of Sir Thomas Coch- 
 rane (which had several times communicated with me and well knew 
 the vessels), arrived there the day previous to the last mentioned 
 vessel, and on the day of my arrival off the port. 
 
 " I know not whether my suspicions are correct, but I have, in 
 the event of their being so., directed the senior officer to abandon 
 the vesHels and leave the island of Porto Rico, as soon as possible, 
 leaving it to my government (to which I shall make known the facts), 
 to resent the outrage as it may think proper, and which it will no 
 doubt promptly and effectually do. 
 
 " Your Excellency must be aware, that it is always in my power 
 to retaliate, and even in this place, but it would be a poor return 
 for the friendship and hospitality I have received from the inhabit- 
 ants, and I cannot reconcile to myself that the innocent should be 
 made to suffer for offenses not their own." 
 
 When you engage in a written correspondence with a 
 high Spanish functionary, there is no knowing when it 
 will terminate ; for these gentlemen have a peculiar faculty 
 of maintaining the affair, until they have wearied out their 
 opponent, and are really so plausible as to (almost) convince 
 a man against the evidence of his senses. The governor 
 of Porto Rico embellished his communications with all 
 those flowers of rhetoric so common in the Castilian tongue, 
 and a novice would have supposed that the death of Lieut. 
 Cocke had afflicted him with a grief from which he could 
 never hope to recover, but he tried to shift all the blame 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 285 
 
 upon the shoulders of the Americans, on the " ground that 
 an expedition against Spain had, the year previous, been 
 armed in the waters of the United States and had entered 
 the harbor of St. Bartholomew with the American flag fly- 
 ing;" that when the oflicers of the first vessels that entered 
 met the captain of the port, they had informed him that 
 Spain had ceded Porto Rico to the United States, and from 
 their not presenting a writing from the Commodore, he 
 had seen something alarming in these rumors. His ex- 
 cellency concluded in true Spanish style. 
 
 " The remissness of the officer, and the pertinacity of him who 
 commanded, in not suspending his entering, in spite of the firing 
 from the port, and without waiting for a pilot, but notwithstanding 
 this and the second discharge of a gun at an elevation, to crowd sail 
 in order to gain the port. These acts, most excellent Sir, have been 
 the means of depriving the United States of a citizen, your Excel- 
 lency of an officer, and of filling Porto Eico with mourning, and 
 myself with inexpressible sorrow. I feel it to be my duty to assure 
 your excellency, that the orders issued by the king's officer and com- 
 mandant general of the place, were by no means intended to com- 
 mit hostilities, or offenses against the vessels, but as the firing was 
 made at an elevation, either the trembling of the sea, or some bad 
 pointing, must have been the cause why the fourth discharge should 
 produce such a fatal effect.'* (!) 
 
 This effusion ended with, 
 
 May God grant your Excellency many years, 
 
 Most excellent Sir. 
 To the most Excellent Miguel de la Torre. 
 
 Commander in Chief of the Anglo American Squadron 
 in the offing at Porto Rico, D. David Porter. 
 
 After this affair, Commodore Porter divided his squadron 
 into detachments around the Island of Cuba, and so ener- 
 getic were the commanders, that the pirates were obliged to 
 abandon the sea and take to the land, operating in large 
 bands and carrying consternation among the inhabitants. 
 Foreign merchants were among the sufferers, and some of 
 them lost thousands of dollars worth of goods, carried off 
 right under the eyes of the authorities. 
 
 Very exaggerated accounts of piracies were current in 
 the United States, and in April, severe strictures were made 
 
286 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 by the press in regard to the want of vigilance of the Ame- 
 rican squadron — which had hardly got on the cruising 
 ground. The New York Evening Post of April 10th, 1823 , 
 animadverted in strong terms on the incapacity of the fleet, 
 and the article drew from Com. Porter a letter to the editor, 
 which showed conclusively, that in the short time he had 
 been in command in the West Indies, piracy at sea was 
 almost annihilated, and was confined to the land, over which 
 he had no control. Now it seems to us, that the Commodore 
 was unnecessarily sensitive in regard to these misrepresent- 
 ations, for the best and bravest officer that ever lived would 
 not escape detraction, but he keenly felt the injustice heaped 
 upon him by editors of the press, who took their cue from 
 certain American merchants who wished the whole squad- 
 ron to be at their disposal. 
 
 To show what was being done, we find Capt. Cassin of 
 the Peacock reports the capture (by the Gallinipper), on the 
 16th April, of a pirate sloop, inside the reef at Cape Blanco. 
 The same day, the Peacock anchored in a noted harbor 
 for pirates, which she no sooner did, than a piratical felucca 
 was seen standing out for the Gallinipper. On opening the 
 vessels, she lowered her sails and pulled around a point of 
 the island. Chase was given, and she was finally captured 
 in a secret cove, where she had been hastily covered with 
 bushes. When the pirates found that their vessel was dis- 
 covered, they opened a fire of musketry and then fled to 
 the woods, where a running fight took place, till the rovers 
 finding themselves hard pressed, threw away their arms 
 and everything else they carried, in order to efiect their 
 escape. The prize was a beautiful vessel, just built for 
 pirating, and pulled sixteen oars. A quantity of merchan- 
 dise was recaptured, and the settlement of the pirates 
 burned. The Pilot, a piratical schooner, had been pre- 
 viously recaptured and sent to Havana, as a warning to the 
 friends of these gentry, that the Yankees were after them. 
 
 Lieut. Commandant Kearney reports breaking up a nest 
 of pirates at Cape Cruz, where eight boats were captured, 
 together with a four pounder, and two swivels mounted as 
 a battery. In one intricate cave were found various arti- 
 cles of plunder, and some human bones. Among the 
 pirates captured, were two women, one of them the wife 
 
Memoik of Commodoke David Pokter. 287 
 
 of the captain of the gang, who was then in prison in the 
 interior of the island for burning an English brig. This 
 woman was a second Helen McGrregor, and fought despe- 
 rately before she was captured. Even the children, who were 
 too young to fight, helped the old men light the signal fires, 
 to give notice of the approach of the Americans. Lieut. 
 Kearney also secured the arrest and condemnation of a 
 pirate, who had committed an outrage on three American 
 vessels. 
 
 It must be remembered that to catch these freebooters, 
 who only ventured out in boats (living in secret hiding places 
 on shore), it was necessary to invade the territory of Spain, 
 where questions would arise as to the propriety of landing 
 armed forces and destroying property. It, therefore, was 
 not unfrequently the case, that our sailors had to land and 
 receive the fire of the pirates in amlDush, while discussing 
 the propriety of injuring a horde of freebooters, who would 
 often give as an excuse for their own conduct, to the Spanish 
 authorities, that they took the strangers for Columbian 
 privateersmen. 
 
 On the 10th of May, 1823, the Commodore reports to 
 the secretary of the navy : " our last cruise has been most 
 arduous and fatiguing, and although we have not many 
 trophies to show, it has not been without effect. The result 
 has been the capture of one piratical schooner, and a very 
 fine felucca, and the destruction of one building, the burn- 
 ing of three schooners in the Eio Palmas, and about a 
 dozen piratical houses in the different establishments to 
 leeward of Bahia Honda ; the complete dispersion of all 
 piratical gangs from Eio Palmas to Cape Antonio ; and what 
 will be of great importance in our future operations, we 
 have gained a thorough knowledge of all the coast from 
 Cape Blanco, down to Cape Antonio on the west. When 
 I left Matanzas, the country was alarmed by large bands of 
 robbers who had plundered several estates, and committed 
 sonje murders in the neighborhood of the city. Bodies of 
 horsemen were sent in pursuit of them, and the militia were 
 all under arms. Some prisoners had been taken, and it 
 was said that these bands were composed of the freebooters 
 which lately infested the coast, who having been com- 
 
288 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 pelled to abandon the ocean had taken up this new line of 
 business." 
 
 The following is a summary of what was accomplished 
 by Commodore Porter, forty-three days after sailing with 
 his squadron from the United States. The day of his ar- 
 rival at Porto Rico he dispatched a division of schooners 
 to the south side of the island to protect American com- 
 merce. He was detained at Porto Rico seven days on 
 matters previously referred to, during which time, he caused 
 the blockade of the Spanish main, which had heretofore 
 existed, to be raised. After leaving Porto Rico, he divided 
 his squadron into detachments, and sent some to the north, 
 and some to the south side of Cuba and St. Domingo, ex- 
 amining every nook where a pirate would likely be stowed 
 away. After scouring the West Indies, the Commodore 
 arrived in the Peacock at Mktanzas, with only two officers 
 and scarcely men enough to work the ship, all the boats 
 and every officer and man that could be spared, having 
 been sent three hundred miles to the windward among the 
 keys in search of pirates. He then established his head 
 quarters at Key West, built storehouses and a hospital, and 
 fitted out his vessels and barges afresh, and sent them to 
 the south side of Cuba, forming convoys so that every 
 American vessel could sail under protection. He recap- 
 tured an American schooner that had been captured and 
 fitted out by the pirates, and destroyed her crew. 
 
 Thus, in a short time after his arrival on the coast, 
 piracy was completely broken up, and our merchant vessels 
 were as free to traverse the West Indies as they are to-day, 
 the pirates fleeing to the interior out of the reach of the 
 squadron, where they were only amenable to the laws 
 of Spain. The press, however, complained that vessels on 
 the high seas did not fall in with the squadron ! never con- 
 sidering that the place to find the pirates was among the 
 inaccessible islands and keys, in mangrove swamps, amid 
 obstacles that would daunt all except the stoutest hearts. 
 In the pursuit of these murderous freebooters, our officers 
 and men were exposed for weeks at a time, in open boats, 
 to the baneful influences of a pestilential climate, and to 
 constant danger from pirates in ambush. 
 
 Before Com. Porter's arrival in the West Indies, the coasts 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 289 
 
 swarmed with pirates, and at the principal ports there were 
 many vessels, not daring to go to sea without a convoy. E'ot 
 a single capture had been made, and no information could 
 be obtained of the freebooters, as they had temporarily 
 abandoned their pursuits at sea and mingled with the 
 sympathizing population of the islands. 
 
 In speaking of the ungenerous attacks upon him and 
 his officers by the American press, Com. Porter truly says : 
 ^* Three years since, five schooners, mounting sixty guns 
 and carrying five hundred men, were built for the suppres- 
 sion of piracy, and these in addition to a frigate, three 
 sloops of war and some smaller vessels, with a large British 
 force carrying 1200 men, have ever since been cruising 
 here. If they could not suppress piracy with all their 
 means in so long a time, with what justice can the inquiry 
 be made, why in twenty days after my departure from the 
 United States, the squadron of small craft under my com- 
 mand has done so little. 
 
 It is certain, that the force under Com. Porter's command 
 was wholly inadequate for the service, and the duty devolv- 
 ing on officers and men was very severe. They would start 
 in open boats from Key West, cross the gulf, and on their 
 return after a month or more of absence, would look not 
 unlike the freebooters they went in pursuit of. During 
 these arduous expeditions, there were many exciting scenes, 
 and never did men display greater courage and endurance. 
 The conflicts with the pirates were frequently desperate, 
 as the villains never gave nor asked for quarter, and few 
 prisoners were taken, as the atrocities committed on un- 
 armed merchant vessels placed the freebooters out of the 
 pale of mercy. 
 
 To show the character of the people with whom our 
 sailors had to deal, the following story of the schooner 
 Cataliiia, commanded by the celebrated pirate, Diablito, 
 may not be uninteresting. Some three months after 
 Commodore Porter's arrival, he heard of some piracies 
 having been committed on the south side of Cuba, and, 
 with his usual promptitude, fitted out an expedition (to go 
 in search of the marauders), consisting of the barges Gal- 
 linipper and Musquito with thirty-one officers and men 
 under command of Lieut. Watson. Cruising in Seguipa 
 37 
 
290 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 bay (a noted place for pirates), the barges discovered a 
 large two topsail schooner in company with a launch 
 working up to an anchorage, where a number of merchant 
 vessels were lying. As the schooner's decks were filled 
 with men, and she was armed with guns, it was quite 
 evident that she was a pirate ; and Lieut. Watson, there- 
 upon, hoisted the American flag and steered towards her, 
 when the pirate hoisted the Spanish ensign and opened 
 fire. Both barges now ran down with the intention of 
 boarding, which, as the schooner had brailed up her fore- 
 sail, there seemed every prospect of doing. To avoid this 
 the pirates made sail again, and as both their vessels were 
 fast, it was feared that they would escape. The barges, how- 
 ever, compelled the launch and schooner to run in shore, 
 where they anchored with springs on their cables and pre- 
 pared to meet the Americans. As the barges closed, 
 the schooner opened on them from her long gun, loaded 
 with grape, but fortunately did no damage. The pirates 
 then opened a rapid fire w^ith small arms ; but, although 
 the balls flew thick, no one in the barges was injured. 
 The sailors then boarded with a cheer and the watchword 
 Allen, the name of a young officer who was killed a few 
 months before by the pirates. The freebooters now jumped 
 overboard, and sought to swim to the shore, but were pur- 
 sued by the barges, and an indiscriminate slaughter of the 
 villains took place. The launch, in the meanwhile, kept 
 up a fire, but she was boarded and her men also sought safety 
 in the water. Few that were overtaken in the water were 
 spared, and all that succeeded in getting on shore were 
 captured, so that out of 75 or 80 men, which composed the 
 crews of the pirate vessels, not a single one escaped, and 
 the greater part were sent to eternity in less than half an 
 hour, a fit ending for such wretches. The captives were 
 turned over to the local authorities, to be punished accord- 
 ing to Spanish law, and it is probable they soon regained 
 their freedom, and continued their old mode of life. 
 
 The captain of these pirates, Diablito, had not long be- 
 fore stolen or captured this schooner from the Spaniards, 
 and mounted on her one long nine pounder and three 
 sixes, a formidable battery for a vessel of her class. Had 
 she not been taken, she would have done incalculable mis- 
 
Memoik of Commodore David Porter. 291 
 
 chief, but this was her first cruize, and she never had an 
 opportunity to make a capture. Seiior Diablito, refusing 
 to surrender, was killed in the water, and thus terminated 
 the career of one of the most notorious and dangerous 
 pirates that infested those seas. This gallant affair (where 
 a victory was gained against such overwhelming odds), 
 was the more remarkable, as not a single one of our men 
 was even wounded. 
 
 The Catalina wks about the last of the pirate vessels of 
 any note that was heard of. Our forces had been so 
 active, that their occupation was pretty much gone. 
 What few pirates still hung around the coast, contented 
 themselves with small plunder, watching for some mer- 
 chant vessel that might get becalmed near the shore. 
 Excluded from the ocean, they transferred their opera- 
 tions to the land; large bodies of pirates, well mounted, 
 and armed, set to work plundering the inhabitants of 
 Cuba principally in the neighborhood of Matanzas. The 
 Spanish government was now obliged to take some ac- 
 tion, and bodies of troops were sent to scour the country. 
 It was evident that if the pirates were hemmed in much 
 longer, by Commodere Porter's forces, that the Spaniards 
 would, in self defense, be forced to exterminate them. 
 This was the only way in which the Spanish authorities 
 could be made to act. They were too indolent to take 
 any part in putting down piracy, until it came directly 
 home to them, caring little or nothing about it, so long as 
 it only affected foreigners. 
 
 About the time that the pirates seemed to have deserted 
 the ocean, yellow fever broke out in an alarming degree 
 at Key West. Among the many valuable lives that were 
 lost, was that of Lieut. Watson, the conqueror of Diablito. 
 The Commodore was himself attacked by the disease, and 
 for many days his hfe was despaired of. The vessels 
 of the squadron were obliged to go to Key West to refit 
 and obtain supplies, and although they were hurried off 
 with all dispatch, the fever broke out on board and they 
 were obliged to return to port; still a sufficient force was 
 kept cruising to overawe the pirates, and prevent their 
 resuming their former sway. 
 
 So far, the Spanish authorities had given every mani- 
 
292 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 festation of their desire that piracy should be put down, 
 although they had taken no trouble to help in the good 
 work, though the captain general of Cuba (Vives), in re- 
 sponse to the requests and representations of Commodore 
 Porter, had issued orders to all under his command, to 
 aftbrd the Commodore every facility to enable him to carry 
 out his instructions. 
 
 Mr. Thompson had been succeeded in the office of 
 secretary of the navy, on the 9th of December, 1823, by 
 Samuel L. Southard of IS'ew Jersey. During Mr. Thomp- 
 son's term of office, Commodore Porter's conduct met with 
 his warm approbation, and the secretary did all in his 
 power to enable him to carry out his plans, so far as the 
 appropriations of congress would allow. 
 
 As soon as the Commodore learned of the yellow fever 
 having broken out at Key West, he repaired at once to that 
 place, at the same instant dispatching the following com- 
 munication to the secretary of the navy. 
 
 Sea Gull, Matanzas, May 28, 1824. 
 Sir : I regret to be under the necessity of informing you, that 
 the fever has made its appearance on the island, and that the ina- 
 bility of the acting surgeon's mate, in charge of the Medical Depart- 
 ment there, to attend to his duty from sickness, renders his return 
 to the north necessary. I have sent another to take his place, but 
 this leaves us deplorably off for medical men. 
 
 I propose moving the principal part of the forces north, about the 
 middle of next month, as the only means of guarding against the 
 consequence of a deficiency of surgeons. 
 
 I have the honor &c., 
 
 D. Porter. 
 
 On his arrival at Key West, Commodore Porter was 
 attacked by the yellow fever, from which he narrowly 
 escaped with his life, and as soon as he began to convalesce 
 (being entirely helpless and unfit for duty), the ^medical 
 officers recommended him to proceed north, and accord- 
 ingly, after making what he considered a judicious dis- 
 position of his forces, he left the squadron under the com- 
 mand of the next senior officer, and on the 15th of June, 
 1824, departed in the steam galliot Sea Gull. Lieut. 
 Legare sailed in the schooner Wild Cat with the dispatch of 
 May 28th (we have quoted), on the 29th of May, but the Sea 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 293 
 
 Gull reached Washington before her, so that the secretary of 
 the navy did not receive the letter of May 28th, until June 
 24th after the arrival of Commodore Porter had been an- 
 nounced. Mr. Southard had been but five months in 
 office, and having never before had anything to do with 
 naval affairs, it was impossible that he should be familiar 
 with them in so short a space of time ; and although au 
 able statesman he had not so high a sense of the considera- 
 tion due to an officer of rank as some of his predecessors. 
 This will appear in the sequel. 
 
 On reaching the capital, Commodore Porter made the 
 following report to the secretary. 
 
 Washington, June 25, 1824. 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to inform you, that I arrived here yester- 
 day, in the Sea Gull, from the coast of Cuba in nine days, and shall 
 be prepared to return to the West Indies so soon as the season will 
 render it safe to do so, and my health, which requires a respite from 
 the effects of a tropical climate, will admit. My former communitja- 
 tions have apprised you of my intention of removing most of the 
 vessels under my command to the north, during the unhealthy season. 
 Orders have been given by me on the subject, and every arrange- 
 ment made to give as much protection to our commerce as the force 
 remaining on the station will admit of. I had purposed sailing from 
 New York and visiting, on my way out, as heretofore, the Wind- 
 ward islands, so soon as I can get a sufficient force together, and 
 leaving a small detachment in the neighborhood of St. Thomas, for 
 the protection of our commerce there, where it was asked for by our 
 merchants, when I last visited that place. 
 
 The John Adams, it is probable, will require breaking out on her 
 return, which will be in a week or two, which will leave me with 
 only one sloop of war. 
 
 As the health of Capt. Wilkinson requires his return, I have left 
 Lieut. Oellers in command at Thompson's island, with full instruc- 
 tions as to the duties to be performed there, and I have also left all 
 necessary orders for the commanders as circumstances may arise 
 there during my absence. 
 
 The island promises to be healthy this winter. I have left about 
 sixty officers and men there, but I am sorry to say I have only a 
 surgeon's mate to leave to attend them during the sickly season. I 
 have, during this season, greatly improved the comfort and condi- 
 tion of the island, and thereby lessened that repugnance to remain- 
 ing there which formerly existed, both among the officers and men. 
 I shall proceed to New York in a few days to hasten the dispatch of 
 
294 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 the stores for the squadron aad the island, which are now preparing 
 there ; and which are much required. If there are any instructions 
 from the Department affecting my various duties I shall be happy 
 to be furnished with them as soon as possible. 
 
 I have the honor &c., 
 
 D. Porter. 
 Honorable Secretary of the Navy. 
 
 By reference to various letters written by Commodore 
 Porter about this time, it will appear that he was urging 
 the department to send him medical officers, stores, and 
 equipments, to enable him to do what was required ; and 
 it will be seen by the above letter that he could only leave 
 a surgeon's mate at Key West, and the stores and provi- 
 sions, though promised, had not reached Key West when 
 he left. The crews of the Shark, Grampus, and Spark, had 
 been much reduced by fever ; and as the vessels were not 
 in condition for service the Commodore had ordered them 
 north. 
 
 Although the department had been fully apprised of the 
 sickly condition of the squadron, no steps had been taken 
 to render aid by fitting out other vessels, which omission 
 we must attribute to a want of knowledge (on the part of 
 Mr. Southard), of the naval necessities. 
 
 It must be observed, that no fault had been found with 
 Commodore Porter for his return home. Considering 
 Norfolk within the limits of his command he thought that 
 he could, for a short time, conduct the operations of his 
 squadron from that point, just as well as from any other, 
 Key West being 240 miles nearer I^orfolk than to Porto 
 Rico on a direct line, and 660 miles nearer if he had to go 
 around Cape Antonia, as was the custom before the days 
 of steam. 
 
 Commodore Porter had no sooner arrived in Washing*- 
 ton, than several piracies took place under circumstances 
 that could not have been prevented had he been present, 
 and the secretary of the navy received a number of com- 
 munications, stating that more protection to our commerce 
 was required. Mr. Secretary Southard, thereupon, drew 
 the Commodore's attention to these complaints, which 
 seemed to ignore the fact, that he was doing his ut- 
 . most to get the vessels, under his command, back to their 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 295 
 
 stations. He had sent three schooners to Tampico, in 
 answer to applications from merchants at that point, and 
 it was quite evident to him that the honorable secretary 
 did not comprehend the difficulties of the situation, possi- 
 bly thinking, that when a vessel was wanted at a particu- 
 lar place she must proceed at once, regardless of wind or 
 weather. In short, he had about as much idea what pre- 
 parations were required, under certain circumstances, as 
 any other civilian just inducted into the department would 
 have had. To relieve the government, and the party of 
 any odium, it was found convenient to throw the censure 
 for any short comings upon the navy. 
 
 The blame for these piracies lay, principally, in the par- 
 simonious conduct of the merchants (who should have fur- 
 nished their vessels with a swivel and a few muskets), and 
 the want of courage in the captains. To show that this was 
 the case, we will mention an instance where one vessel 
 was boarded by a boat containing seven men, who put the 
 entire crew below after beating them, and then plundered 
 the ship, and fled to the shore without opposition. 
 
 To hold Commodore Porter responsible for all these 
 depredations, must have been about as reasonable as to 
 hold the ]N"ew York chief of police responsible for all the 
 river thieves in that quarter. The Commodore quietly dis- 
 poses of the charges of the West India merchant, who 
 stated that there were no naval vessels at all on the north 
 side of Cuba, in the following letter to the secretary : 
 
 " I have taken the liberty of enclosing to you, reports from Lieut. 
 Mclntoch, the commandant of Thompson's island, by which you 
 will perceive that every vigilance has been exercised by him in en- 
 deavoring to recapture the vessels taken, and to punish the offenders ; 
 that at the very time Wm. Norris states that no United States ves- 
 sels were on the north side of Cuba, the Terrier, Lieut. Paine, and the 
 Diablito were cruising there, and I have also to state that the Ferret, 
 Lieut, Farragut, was on that coast, and had been daily (until a few 
 days previous) employed in giving convoy in and out of the harbor, 
 sometimes with his vessel, sometimes with his boats. I have further 
 to state, that the corvette John Adams, brig Spark, schooner Gram- 
 pus, the Jackall, Weasel, and the Beagle have a short time since 
 the receipt of Mr. Norris' letter, all visited the coasts of Cuba, zeal- 
 ously employed in the protection of our commerce, in the performance 
 
296 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 of whicli duty I regret to say that Lieuts. Montgomery and Gumming 
 and several others have died. ******* 
 There is, at this time, on the Coast of Cuba and on their way there, 
 the ships Hornet and Decoy, the schooners Shark, Wild Cat, and 
 Terrier, and six barges, and in a short time the force will be aug- 
 mented by the departure of others of the schooners, large and small. 
 The charge then, or intimation in any shape, of neglect (on the part 
 of myself or officers), to the interest of the merchants, who have no 
 feeling but for their own pecuniary concerns, is as you perceive un- 
 founded." 
 
 ISTotwithstanding Secretary Southard's complaining let- 
 ters, when he knew, or should have known, that Commo- 
 dore Porter was making every exertion to fit out, and 
 despatch his vessels, he made a report to the president 
 Dec. 1, 1824, of which we give an extract : ^ 
 
 " The manner in which the force assigned to the protection of our 
 commerce, and the suppression of piracy in the West Indies, has 
 been employed will be seen by the annexed letters and reports of 
 Commodore Porter marked " C." The activity, zeal and enterprise 
 of our officers have continued to command approbation. All the 
 vessels have been kept uniformly and busily employed where the dan- 
 ger was believed to be greatest, except for short periods when the 
 commander supposed it necessary that they should return to the 
 United States to receive provisions, repairs and men, and for other 
 objects essential to their health, comfort and efficiency. No com- 
 plaints have reached this department of injury from privateers at 
 Porto Rico, or other Spanish possessions, nor have our cruisers found 
 any violating our rights. A few small piratical vessels and boats 
 have been taken, and establishments broken up, and much salutary 
 protection afforded to our commerce. The force employed has, how- 
 ever, been too small constantly to watch every part of a coast so ex- 
 tensive as that of the islands and shores of the Gulf of Mexico, and 
 some piratical depredations have, therefore, been committed ; but 
 they are of a character, though, perhaps, not less bloody and fatal to 
 the sufferers, yet differing widely from those which first excited the 
 sympathy of the public, and exertions of the government." 
 
 Up to the time of his return to the West Indies, Com- 
 modore Porter had every reason to believe that the 
 government was entirely satisfied with his visit to Wash- 
 ington. He had been kindly received by the president, 
 who had accepted his explanations, and no objection 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 297 
 
 had been made by the department at his not immediately 
 going back to the West Indies, well knowing that he could 
 manage his fleet better from Washington than from some 
 distant portions of the West Indies. Com. Porter was con- 
 stantly receiving from his officers, reports of operations of the 
 vessels, and the progress of repairs and other preparations 
 necessary to put the squadron in an efficient condition, and 
 he was constantly employed in directing those preparations. 
 In short he was unremittingly engaged in the active du- 
 ties of his command, except for a short period when he 
 visited the springs for his health. From letters, still ex- 
 tant, it appears that the government was entirely satisfied 
 with the Commodore's continuing to exercise in WasJiington 
 his command, in all its departments, that all complaints 
 of piracy and other interruptions to our commerce were 
 communicated to him by the department for his action, 
 with a view to his dispatching the necessary orders to his 
 subordinates, and not with an idea that he should proceed 
 in person to carry them out. His return to the United 
 States, and the reasons for it were communicated officially 
 to congress with approbation. Such were the facts bearing 
 on circumstances that occurred prior to his joining his 
 command again in the West Indies. 
 
 On the 14th October, 1824, Secretary Southard writes 
 to the Commodore as follows : 
 
 " Sir : It is deemed expedient by the Executive, that you proceed 
 as speedily as possible to your station, in the John Adams, that by 
 your presence there the most efficient protection may be afforded to 
 our commerce, and you may be able to meet any contingencies that 
 may occur. The Constellation will be fitted for sea, and sent to you 
 as speedily as possible. 
 
 I enclose, by order of the President, an extract from a letter lately 
 received from the island of Cuba. You will consider it confidential, 
 and to be used for your information, so far as you may find it useful. 
 With the Constellation, directions will be sent for you to proceed to 
 the island of Hayti, there to accomplish certain objects, which will 
 be particularly explained to you, and instructions given.'' 
 
 In obedience to these orders. Commodore Porter sailed 
 for Key West, having, while at the north, succeeded in 
 getting his squadron completely fitted out, and made suit- 
 able arrangements at Key West in case of future attacks 
 
 38 
 
298 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 of yellow fever ; for the vessels having originally been pre- 
 pared in a great hurry, were deficient in many things abso- 
 lutely necessary. 
 
 While Secretary Thompson was in office, he wrote a 
 letter to Commodore Porter under date of August 19, 
 1823, from which, as it has an important bearing on cir- 
 cumstances before referred to, we extract the following : 
 
 " In the last paragraph of your letter dated the first instant, trans- 
 mitted by the U. S. schooner Ferrett, you mention that circum- , 
 stances will towards the fall render your return to the United States 
 for a short time necessary. 
 
 " You will please to avail yourself of the time most suitable for this 
 purpose and return.to the United States in the manner most conve- 
 nient to yourself and least prejudicial to the interests of the service/' 
 
 To obtain a true understanding of the facts, competed 
 with Commodore Porter's career, it has been necessary to 
 insert the foregoing portions of official correspondence, 
 which, though uninteresting to the general reader, tend to 
 show the animus which dictated the proceedings against 
 him on his next return to the United States. 
 
 He had no sooner arrived in the West Indies, than owing 
 to the ill advised proceedings of one of his officers. Com. 
 Porter found himself involved in complications with the 
 Spanish authorities. 
 
 It appears that on the morning of the 26th of October, 
 Lieut. Charles T. Piatt, commanding the schooner Beagle, 
 was notified that the store of the American consul at St. 
 Thomas had been broken open the preceding night, and 
 robbed of goods to the amount of $5,000. The consul re- 
 quested Lieut. Piatt to pursue the robbers, who, it was 
 believed, had proceeded in a boat to Foxardo, in the island 
 of Porto Rico, and Lieut. Piatt immediately got under way 
 for that place, capturing on the way a piratical sloop that 
 was supposed by him to have had some connection with 
 the robbery. The crew of this vessel had abandoned her, 
 when they found it impossible otherwise to escape, and 
 Lieut. Piatt not finding the goods stood into the harbor of 
 Foxardo. ISText morning, Oct. 27th, an invitation was sent 
 from the commandant, for Lieut. Piatt to visit him, and 
 that officer accordingly landed with Lieut. Ritchie, the 
 pilot, and the consul's clerk, who went to identify the 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 299 
 
 stolen property. Lieut. Pi^tt states in his report, that for 
 better success, the party had put on citizen's clothes, which 
 was a grave error, as no officer is called upon to undertake 
 duty of the kind, where, by appearing out of uniform, he 
 will lay himself open to suspicion. When Lieut. Piatt 
 reached the shore, the register of his vessel was demanded, 
 when he explained the object of his visit, and the reason 
 of his not wearing uniform, but without avail, as he was 
 not allowed to proceed to the town. Thinking how- 
 ever, that the person who detained him was acting with- 
 out authority, Lieut. Piatt went to Foxardo and satis- 
 factorily explained the object of his visit to the captain 
 of the port. He then waited on the alcalde, who after 
 further explanations, proffered Lieut. Piatt his assistance. 
 Having made a few inquiries in some of the stores, which 
 had a tendency to bring to light any one who might have 
 been engaged in the traffic of stolen goods, Lieut. Piatt re- 
 ceived a peremptory order to repair to the house of the 
 alcalde, where he was received by the captain of the 
 port, who denounced him as a pirate, demanding his 
 papers. Lieut. Piatt, to satisfy these people that his 
 account of himself was correct, produced his commission, 
 which they declared to be a forgery, and remanded him 
 and his companions to prison, saying they would retain 
 them until they could hear from St. Johns. Lieut Piatt 
 then demanded to know what further was required, and 
 was informed that he must produce his appointment to 
 command the vessel, which he finally did. A council of 
 public officers and citizens was then called, and after such 
 a deliberation as one would suppose a party of that kind 
 would hold, Lieut. Piatt and his companions were released, 
 and permitted to rejoin their vessel after having had heaped 
 upon them the most outrageous abuse. There was nothing 
 in Lieut. Piatt's conduct to justify such treatment, which 
 was merely to enable these people to get the goods out of 
 the way and avoid discovery. This same alcalde had not 
 long before received positive orders from Don Miguel de 
 la Torres, governor of Porto Rico, to give every aid to the 
 Americaos, in ferreting out pirates, promising that those 
 who should distinguish themselves " should be reported to 
 his majesty the king of Spain, giving to each one justice 
 according to his merits." 
 
800 Memoik of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 As soon as the report of thi^ outrage reached Commo- 
 dore Porter, he was naturally very indignant ; and satisfied 
 that the treatment of his officers was a pretext to conceal 
 the connection of the people of Foxardo with the theft 
 from the consul's store, he considered them no better than 
 pirates. His officers had, on other occasions, been treated 
 with indignity, and this last outrage was more than he 
 could bear. Mr. Southard also had covertly found fault 
 with him and his officers, for not putting a stop to these 
 nefarious transactions, and public opinion at home, in 
 view of all the inconveniences to which American com- 
 merce had been subjected, seemed to incline to prompt 
 measures against the Spaniards, in vindication of Ameri- 
 can rights. From the commencement of the South 
 American revolutions, the Spaniards had oppressed our 
 commerce with illegal blockades, to which the United 
 States government had tamely submitted, and Commo- 
 dore Porter thought that a good opportunity had now 
 arrived, to show the Spaniards that their arbitrary pro- 
 ceedings would no longer be tolerated. The instructions 
 which he had received from Secretary Thompson, not 
 only justified prompt measures, but pointed out to him the 
 way in which they should be taken. 
 
 " In the case of belligerents, where the army of one party 
 enters the country of a neutral power, the army of the 
 other has a right to follow it there. In the case ofpii^ates, 
 the right of the armed force of one power to follow them 
 into the territory of another is more complete. In regard 
 to pirates, there is no neutral party; they being the ene-- 
 mies of the human race, all nations are parties against 
 them and may be considered as allies" As a further 
 justification, Commodore Porter had received information 
 from Mr. Cabot, our consul at St. Thomas, that John 
 Campus, a man of wealth and consequence in Foxardo, was 
 the actual receiver of the stolen goods, and that he and the 
 alcalde were accessory to all the villainy that had been 
 committed in St. Thomas. 
 
 The Commodore having made up his mind what to do, 
 proceeded to Passage island, with the John Adan>s, Gram- 
 pus and Beagle. Thence, with the two schooners and the 
 boats of the John Adams, with Captain Dallas and part of 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 301 
 
 his officers, seamen and marines, he repaired to Foxardo. 
 On entering the port, he found his visit had been anticipated, 
 and that the batteries were manned to fire on him, and accord- 
 ingly he sent a party of seamen and marines on shore, who 
 spiked the guns, the Spaniards having fled at their approach. 
 
 Com. Porter then landed in person, and advanced upon 
 the town, spiking on the way a small battery placed for 
 the defense of a pass in the road, and reached Foxardo in 
 about thirty minutes. He found the Spaniards drawn up 
 outside of the town, and advancing his men to within pistol 
 shot, the Commodore sent forward a flag of truce, requir- 
 ing the alcalde, captain of the port and other principal 
 offenders, to come forward and make atonement for the 
 outrages they had heaped upon an American officer, and 
 giving them one hour to deliberate. The offenders ac- 
 cordingly appeared, and begged pardon of Lieut. Piatt in 
 the presence of all the officers and men, and promised to 
 respect all American officers who might thereafter visit 
 them. The Commodore then returned to his vessels and 
 left the harbor, after a stay of only three hours. As the 
 vessels were getting under way several persons appeared on 
 the beach, under a white flag, having with them some bul- 
 locks and a number of horses, the latter apparently laden with 
 presents from the authorities, which were not waited for. 
 
 In answer to his report of this affair, dated l^ov, 15, 
 1824, and forwarded to the department as soon as circum- 
 stances would admit, Commodore Porter received the 
 following : 
 
 Navy Department, 27th December, 1824. 
 
 Sir: Your letter, of the 15th of November last, relating to the 
 extraordinary transactions at Foxardo, in the island of Porto Rico, 
 on the day of that month, has been received and considered. 
 
 It is not intended, at this time, to pronounce an opinion on the 
 propriety of those transactions, on your part, but their importance 
 demands for them a full investigation, and you will proceed without 
 unnecessary delay to this place, to furnish such explanations as may 
 be required, of every thing connected with their cause, origin, pro- 
 gress, and termination. For that purpose, you will bring with you 
 those officers whose testimony is necessary, particularly Lieut. Piatt, 
 and such written evidence as you may suppose useful. 
 
 You will return in such convenient vessel as may be best spared 
 from the squadron, and on your leaving the station, you will deliver 
 
302 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 the command to Captain Warrington, with all such papers, instructions 
 and information as will enable him in the most effectual manner to 
 accomplish all the objects for which the vessels now under your 
 command were placed there. 
 
 I am very respectfully, 
 Commodore David Porter, Samuel L. Southard. 
 
 Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, 
 W. Indies, Gulf of Mexico, &c. 
 
 This letter was worthy of an ordinary person suddenly 
 elevated to high position, and invested with authority 
 which he did not know how to use, but was unworthy 
 of agentleman of the talents and reputation of Mr. Southard. 
 It showed that there was something behind the scenes, and 
 that the honorable secretary had jumped to conclusions, 
 without taking time to examine the record. He certainly 
 was ignorant of the instructions given Commodore Porter 
 by his predecessor, Mr. Thompson, or he would have ex- 
 tended more courtesy to a gallant and distinguished officer; 
 for, although an officer cannot claim exemption from re- 
 sponsibility on the ground of former services, there was a 
 certain propriety to be observed, in dealing with one who, 
 from his youth up, had devoted himself to the service of 
 his country, and in the late war performed services equalled 
 by few, and had done more damage to the commerce of the 
 enemy than all the rest of the navy combined. An officer 
 whose career had been so brilliant, that thousands of his 
 countrymen had testified their enthusiastic approbation, in 
 a manner seldom witnessed — who had held a position in 
 the administration of the navy, only second to that of the 
 secretary himself, and brought it from chaos into real 
 shape and permanent existence. His brilliant achieve- 
 ments even drew forth the admiration of his enemies, and 
 the celebrated William Cobbett wrote to him, " wishing 
 him success in giving power to freedom, to struggle against 
 and overcome despotism," and though Cobbett was an 
 enemy to oppression, he was an Englishman and loved his 
 country. 
 
 "We must consider the secretary's conduct, as a piece of 
 irascibility, wholly unwarranted, and an exercise of arbi- 
 trary power towards a distinguished officer, which could 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 303 
 
 only proceed from one, who at the time, knew nothing of 
 the courtesies due to members of the naval service. 
 
 It must be borne in mind, that for many previous aggres- 
 sions on the part of the Spanish authorities, our government 
 could obtain no redress, and the president in his message 
 to congress on the 2d December, 1823, had made use of 
 the following language : 
 
 " Although our expedition has almost entirely destroyed the un- 
 licensed pirates from the island of Cuba, the success of our exertions 
 has not been equally effectual to suppress the same crime, under other 
 pretenses and colors in the neighboring island of Porto Rico. They 
 have been committed there, under the abusive use of Spanish com- 
 missions. At an early period of the present year, remonstrances 
 were made to the governor of that island, by an agent who was sent 
 for the purpose, against their outrages on the peaceful commerce of 
 the United States, of which many have occurred. That officer, pro- 
 fessing his own want of authority to make satisfaction for our just 
 complaints, answered only by a reference of them to the government 
 of Spain. The minister of the United States, to that Court, was 
 specially instructed to urge the necessity of that government direct- 
 ing restitution, and indemnity for wrongs already committed, and 
 interdicting the repetition of them. The minister, as has been seen, 
 was debarred access to the Spanish government, and in the meantime 
 several new cases of flagrant outrage have occurred, and citizens of 
 the United States in the island of Porto Rico have suffered, and 
 others have been threatened with assassination, for asserting their 
 unquestionable rights, even before the lawful tribunals of the coun- 
 try." 
 
 What other course ought a country to pursue under such 
 circumstances but to make instant war ? It remains to 
 this day, a blot on our escutcheon, that our government 
 acted with such indecision and feebleness, when the Spanish 
 heel was grinding our citizens into the dust, yet showed 
 such promptness in degrading a gallant officer, for resenting 
 on the spot, a gross insult to our flag. A hundred argu- 
 ments might be brought forward to prove the inconsistency 
 of the administration, in their conduct of this aflair, but 
 our limits will only permit a few extracts of correspond- 
 ence, to give a general idea of matters and things ; and 
 these proceedings will exhibit the animus of those who com- 
 menced the persecution of the Commodore for upholding 
 the honor of his country. 
 
304 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 On his arrival in the United States, Commodore Porter 
 reported himself to the secretary of the navy, as follows : 
 
 Washington, March 1st, 1825. 
 Sir : I have the honor to inform you, that in obedience to your 
 orders, I have come to this place, and I now await your further orders. 
 
 With the greatest respect, 
 
 Your obt. servt., 
 
 D. Porter. 
 
 The Commodore also wrote to the secretary, in reference 
 to certain charges brought against himself and officers, by 
 Messrs. Randall and Mountain, two American merchants, 
 and requesting an investigation, to which no attention was 
 paid. Finally, his patience becoming exhausted at the 
 dilatory action of the secretary (after such hot haste in 
 ordering him home), he wrote again to the department, 
 as follows : 
 
 Washington, March 16, 1825. 
 
 Sir : It is now sixteen days since I had the honor to report to 
 you my arrival here, in obedience to your order of the 27th of 
 December, and I have anxiously since, waited your further instruc- 
 tions. 
 
 I am aware. Sir, of the interruption the recent changes in 
 government have occasioned to the transaction of public business, 
 and however awkward and uncertain may be my present situation, 
 and whatever anxiety I may feel on the occasion, it is not my 
 wish to press on the department my own affairs, in preference 
 to those of greater importance. I cannot however, help re- 
 questing, there may be as little delay in the investigation of my 
 conduct, both as regards the affair of Foxardo, and the statement 
 of Mr. Randall and Mr. Mountain, as is consistent with the public 
 interest; the state of ignorance and uncertainty in which I have 
 been kept as to the intentions of the government, and the desire of 
 vindicating myself to the government and the public, and relieving 
 myself from a species of suspension, and supposed condemnation, 
 must be my apology for now troubling you. 
 
 Officers continue to make their reports, and to request of me 
 orders, not knowing whether the department still considers me in 
 command of the West India squadron, I have been at a loss to know 
 how to act, will you please instruct me ? 
 
 I have the honor &c.. 
 Honorable Samuel L. Southard. D. Porter. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 305 
 
 This brought a curt reply from the department, which 
 may have been the official style of fifty years ago, in ad- 
 dressing an honored servant of the republic, after sum- ' 
 moning him in great haste to give explanations, and then 
 keeping him for more than afortnight without taking notice 
 ofhim,but it certainly was not diplomatic courtesy; and if we 
 judge individuals by their written style, the then secretary of 
 the navy would have been found wanting in some of the essen- 
 tials for that high office, which presides over a body of 
 men distinguished for their courtesy and mental culture, 
 and who can never be made to comprehend how so little 
 attention can be paid to their rights, as to place their des- 
 tinies in the hands of one who has no feeling in com- 
 mon with them. 
 
 Navy Department, March 16, 1825. 
 Sir : It has become my duty to apprise you of the determination 
 of the Executive, that a Court of Inquiry be formed, as soon as cir- 
 cumstances will permit, to examine into the occurrence at Foxardo, 
 which was the occasion of your recall, and also to comply with the 
 request contained in your letter of the 2d inst. It was the intention 
 of the Department, in ordering Captain Warrington to the West 
 Indies, to relieve you from the command of the squadron there. 
 
 I am respectfully Yours, 
 Samuel L. Southard. 
 Commodore David Porter, U. S. N. 
 
 Comment on such a letter is unnecessary. It confirms 
 the opinion, that an opportunity was seized to recall the 
 Commodore ; and to justify himself before the country, the 
 secretary was obliged to try him, trusting to circumstances 
 to make out a case against him. 
 
 In the synopsis of the voluminous trial, which is all that 
 we can find space to give, the reader will, we think, be 
 convinced that Commodore Porter, at Foxardo, acted 
 strictly according to his instructions. 
 
 39 
 
306 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Anecdotes of the Cruise. 
 
 The Coinmodore, by permission of the secretary of the 
 navy, took his family with him to the "West Indies, on his 
 second visit in the John Adams, although his principles 
 were averse to having women on shipboard, on account of 
 the trouble they caused. The pretty chambermaids in 
 particular became involved in all sorts of difficulties with 
 the officers, the highest of whom were not proof against 
 their attractions. 
 
 At Jamaica, the Commodore was invited to stay with 
 his family on shore, at the house of the governor, but had 
 to leave the servants on shipboard they not being expected. 
 During the ten days the Commodore and family were on 
 shore, the fair damsels held receptions in the cabin, and 
 the officers, to while away the time, visited them there. 
 
 Among others Commander F , the flag captain, who 
 
 was a privileged character, used to spend a good deal of 
 time in the cabin, and one day in attempting to kiss one 
 of the young women, she broke a valuable flute over his 
 head and left the pieces lying on the cabin floor. On his 
 return to the ship, the Commodore saw the fragments of 
 the flute, and asked the girls how it got broken. " I did 
 it, sir, said one, and ye should take your fleet captain on 
 shore with ye, and not leave him behind to be kissing us 
 girls, an ill mannered man as he is." The Commodore 
 saw how the matter stood, and spoke to Captain Dallas 
 
 about it, saying " that he thought F might have 
 
 paid a little more respect to his cabin," and added " I wish 
 you would give him a hint to that effect." 
 
 F was a vain, elegant looking man, and was furious 
 
 when he received the Commodore's message, and, putting 
 on his cap, marched on deck where the latter was standing, 
 and passed him without the customary salute, at the same 
 time looking very sulky and disrespectful. Just then 
 Captain Dallas approached the Commodore, and com- 
 mented on F 's behavior. " Tell him," said the 
 
 Commodore, " that if he does not immediately apologize, 
 I will court martial him for disrespect. In the meantime he 
 will consider himself suspended." F finally con- 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 307 
 
 eluded to apologize, and called oq the Commodore in his 
 cabin, making the amende as if he did it rather from necessity 
 
 than choice. '' All right F ," said the Commodore, 
 
 " say no more about it. I didn't mind your kissing the 
 girl, so much as having reports spread, which affect the 
 reputation of my chief of staff. The girl says, you use 
 cheap pomatum and wear ragged handkercWefs, and are 
 not half so agreeable as the midshipman aid, who parts 
 his hair in the middle. The girls have nicknamed you 
 
 Bullfinch." F never forgave this sally, although 
 
 from motives of self interest, he continued on the Com- 
 modore's staff for the rest of the cruise. 
 
 On board the John Adams was an old boatswain's 
 mate named Reuben James, who had saved Decatur's life 
 at Tripoli, and who would occasionally get very drunk, in 
 which condition he was insubordinate. Captain Dallas 
 became tired of the old sailor's pranks, and determined to 
 punish him ; and one day, after the boatswain's mate had 
 indulged in a frolic, all hands were called to witness 
 punishment. Captain Dallas, addressing the culprit, said: 
 " Reuben James, you are a troublesome old rascal, always 
 getting drunk, and I am going to make an example of 
 you. You are herewith disrated from the position of first 
 boatswain's mate to that of seaman." " Thank you, sir," 
 said Reuben, "for your high opinion, but if your honor 
 pleases, I was only celebrating the day when I saved Cap- 
 tain Decatur's life, and I will promise not to get drunk 
 again, except when I go on liberty." " Who will go your 
 security, sir," said the captain. Commodore Porter, who 
 was walking the quarter deck, and had overheard the con- 
 versation, stepped forward to the mast and said : " I will 
 go his security, Dallas, a man who saved Decatur's life is 
 entitled to get drunk occasionally." So Reuben escaped 
 punishment, and in the outburst of his gratitude, assured 
 the Commodore that he would do as much for him if the 
 opportunity ever offered ! 
 
308 Memoir op Commodoke David Porteb. 
 
 CHAPTEE XVIII. 
 
 1 HE court of inquiry, in the case of Commodore Por- 
 ter, was ordered on the 19th of April, 1825. The warrant 
 issued, was directed to Isaac Chauncey Esquire, captain 
 in the navy, president ; Captains W. M. Crane, and G. C. 
 Eead, members ; and E. C. Coxe, judge advocate. 
 
 On the 2d of May, the court met at the "Washington 
 navy yard, when Commodore Porter interposed some ex- 
 ceptions to the formation of it, and to the terms of the 
 warrant under which it was constituted ; to the former, as 
 being composed of a majority of officers junior to himself, 
 and to the latter as not embracing the specific subject of 
 inquiry which he had requested to be investigated, for the 
 vindication of his officers and himself, as indicated in his 
 letter of the 2d of March, and which the secretary was 
 understood to have promised. 
 
 In the course of discussion of these subjects, the court 
 took exception to some written expression addressed to 
 them by Commodore Porter, and in order to guard against 
 a repetition of what they considered an offense, they issued 
 an order that all future communications from the Commo- 
 dore should pass the inspection of the judge advocate, 
 before being submitted to the court. The Commodore 
 explained, and disavowed in the most unequivocal and satis- 
 factory manner, as he conceived, the construction put upon 
 the excepted passage of his address, but the interdict of 
 direct intercourse between him and them was not with- 
 drawn, for which reason he quitted the court, and during 
 the remainder of the inquiry had no further concern in it. 
 He was, nevertheless, allowed to have an incom.plete copy 
 of the proceedings, but when he applied to the judge 
 advocate for a true copy, he was told that the investigation 
 being then completed and sent to the secretary, it was not 
 proper to furnish it ! 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 309 
 
 The investigation w^9 completed on the 9th of May, 
 1825, on which day the final report was transmitted to 
 Mr. Southard, Commodore Porter having offered neither 
 evidence, explanation nor defense. IsTothing further was 
 heard on the subject, until the secretary's letter of the 
 28th of May, announcing the president's determination to 
 order a court martial. 
 
 In the meantime the newspapers had not been idle in 
 discussing this matter, and imputations, from administra- 
 tion journals, were cast unsparingly upon Commodore 
 Porter's conduct, until the latter, suffering from a sense of 
 injury, addressed a statement to the president justifying 
 his conduct. This publication consisted of a voluminous 
 mass of documents, with a defense of his conduct in the 
 Foxardo affair, with the proceedings of the court of in- 
 quiry, and such remarks thereon as he felt justified in 
 making; maintaining, throughout the publication, an 
 entirely respectful attitude to all concerned. 
 
 For want of space, we must content ourselves with 
 giving the first and concluding parts of the pamphlet 
 which was dedicated to President John Quincy Adams. 
 
 Defense. 
 
 Having been displaced from my command by order of the secre- 
 tary of the navy, to furnish such explanations as may be required 
 of every thing connected with the cause, origin, progress, and ter- 
 mination of my transactions at Foxardo, I must refer to the letters 
 of Lieut. Piatt, Mr. Cabot, and Mr. Bergerest, to my letter to the 
 governor of Foxardo, and to my official report to the secretary of 
 the navy, for the progress and termination of this affair, and to the 
 following explanations : 
 
 I rest my justification on the laws of nations and of nature, highly 
 approved precedents, and the orders of the secretary of the navy. 
 
 I might stop here, with a perfect confidence of acquittal, from the 
 charge of rashness and indiscretion in the violation of the territorial 
 jurisdiction and immunities of Spain, or of any disposition to offer 
 to that government any indignity or insult ; but, without asking of 
 me explanations, and without complaint from Spain or any other 
 quarter, it has been thought proper to anticipate even the resolution 
 and wishes of Mr. Archer (already distinguished for his active hos- 
 tility to me in the trial of Lieut. Kennon). I have been ordered 
 from my station to explain the transactions at Foxardo, which it has 
 pleased the secretary of the navy to term extraordinary. 
 
310 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 As I am placed before Mie world as a condemned and degraded 
 officer, it is a duty I owe to myself, as well as the service to which I 
 belong, and it may be useful to others to know, that in all this trans- 
 action, I was acting in as strict conformity with the letter and spirit 
 of my instructions, as the nature of the case would admit — that it 
 was provided for, as near as could be imagined, by the government, 
 and that I have, in no instance, departed from my instructions, so 
 far as I could, by repeated examinations, understand them. I have 
 perceived no obscurity in them, and complain of none. I believe I 
 understand them, and the intentions of those who drew them up, 
 and without national or natural law or precedent, I feel a confidence 
 that the responsibility rests with those who framed them. 
 
 I do not wish it understood, that I dispute the propriety of the 
 orders, on the contrary I fully concur in the doctrine laid down in 
 them, they are framed on the laws of nations, were drawn up by one 
 well versed in them, and were intended to supply a want of know- 
 ledge of international law on my part. 
 
 I not only subscribed to that part which authorizes my landing, 
 and pursuing pirates in the limits of a foreign power, and de- 
 nounces those nations " so lost to a sense of respect for their own 
 character and interest and the respect of others, as to refuse to put 
 down piracy, much less to aflford them any asylum and protection," but 
 I subscribe to the yet stronger measures which have been recently re- 
 commended by the executive, to wit, " nothing short of authority 
 to land, pursue them, and hold the authorities of places answerable 
 for the pirates who issue from and resort there " "to make them 
 answerable by reprisals on the property of inhabitants, and to block- 
 ade the ports of the islands." Nothing short of these measures can 
 put down the disgraceful system. 
 
 I also coincide with the president " that neither the government 
 of Spain nor the governments of either of the islands (Cuba and 
 Porto Rico) can reasonably complain of either of these measures, 
 or all of them, should they be resorted to, or the United States in- 
 terpose their aid for the accomplishment of an object which is of 
 equal importance to Spain and her islands as well as to us." To the 
 contrary it should be expected that they will faithfully cooperate in 
 such measure as may be necessary for the accomplishment of this 
 very object. Whatever measures, however, may be resorted to by 
 the United States, the first thing necessary to secure success is to 
 protect^ countenance and support the officer designated to execute 
 them ; and in any measures which he may adopt, requiring energy 
 of action, he ought not to be discouraged, and degraded by punish- 
 ment before complaint, or removed from his command without being 
 allowed the opportunity to explain the reasons for his conduct. With- 
 
Memoie of Commodore David Porter. 311 
 
 out such assurance no officer in his senses would willingly undertake 
 the delicate duties which I have been performing, and if compelled 
 to would, from his apprehensions of sharing my fate, scarcely meet 
 the expectations of the government and people of the United States. 
 
 The discouraging circumstance of my removal, for the offense of 
 landing on Porto Kico and punishing the accessories of pirates (the 
 authorities of Foxardo), may have a much more important effect in 
 retarding the suppression of piracy, than is at present apprehended ; 
 so long as the governors and people of the small towns of Porto 
 Eico and Cuba are satisfied that they may imprison us with impu- 
 nity, and that punishment certainly follows any attempt on our part 
 to obtain redress and security to our persons, so long the suppression 
 of piracy is impossible, and he, who, on these terms, is willing to un- 
 dertake it, loses sight of his own respectability, and of the respecta- 
 bility of his nation and flag. 
 
 If I have failed in justifying myself, I trust that the failure may 
 be ascribed to the peculiarly delicate duties which have been con- 
 fided to me, involving nice and intricate questions of national rights, 
 and a zealous desire to act fully up to the wishes of the government, 
 not from a wish to act in opposition to its views, or to infringe on 
 the territorial rights and immunities of others. 
 
 Should there appear the slightest evidence of my having, for a 
 moment, wilfully disregarded what was due to my country, and the 
 respect due the government of Spain, I shall submit, with resigna- 
 tion and cheerfulness, to the severest punishment that can be in- 
 flicted on me, if it extends to depriving me of my commission, which 
 I should then be unworthy of bearing. 
 
 There was nothing in this pamphlet to which exception 
 should have been taken. It is written in a manly tone, 
 in which every American has a right to express his feelings, 
 for if this right be denied to any citizen, what is our govern- 
 ment but a despotism, where a few arbitrary men in office 
 may, in the name of the people, inflict what punishment 
 they please for any imaginary offense. 
 
 About this time an anonymous communication appeared 
 in the National Intelligencer, which was traced to the sec- 
 retary of the navy, and this induced Commodore Porter 
 to publish some letters bearing on his case, which gave 
 offense at head quarters, particularly as the opposition 
 press, ever ready to assail the administration, took the 
 matter up and strongly advocated the Commodore's cause. 
 In fact the aflair was made a political question, and every 
 
312 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 effort put forth in order that the Commodore might com- 
 mit himself, for so popular a man could not be brought to 
 trial without exciting discussion and comment unfavorable 
 to the administration. Several of the Commodore's friends 
 called on President' Adams to see if justice could not be 
 done him, but the president, influenced by the secretary of 
 the navy, would take no steps to further a peaceful solu- 
 tion of the question. 
 
 Lafayette was just then on his visit to the United States 
 as the guest of the nation, and becoming acquainted with 
 Commodore Porter, and sympathizing with his cause, he 
 took the liberty of asking of the president, as a personal 
 favor, that the latter would receive the Commodore, and 
 permit him to make personal explanations, which request 
 the president could not refuse to grant so honored a per- 
 son. It was accordingly arranged, that Lafayette and the 
 Commodore should call at the White House at twelve the 
 next day ; but, when they alighted at the door of the exe- 
 cutive mansion, where the president was apparently wait- 
 ing to receive them, Mr. Adams stepped forward, and 
 shook hands cordially with the marquis, took his arm and 
 left the Commodore standing under the front portico, 
 without taking any notice of him whatever. This gratui- 
 tous insult, to both Lafayette and Commodore Porter, was 
 not explained nor was the matter referred to while the in- 
 terview lasted. It would seem as if the president wished 
 to teach the Commodore a lesson in diplomacy, or intimate 
 to the nation's guest, that he must not meddle with what 
 did not concern him. Whatever was the motive, Lafay- 
 ette made a short visit on that occasion, and the result of 
 his attempt to bring about a pleasant meeting between 
 the head of the government and a distinguished naval offi- 
 cer, did not estrange him, in the least, from the latter, 
 but on the contrary, deepened his feelings of esteem for 
 one, whom he saw had been very unjustly treated. This 
 affair showed a foregone conclusion to injure Commodore 
 Porter, and he was shortly afterward notified that he would 
 be tried by court martial, which satisfied the public of 
 the inimical feeling towards him, if they entertained any 
 doubts on the subject. 
 
 The court accordingly convened on the 7th July, 1825, 
 at the Washington Navy Yard. It was composed of the 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 313 
 
 following officers: Captain .James Barron, president, Cap- 
 tain Thomas Tingey, Captain James Biddle, Captain 
 Charles Ridgely, Captain Robert T. Spence, Captain John 
 Downes, Captain John D. Henley, Captain Jesse D. Elliot, 
 Captain James Renshaw, Captain Thomas Brown, Captain 
 Charles C. Thompson, Captain Alexander S. W"adsworth, 
 Captain George W. Rodgers, Richard S. Coxe, judge 
 advocate. 
 
 Had such been the secretary's intention, he could not 
 have appointed a court more inimical to Commodore Por- 
 ter. The president was his known enemy, and had been 
 ever since the Commodore was a member of the court that 
 had sentenced him to six years suspension, for his conduct 
 in the affair of the Chesapeake. Barron had sent one brave 
 spirit to his long home for this offense, and was now to have 
 the pleasure of inflicting a wound on one, who was Deca- 
 tur's peer in all that was brave and loyal ; for even to the 
 last of his life, Barron maintained his animosity against 
 those who had condemned his conduct. 
 
 Then there was Elliot, whose proceedings at Lake Erie had 
 been arraigned before the public, openly charged with mis- 
 conduct, and disobedience of orders by his commanding 
 officer on that occasion — a series of investigations by 
 court martial, and inquiry, and a flood of pamphlets had 
 brought the matter prominently^before the country. In 
 discussions which ensued (particularly in naval circles), 
 Commodore Porter had been outspoken, as was his custom ; 
 and had not hesitated to express very decided opinions, 
 always adverse to Elliot, who owed him a grudge which 
 he now had an opportunity to gratify. Commodore 
 Porter never spoke to Elliot (socially), and it was well 
 understood that they were enemies. Biddle was not 
 friendly to Commodore Porter, but it was not supposed 
 that his feelings would prejudice his action as a member 
 of the court. 
 
 The judge advocate was apparently hostile to the Com- 
 modore from the very beginning, for what reason is un- 
 known, unless from his intimacy with the secretary of the 
 navy, which ought not to have influenced him against the 
 accused. Commodore Porter had objected to Mr. Coxe's 
 proceedings, as judge advocate of the court of inquiry, 
 40 
 
814 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 and the only objection he made to the court martial was 
 the appointment of this gentleman as judge advocate. 
 
 When asked by the president whether he had any ex- 
 ceptions to make, Commodore Porter addressed the court 
 as follows : 
 
 Mr. President : Thus called upon to declare my exceptions to any 
 of the members of this general court martial, here assembled, who 
 are to exercise a judicative function in my case, and to have a voice 
 in pronouncing my guilt or innocence, I do without hesitation re- 
 nounce every such exception, even if it were so that any member of 
 this court should, unknown to me, be affected by any prejudice or 
 bias unfavorable to an impartial judgment in my case. I rely too 
 implicitly on the known character of my brethren in arms, to think 
 of scrutinizing the motives of any. Their own hearts are suflficiently 
 informed, by justice and honor, of the proper course to be pursued 
 in such a case. But, sir, I do find myself very reluctantly compelled, 
 by a sense of justice due to myself, as well as by a regard for the 
 honor of the service, and for the wholesome safeguards of military 
 jurisprudence, to interpose at this precise stage of the business, 
 some fundamental objections to so much of the material of this court 
 as consists in the functions of judge advocate. 
 
 He then proceeded to give his objections as follows : 
 
 First, against the legal competency of the judge advocate (which 
 he illustrated by a sound argument), and second against his moral 
 competency, inasmuch as Mr. Coxe was evidently biased against 
 him, and it was for the judge advocate's interest that he should be 
 convicted. 
 
 On this point Commodore Porter remarked as follows : 
 
 I have direct and certain information, that the gentleman now 
 claiming to officiate as judge advocate, has written and published at 
 least one anonymous article, distinctly asserting the truth of one of 
 the specifications now exhibited against me, and so has pledged his 
 credit, in a way utterly incompatible with the requisite impartiahty, 
 to fix a charge on me, which from its nature may result in a ques- 
 tion of veracity between him and me. I am further informed (though 
 not on such direct and certain authority as in the other instance, 
 but from sources pregnant of probability and truth), that he has 
 employed himself in writing, and has quite or nearly ready for the 
 press, a pamphlet professing to be a full answer to my published de- 
 fense against the principal charge now to be tried, and laboring to 
 establish by facts and reasonings the conclusion of my guilt. Of 
 these facts, I doubt not of being able to produce the most satisfac- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 315 
 
 tory evidence, if the voluntary and candid avowal of the gentleman 
 himself should not dispense with it. Then I would ask, what is 
 left for him on this occasion, but to redeem his public pledges, and 
 to vindicate his own preconceived, divulged and fixed opinion on my 
 guilt, and how is this to be reconciled with any of the legitimate 
 functions of a judge advocate ? 
 
 When tlie court was cleared for deliberation, one of the 
 members, not considering himself competent to decide the 
 question presented by the Commodore, without legal ad- 
 vice, the judge advocate was called upon for his opinion (!) 
 which was of course adverse to the Commodore, and 
 the court therefore refused to receive the latter's excep- 
 tions. 
 
 After this extraordinary proceeding the usual oaths were 
 administered to the members and to the judge advocate, 
 and the following charges against Commodore Porter 
 were read. 
 
 Charge 1st. Disobedience of orders, and conduct unbecoming an 
 officer. 
 
 Specification. For that he, the said David Porter, being in com- 
 mand of the naval forces of the United States in the West India seas, 
 Gulf of Mexico, &c., did on or about the fourteenth day of Novem- 
 ber, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty- 
 four, with a part of said naval forces, land on the island of Porto 
 Bico, in the dominions of his Catholic Majesty the King of Spain, 
 then and still at amity and peace with the United States, in a forci- 
 ble and hostile manner, and in military array and did then and there 
 commit divers acts of hostility against the subjects and property of 
 the said King of Spain, in contravention of the constitution of the 
 United States and of the laws of nations and in violation of the in- 
 structions from the government of the United States to him, the said 
 David Porter. 
 
 Charge 2d. Insubordinate conduct and conduct unbecoming an 
 officer. 
 
 Specification 1st. For that he, the said David Porter, did write 
 and transmit to the President of the United States, a letter of an in- 
 subordinate and disrespectful character, to wit : on the seventeenth 
 day of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred 
 and twenty-five, and did also write and transmit to the secretary of 
 the navy, at sundry times, hereinafter particularly mentioned, vari- 
 ous letters of an insubordinate and disrespectful character, viz., on 
 the thirtieth day of January, the sixteenth day of March, the thir- 
 
316 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 teenth day of April and the fourteentli day of June, all in the year 
 of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-five, thereby 
 violating the respect due from every ofl&cer in the navy to the head 
 of the department, impairing the discipline of the service, and set- 
 ting a most dangerous and pernicious example. 
 
 Specification 2d. For that he, the said David Porter, after a court 
 of inquiry had been convened and directed to investigate, and make 
 report of the facts in relation to the matters embraced in the speci- 
 fication of the first charge, and after such court had terminated its 
 inquiries, and had transmitted its report to the secretary of the navy, 
 and before the executive had published or authorized the publica- 
 tion of the proceedings of said court, did publish or cause to be pub- 
 lished,^a pamphlet purporting to contain the proceedings of the said 
 court of inquiry. 
 
 Specification Zd. For that he, the said David Porter, in the pub- 
 lication made as mentioned in the last preceding specification, did 
 give an incorrect statement of the proceedings of the said court of 
 inquiry. 
 
 'Specification Ath. For that he, the said David Porter, did in the 
 publication referred to in the two last preceding specifications, in- 
 sert various remarks, statements and insinuations not warranted by 
 the facts, highly disrespectful to the secretary of the navy, and to 
 the said court of inquiry. 
 
 Specification 5th. For that he the said David Porter, did in the 
 same publication referred to in the last preceding specification, with- 
 out any authority or permission for that purpose, make public official 
 communications to the government, and official correspondence with 
 the government; and has on other occasions between the 1st of Oc- 
 tober, 1824, and the 15th of June, 1825, without authority or 
 permission therefor, made public orders and instructions from the 
 government, and official correspondence with the government. 
 
 Commodore Porter, before pleading to these charges, 
 requested delay until the next morning, and in the mean- 
 time^^to|be furnished with a true copy, stating as the reason 
 for this request, that he had observed a difference between 
 the copy furnished him by the department, and the one in 
 possession of the court. He also requested to have counsel 
 to assist in his defense. Both his requests were granted 
 and Walter Jones, Esq., was admitted as his counsel. 
 
 On the 8th of July, the court having adjourned from 
 the ^avy Yard and assembled at the Marine Barracks, 
 Washington, Commodore Porter, by permission of the 
 court, delivered by way of plea, a protest against the 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 317 
 
 sufficiency and legal eiFect of the charges, after which he 
 pleaded not guilty, reserving to himself the right during 
 the progress of the trial, and in due time of excepting to 
 the said charges and specifications, as designating no 
 offense known to any law enacted for the government of 
 the navy; as vague and indefinite, and altogether insuffi- 
 cient to put him on trial for the matters therein supposed 
 to be charged. 
 
 The trial then proceeded. The sura of the ofifenses 
 charged, was disobedience of orders, conduct unbecoming 
 an officer, and disrespect to his superiors ; but a careful 
 examination of the evidence will, in our opinion, convince 
 any unprejudiced person, that not a single specification of 
 the charges was sustained. On the contrary, it was proved 
 that Commodore Porter, at Foxardo, had complied with 
 his instructions, which say : " In the case of pirates, the 
 right of an armed force of one power to follow them into 
 the territory of another is more complete. In regard to 
 pirates, there is no neutral power, they being the enemies of 
 the human race, all nations are parties against them." 
 
 This paragraph completely covers the point at issue, and 
 had Commodore Porter desired it, he could not have had 
 an order written that would have more completely exone- 
 rated him. 
 
 The testimony of Lieut Piatt was pretty much according 
 to the report he had made to Commodore Porter, but was 
 still stronger in reference to the outrageous conduct of the 
 alcalde, who seized him by the collar, and with two sol- 
 diers, forced him into prison, against his most solemn pro- 
 tests. The officers who had accompanied the Commodore 
 to Foxardo merely testified to the facts mentioned in his 
 report. 
 
 In the testimony of Mr. Stephen Cabot, U. S. consu- 
 lar agent at St. Thomas, it was shown that his store was 
 broken open by pirates on the night of the 24th of October, 
 sind robbed of five thousand dollars worth of goods, the 
 property of American citizens. That facts came to his 
 knowledge, proving that the alcalde of Foxardo, and one 
 John Campus, a wealthy resident of that place, were in 
 collusion with the thieves, and had the goods in their pos- 
 kjession, while Lieut. Piatt was imprisoned, until the evi- 
 
318 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 dences of their guilt could be removed. Mr. Cabot further 
 stated, that the alcalde of Foxardo had sent a message, 
 offering to obtain the value of the goods, provided Cabot 
 would relinquish one-half the amount to him. The same 
 thing was proved by the evidence of Lieut. J. D. Sloat, 
 and it was established that the party landed by the Com- 
 modore maintained perfect order, committing no acts un- 
 friendly to Spain, or oppressive to any of her subjects. It 
 was proved that Foxardo had long been a nest of pirates, 
 no less than twelve robberies of stores at St. Thomas, and 
 several vessels had been conducted from that place, and it 
 was one of the places indicated in the instructions of Sec- 
 retary Thompson, who asserted that " in regard to pirates 
 there is no neutral power." 
 
 In this case, the offense was connived at by the two 
 principal local officials of the Spanish government, whose 
 position could no more protect them than if they had been 
 the meanest of the populace. Had these officials robbed 
 a vessel, and then escaped to the shore, they could have 
 been pursued and shot with impunity; but it was deemed 
 a violation of neutral rights to interfere with pirates, who 
 were enjoying their plunder on shore, and aggravating 
 their offenses by subjecting our officers to every indignity, 
 including filthy imprisonment. 
 
 By no logic could the judge advocate twist the transac- 
 tions at Foxardo into the offense with which the Commo- 
 dore was charged, though he showed himself clever enough 
 to have convicted George Washington of cutting that 
 cherry tree with lis little hatchet. 
 
 It \^as also clearly proved, to the discomfiture of the 
 judge advocate, that an article published in the National 
 Journal, calculated to forestall public opinion and to influ- 
 ence the members of the court, was written by him. The 
 pamphlet, too, which was prepared by Mr. Coxe, and on 
 which Commodore Porter grounded his exceptions, was 
 advertised for sale on the day after the sentence of the 
 court was published, which was conclusive proof that the 
 said pamphlet was actually in press at the time these ex- 
 ceptions were taken. In fact there was no evidence pre- 
 sented during the trial, which substantiated the charges, 
 although some side issues were raised with the evident 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 319 
 
 desire of influencing the members of the court, and show- 
 ing where lay the desire for conviction. 
 
 The conduct of the Spanish officials was proved to have 
 been in violation of all law, yet at the end of the trial, the 
 United States presented the humiliating spectacle of sub- 
 mission to insult, and by their action (before any complaint 
 was made), seeming to beg that Spain should take no 
 notice of a high spirited officer, who had protected the 
 honor of his country. 
 
 The court sat forty days with but a short time allotted 
 for the defendant to collect evidence, and with every effort 
 to accumulate testimony against him. He was allowed 
 to hold no communication with the court, except through 
 his enemy, the judge advocate, the court deciding against 
 his pleas, or applications in almost every instance. 
 
 Although the judge advocate endeavored to prove that 
 Commodore Porter had published certain official docu- 
 ments, yet, when it was requested by the Commdore, that 
 the secretary of the navy should be called in relation to a 
 certain anonymous article, which the honorable gentleman 
 had printed in the newspapers, and which had elicited the 
 publication complained of, the court refused to grant the 
 request. At length, after a long sitting with closed doors, 
 the Commodore was called upon for his defense, which, 
 after being submitted to the judge advocate, was delivered 
 orally to the court. 
 
 Defense. 
 
 Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Court Martial : After hav- 
 ing endured a long and mortifying suspense, the frown of undefined 
 indignation, and the anxieties of ambiguous censure, I have ex- 
 perienced a sensible relief, from a public investigation promising a 
 determinate issue, which in no event can place me in a situation 
 less tolerable than that from which it takes me. Even the hard 
 measure that has been dealt me, in the manner and spirit of the 
 prosecution, both before and during the progress of my present trial, 
 is amply compensated, whatever be the event, by the opportunity 
 afforded me of a full and open justification before the world, and 
 especially before a tribunal, between the members of which and my- 
 self at least, so much of intelligence and community of sentiment 
 exists, as to free me from the apprehension of receiving less than 
 justice at their hands, and to acquit me, in their minds, from the 
 
320 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 suspicion of appealing to their favor for anything more than justice. 
 If preparatory censures have tended to wound my feelings, or to 
 prejudice my cause; if a stern and jealous inquisition have probed 
 every part of my professional character and conduct, where the 
 sensitiveness of a man of honor, or the presumed defects of human 
 frailty, might be supposed to shrink from the searching point ; and 
 if taken unawares by the suddenness of the attack, or the novelty 
 of my situation, an excruciated sensibility may, for a time, have 
 broken through the guards that should have preserved me unmoved 
 and self balanced in mind and temper ; yet, after all, I bow with 
 humility and experimental conviction to the moral system of com- 
 pensations that bringeth good out of evil, for innocence made but 
 the more manifest and clear, from the severity of its trials, is the 
 bright reversion that might have animated hope, and endued me 
 with the passive fortitude of endurance through a longer and more 
 penal term of tribulation. The accusations which I am now to 
 answer, present this singular feature, while they branch out into 
 two distinct classes of offense, the most dissimilar, and the most un- 
 equal in the quality and degree of the legal and moral guilt imputed, 
 as in the importance and interest to the community of the principles 
 involved, and of the actions to be condemned or justified. They all 
 originate in the same source, and are closely connected by the 
 causes that have produced them, and by the passions and motives 
 that uphold them. 
 
 The first branch of the accusation brings into discussion the most 
 important and vital principles of the high and awful sanctions, by 
 which national sovereignty is to be maintained, and vindicated by 
 arms, while the second hinges upon the minute punctilios of cere- 
 monious respect. That a devoted servant of the republic, who had 
 consumed the flower of his years and the vigor of his life in arduous, 
 and as he hoped, acceptable services ; who had looked for approba- 
 tion, if not for honor as his reward, for an unstinted exposure to 
 labors, privations and dangers ; so much the more disinterested, as 
 however beneficial to his country and to mankind, it promised few 
 of the personal gratifications which may laudably be sought in the 
 renown of more striking and brilliant achievements ; who was con- 
 scious of having acted with the most implicit respect, and exact 
 fidelity to what he understood to be the views and instructions of 
 his superiors ; who with wasted powers of life but untiring activity 
 and zeal had exerted for the fulfillment of those instructions to the 
 utmost scope of their letter and spirit, whatsoever of efficient energy 
 a constitution worn and broken in the public service had left him ; 
 that such a one should have been somewhat sore and impatient under 
 rebuke that came like a portent and a wonder upon his astonished 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 321 
 
 senses, was far more natural than that complaints of misconstruction 
 and injustice should have been interperted into disrespect; and free 
 but decorous remonstrance treated as little less than mutiny. 
 
 In my justification against these charges I must regret the neces- 
 sity of occupying a larger portion of the valuable time of this court 
 than any intrinsic difficulties in the questions themselves might 
 possibly have required, but the terms in which the charges have 
 been framed, their often complained of vagueness and uncertainty 
 as to the nature and degree of the offense intended to be charged ; 
 the mystery observed as to the application of the facts and circum- 
 stances given in evidence to the gist of the accusation, and the de- 
 fect of any advertisement of the points intended to be insisted on 
 in the prosecution, or that were supposed to require elucidation in 
 the defense ; all these circumstances compel me to traverse a wide 
 field as well of conjectural as of obvious justification. 
 
 Charge 1. Before I proceed to discuss any matter of fact or 
 law put in issue by the first charge, it may be useful to attain 
 as distinct an understanding as practicable of its terms and of 
 the nature and degree of the guilt imputed by it. The general 
 head under which the off"ense intended to be charged is classed 
 and characterized, consists of two members : first " disobedience 
 of orders," second. " conduct unbecoming an officer." The first, 
 doubtless, falls under a general description of military off'ense com- 
 mon to every organized body of military force in the world, but 
 in every military code by which such an event may be punished, 
 the character and functions of the officer from whom the orders are 
 supposed to emanate, and the nature of such orders, are usually de- 
 fined with all reasonable precision. In the 5th and 14th of our 
 naval articles of war, this species of off'ense is defined in terms nearly 
 equivalent to the corresponding articles in the naval and military 
 codes of Britain, and in our own military articles of war. Our 5th 
 naval article of war is, in terms, restricted to the orders of a com- 
 manding officer, when preparing for, or joining in, or actually en- 
 gaged in battle. But the 14th article conceived in terms somewhat 
 more comprehensive, enacts that " no officer or private shall disobey 
 the lawful orders of his superior officer, or strike him, &c., while in 
 the execution of the duties of his office.'' The punishment of the 
 off'ense in either of its modes or degrees, is " death, or such other 
 punishment as a court martial shall inflict." Then if by the " dis- 
 obedience of orders," here charged be intended any off'ense known 
 to the naval articles of war and punishable under them, it implies 
 that I had received from some superior officer, an actual command 
 either while engaged or about to be engaged in battle or otherwise, 
 41 
 
322 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 " in the execution of the duties of his office," some order which I had 
 disobeyed ; and so had come in the danger of a capital^ as every 
 military offense is denominated which is punishable with death; 
 though it be left to the discretion of a court martial to inflict any 
 less punishment. 
 
 When this general charge comes to be deduced into particulars 
 in the form of a specification, no orders ieither commanding or for- 
 bidding me to do any act whatever, are set forth, either in terms or 
 in substance ; no commanding officer or superior from whom they are 
 supposed to have issued is either named or described. The specifica- 
 tion simply sets out the naked and insulated fact of a certain invasion 
 by force of arms upon the territorial sovereignty of Spain accompanied 
 by " divers acts of hostility against the subjects and the property of 
 that power :" and instead of any averment that in so doing the or- 
 ders of a commanding or superior officer had been disobeyed, the 
 conclusion of the specification branches out into a " contravention 
 of the constitution of the United States, and of the law of nations 
 and a violation of instructions from the government of the United 
 States." Now whether any " contravention of the constitution or of 
 the law of nations^' not involved in a disobedience of military orders 
 be an offense cognizable under this charge by a court martial ; or 
 whether general instructions from the government be identical with 
 the orders of a commanding or superior officer and a violation of 
 such instructions equivalent to a disobedience of such orders are ques- 
 tions of grave import, and will doubtless in their due order, receive 
 the deliberate consideration of the court. At present, however, we 
 are endeavoring to ascertain the essential character and terms of the 
 offense actually intended to be charged ; its legal attributes and con- 
 sequences may be separately considered. 
 
 i^s to the second member of the general charge, " conduct un- 
 becoming an officer," whether it be intended to describe a mere inci- 
 dent to every act of military disobedience, or to impute some 
 gratuitous and superadded circumstance of aggravation in the mode 
 and degree of it, and to inflame the guilt of simple disobedience by 
 some wanton abuse in the manner and circumstances attending the 
 commission of the acts ; as in the " divers acts of hostility" said to 
 have been committed "against the subjects and property of the 
 king of Spain," are questions left in the characteristic obscurity and 
 uncertainty which have all along, veiled the " head and front of my 
 offending " from any distinct view of it that might have enabled 
 me to perceive or to divine its extent. ***** 
 
 The rights and duties incidental to a state of war, as it affects 
 every party directly or indirectly concerned, have been the subject 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 323 
 
 of such frequent and elaborate discussion in our own intercourse 
 with foreign nations and have received such lucid definition and such 
 various illustration from our most eminent statesmen, that we may 
 be said to have compiled and digested from the best authorities 
 and the most enlightened views of the subject, a system of public 
 law upon these topics ; which if it be not generally adopted by the 
 family of civilized nations, as the moral and political influence of 
 our example extends, may at least be received among ourselves as 
 superseding, to every practical purpose, a reference to the more 
 general and less applicable doctrines of elementary writers. Our 
 discussions with the powers of Europe while they were belligerent 
 and we were neutral, have settled for ourselves the positive rights of 
 neutrals ; and our more recent discussions and collisions with one of 
 those powers, while we were belligerent and she neutral have equally 
 well settled the positive duties of neutrals. The rule to be deduced 
 from the latter is so much the more intelligible in its doctrine and 
 obvious and practical in its application, since it has grown out of 
 collisions and discussions of the belligerent rights of the United 
 States as correlative to the neutral duties of this very power, Spain ; 
 whose territorial sovereignty I am charged with having violated. 
 
 Here follows a discussion on the rights of belligerents, 
 which, though pertinent to the trial, is rather too long for 
 insertion. 
 
 * * * * In the emphatic language of Mr. Adams, 
 " The right of the United States can as little compound with im- 
 potence as with perfidy.^' All this infers no hostility against the 
 neutral J but proceeds upon the great principle of self defense, 
 which justifies a belligerent to disarm his adversary, to turn upon 
 him his own weapons, and deprive him of the permitted or usurped 
 means of annoyance. There may be occasions, when the misconduct 
 of a neutral sovereign might expose him to the resentment of the 
 belligerent sovereign, and make him an actual party in the war ; 
 but I here speak merely of those incidental rights of actual war, 
 which affect him in his neutral character, and require not the deci- 
 sion of the sovereign will to authorize the enforcement of them ; 
 which are inseparable from belligerent operations, and are summarily 
 exerted in the exigency of the moment, at the discretion of the com- 
 mander to whom the conduct of such operations is intrusted ] " of 
 the necessity for which," says Mr. Adams, speaking of the invasion 
 and occupation by military force of neutral territory, including its 
 fortified places and garrisons, whenever the effectual prosecution of 
 hostilities against the enemy shall, in the opinion of the general, 
 make it necessary, " he has the most effectual means of forming a 
 
324 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 judgment, and the vindication of which is written in every page of 
 the law of nations, as well as in the first law of nature, self defense." 
 The principle is not confined to neutral territory, but extends to all 
 the ramifications of neutral sovereignty, and to all the modifications 
 of neutral property ; for it is the same identical principle modified 
 by circumstances, that authorizes naval commanders, from the 
 admiral of a fleet to the lieutenant commandant of a schooner, or a 
 barge, or even the captain of a privateer, to seize upon the high 
 seas, neutral ships carrying contraband, infringing a blockade or 
 committing other unneutral acts. 
 
 The flag of a nation is just as inviolable an emblem of sovereignty 
 as territory ; and the ship that bears it is, constructively, a part of 
 the territory and just as much entitled to protection. 
 
 " There will need'^ (to borrow again the language of Mr. Adams, 
 the condensation and force of which, added to its authority, may 
 dispense with other illustration) " no citations from printed treatises 
 on international law to prove the correctness of this principle. It 
 is engraven in adamant on the common sense of mankind ; no writer 
 ever pretended to contradict it, none of any reputation or authority 
 ever omitted to insert it." 
 
 I cannot forbear, however, adding to the domestic documents of 
 our public transactions, by which both our belligerent and our neu- 
 tral rights are so amply unfolded and accurately defined, the author- 
 ity of the venerable and illustrious Grotius, who may be styled the 
 father of the modern law of nations. In laying down the rule by 
 which neutrals may expose themselves to the treatment of enemies, 
 he also recommends certain modifications of the strict belligerent 
 right ; not as necessary limitations or exceptions, which a neutral 
 may insist on, but as being merely recommended by a spirit of mode- 
 ration and humanity ; and which a belligerent may disregard, accordr 
 ing to his own discretion, or his estimate of necessity or prudence. 
 
 * * * * The principles established by the docu- 
 ments now adverted to, regard Spain in her simple character of strict 
 neutrality ; without reference to her higher and more sacred obliga- 
 tions as an a%. 
 
 In the late war with Great Britain, in which the Indians of Flo- 
 rida took part against us, General Jackson was expressly authorized 
 by President Madison, to take Pensacola, if it were found to have 
 fostered Indian hostilities by ministering to their wants and affording 
 them the means of annoyance. " If," proceeds the order as indited 
 by Secretary Armstrong, " the Spaniards admit into their towns, 
 feed and arm and cooperate with the hostile Indians, you must strike 
 upon the broad principles of self-preservation." 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 225 
 
 A lengthy argument on the action of Jackson in Florida, 
 is omitted, being mentioned as a matter of history else- 
 where. It has a strong bearing on Commodore Porter's 
 case, and, taken as a precedent, fully justifies him. 
 
 * * * * Now let the principles, so clearly deduced 
 from these most authoritative precedents, be applied to my situation 
 and conduct as commander of the squadron in the West Indies, 
 engaged in actual war against the pirates. From a variety of 
 causes, too obvious to be mentioned, the Spanish islands in the 
 West Indies were, for the most part, more destitute of any practical, 
 steady and efficient governments, and police, than the inhabited 
 parts of the Floridas. The pirates who sought shelter there, were not 
 like the miserable savages of Florida, insulated and cut off from access 
 to other quarters for relief, so as to be dependent on Spanish towns 
 and garrisons for occasional supplies of provisions, arms, and am- 
 munition. On the contrary, their enterprising and successful 
 piracies, and the accumulated plunder of land and sea, gave them 
 influence and favor, not only in the more barren or thinly inhabited 
 districts, but in some of the more considerable towns and settle- 
 ments; while their numbers, their resources, and their ferocity 
 overawed and intimidated those who were not seduced by participa- 
 tion, in the spoils of piratical enterprise. When the hot pursuit of 
 our cruisers had driven them from the sea, and destroyed all their 
 vessels, capable of keeping the sea, they retreated into the various 
 parts of Cuba and Porto Rico; in some places, banded themselves 
 against the local authorities, and effectually defied every effort to 
 reduce them ; in other places they assumed various disguises, as 
 fishermen, droguers, peddlers, etc., etc. As fishermen, they built 
 huts and villages upon the coasts of these two islands, and kept up 
 a constant intercourse with the inhabitants, from whom it was ex- 
 tremely difficult to distinguish them. The innumerable bays, inlets, 
 shoals and harbors, about these islands, enabled them to conceal their 
 boats, in which they nightly sallied forth from their holds, and 
 committed innumerable piracies ; as well upon the high seas, as in 
 the towns and settlements, on the neighboring coasts. They then re- 
 treated with their plunder to their secret haunts, reassumed their 
 disguises, and eluded detection and pursuit. 
 
 Here follows a comparison between Florida and Porto 
 Rico, showing that the authority in the former was much 
 more stable than in the latter, and that the atrocities of 
 
326 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 the pirates called for more energetic measures than even 
 the acts of the Indians living on Spanish soil. 
 
 * * * * As to Foxardo, you have it clearly proved, 
 how notorious were that town and district, and an extensive tract of 
 country around, as the most pernicious of these haunts for pirates ; 
 including two other noted places on the same coast, from twenty to 
 twenty -five miles from Foxardo, called Nauquaba and Boca del 
 Inferno, equally notorious for the resort of pirates, and as receptacles 
 for their plunder. It was to the latter of these places, known by 
 so characteristic an appellation, that the crew of the piratical vessel, 
 driven on shore by Lieut, Sloat, attempted to retreat, as reported in 
 his letter to the secretary of the navy, of the 19th of March last. I 
 did not, however, act upon the sole authority of report or notoriety, 
 more than sufficient as they are, when sufficiently credible to justify 
 military movements. It was not till an American merchant, 
 resident at St. Thomas, had been robbed of property to a considerable 
 amount, in one of these marauding expeditions, traced upon credi- 
 ble information, to Foxardo 3 nor till after an officer of my squadron 
 who had landed, in the most peaceful and inoffensive manner, to in- 
 quire after the pirates and the plunder, had been treacherously 
 seized, and disgracefully treated at Foxardo, that I determined to 
 land and make an impression upon that place. I presume no 
 military or naval man is to be blamed for acting upon credible and 
 circumstantial information; he is not to be expected to wait for 
 either legal or moral certainty of proof. The necessity and pro- 
 priety of the measure, and the correctness of the information, upon 
 which I proceeded, are amply confirmed. ^Tis in proof that the 
 spontaneous opinion of the merchants of St. Thomas, and of the 
 whole squadron, without any particular communication from me, was 
 clear and decided, not only for the necessity and propriety of the 
 measure, but that it must and would be executed. My intentions 
 were as clearly inferred, from what circumstances decided that they 
 ought to be, as if I had fully declared them. The whole course and 
 event of the action entirely confirmed every anticipation. 
 
 I no sooner approached the harbor, under the most unequivocal 
 demonstrations of the real character of my squadron, than I found a 
 party no wise distinguishable in arms, equipment or appearance from 
 the pirates usually found on shore ; and who, in the instances before 
 mentioned, had attacked Captain Cassin and Lieuts. Kearney and New- 
 ton ; by whom their villages and huts had been burned and destroyed. 
 This party stood ready with two guns on a point of rock, and the 
 instant I had anchored, without one act of hostility or menace on 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 327 
 
 my part, and without any previous parley on theirs, commenced hos- 
 tilities by training the guns on my nearest vessel ; and then on 
 the boat which was approaching the shore ; and nothing, I presume, 
 but the perplexity in which they were kept between the two objects 
 prevented them from firing on us. They dispersed before our party 
 reached their battery, the guns of which we spiked. We found the 
 village entirely deserted, no human being to be found with whom 
 we could hold parley. When it is recollected that I had established 
 a good understanding with the governors of Cuba and Porto Rico ; 
 and was acting in concert with them ; had remitted to their juris- 
 diction pirates whom we had taken, and who had been punished by 
 the local government ; when all this was known and notorious, how 
 could I, in reason, account for these demonstrations of hostility, im- 
 mediately on my approach to the harbor of Foxardo ; and for the 
 flight of the party at the battery and the desertion of the village ? 
 Was I not authorized, nay bound, to conclude from these circum- 
 stances, taken in connection with the infamous character of the 
 place, that it was a piratical establishment ? Did it not require, at 
 any rate, further investigation, and that I should proceed to examine 
 into the state of things at the small town of Foxardo only a mile or 
 two from the harbor ? Nothing I think can exceed the caution and 
 moderation with which I proceeded. 
 
 A flag was sent, in advance, with a letter addressed to a sort of 
 inferior magistrate called an alcalde ; the only officer, except a very 
 low and disreputable person, called the captain of the port, who was 
 to be found there. As we followed the flag into the interior, the 
 most perfect order prevailed among our troops ; and no whisper of 
 complaint has been heard of the slightest injury to the persons or 
 property of the inhabitants. The farther we advanced, new cir- 
 cumstances of suspicion arose to confirm all we had heard and all we 
 had inferred from what we saw at our first landing. 
 
 There was the same irregular assemblage of armed men ; equally 
 equivocal in character and appearance as those who had been dis- 
 persed at the battery ; without any of the ordinary badges to distin- 
 guish them, as belonging to the government of the country; and, by 
 their causeless hostility, justifying the worst suspicions of their 
 character and intentions. When I met the alcalde, accompanied by 
 some of the better sort from the town, he excused himself for his con- 
 duct to Lieuts. Piatt and Ritchie, as having been under compulsion 
 from others ; and this was repeated to Lieut. Piatt by the inter- 
 preter and another person in the alcalde's train. The nature of the 
 compulsion and the persons from whom it proceeded, were not ex- 
 plained ; and, as Lieut. Piatt declares, there appeared some strange 
 mystery about the transaction. The mystery may, perhaps, be very 
 
328 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 satisfactorily cleared up ; when it is recollected that Lieuts. Piatt 
 and Ritchie, at their former visit, had at first been received by the 
 alcalde with civility ; but that the rabble was extremely exasperated 
 against them. From all which, connected with the infamy of the 
 place, and the very suspicious conduct and appearance of the people 
 whom we encountered, it might reasonably enough have been con- 
 cluded that the pirates were strong, both in numbers and influence, 
 and had overawed and held in subjection the miserable functionary 
 who bore the badge without the substance of a regularly constituted 
 authority; whom it would have been absurd and derogatory to any 
 government to. have treated as qualified to challenge the respect due 
 to a sovereign in the person of his representative. 
 
 Then was not here presented, a clear case of the "jurisdiction of 
 Spain ceasing at the point, where her weakness failed to maintain 
 her authority ? " What possible distinction between the hostile 
 appropriation of Spanish territory, and Spanish means to our injury 
 by the pirates in this instance, and by the Seminoles and other 
 savages in Florida ? In truth, every circumstance, and every reason, 
 that were admitted as the most triumphant justification of the 
 course pursued in the campaign in Florida, are here more clear and 
 pronounced, and yet, because I merely displayed my force on 
 Spanish territory, by way of intimidation, exacted an apology for the 
 past, and promise of amendment for the future, and spiked two guns 
 from which, on leaving the harbor, I should have been in imminent 
 danger of a raking fire, from a lawless banditti, who might have 
 secreted themselves from pursuit and punishment; for this I have 
 been recalled in displeasure, and subjected to a rigorous and penal 
 prosecution, notwithstanding the clear proof now manifest to the 
 court, that the most beneficial consequences had resulted from this 
 operation ; that instead of producing any impediment to the service 
 from the ill-will and irritation either of the authorities or inhabit- 
 ants of the island, it served to awe the disaffected, and to inspire 
 universal respect for our arms and character. 
 
 From the subsequent correspondence of Lieut. Sloat, it appears 
 that Governor Torres had been reported to have dropped some hasty 
 expressions of anger, but if he really uttered such, it was a momentary 
 ebullition, for his letter to Lieut. Sloat of the 17th of March last, 
 sufficiently demonstrates his good will, and indeed contains warmer 
 expressions of thanks for our exertions, than are to be found in any 
 of his preceding communications. The effect upon the public in 
 general was decided and instantaneous, indeed the increased respect 
 and confidence in the vigor, determination and efficiency of our 
 measures, and the consequent facilities likely to be obtained, in the 
 pursuit of our object, exceeded all expectation. The public honors 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 329 
 
 bestowed on Lieut. Piatt at Poaee, only forty miles from Foxardo, 
 and expressly on account of the share he had borne in the affair of 
 Foxardo, may give some idea of the prevailing sentiment. 
 
 As I have said, nothing could exceed the astonishment with which 
 I received an intimation of the displeasure of my own government. 
 The only apprehension I entertained, and the only circumstance, 
 having the remotest tendency to self-reproach in the whole affair, were 
 that I had fallen too far short of the point to which my authority 
 would have reached, and to which my duty, under existing circum- 
 stances, should have pushed it, that I had too scrupulously and in- 
 discriminately applied that precept of the divine teacher, which is so 
 humanely recommended by the venerable Grotius in mitigation of 
 the rigors of war ; and had suffered the tares to grow, where there 
 was no wheat in danger of being rooted up with them ; or so little, 
 in proportion, that it must necessarily be choked by the tares; that 
 I had not used due precaution to ascertain that there were even ten 
 righteous persons to be found among them whom I encountered at 
 Foxardo. Indeed, if I were, at this day, under trial for not having 
 seized and garrisoned, or destroyed the village at the harbor, and 
 even the town of Foxardo, as pernicious pirate nests ; for not having 
 arrested and made prisoners the people ; or those at any rate who 
 had made any demonstrations of hostility ; I should have conceived 
 myself in far more danger of censure, for having left undone those 
 things which I ought to have done, than now for doing those things 
 which I ought not to have done. My best, if not my only defense, 
 in such case, would have been the want of the force, and the means 
 necessary to give complete effect to the operation, and the eventual 
 benefits resulting from the actual and more moderate operation. 
 
 Here follows a recapitulation of the events at Foxardo, 
 and a further reference to similar cases, which is omitted, 
 not being strictly necessary to give an understanding of 
 the defense. 
 
 * * * * The war against the pirates in the West In- 
 dies, was just as formally declared, as any of our preceding wars by 
 land or sea, except the late war with England, and carried with it all 
 the concomitants and incidents of a public war ; without regard to the 
 form of the preliminaries, or the circumstances of its commencement. 
 The machine, being once put in motion, was impelled by its own in- 
 herent energies ; without the help of proclamations or other paper 
 muniments. A naval force was placed by congress, at the disposal of 
 the president, to be employed in the most effectual way, according to 
 the best of his Judgment, and under suitable instructions to the com- 
 42 
 
330 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 manders, to repel the aggressions and depredations of the pirates. 
 Under the authority of this act, and the instructions of the president, 
 the war against the pirates was commenced and carried on. That it 
 was a regular war, against public enemies, and entitled, not only to 
 equal but to greater respect from other nations, than ordinary wars, 
 is clearly established by reason and authority. 
 
 Pirates are not the enemies of one nation only, but of the whole 
 human race, and all civilized nations are or ought to be in league 
 against them. There can in the nature of things be no neutrals in 
 such a war. As I have before remarked, the rights of war in gene- 
 ral seem to have been derived, for the most part, from the analogies 
 of war against pirates. We find that the president, in his message 
 to congress, explaining and justifying the conduct of General Jack- 
 son towards the Spanish authorities in Florida, enumerates (as he 
 had before done in regard to Amelia island and Galveston) their en- 
 couragement of huccaneeriTi^ ^ as one of the enormities which had for- 
 feited their neutral character. General Jackson himself, in his 
 official correspondence, justifying the apparent severity of his pro- 
 ceedings against persons claiming Spanish protection, can find no 
 more emphatic reprobation of their character, as placing them and 
 their abettors out of the pale of the law of nations, and as justifying 
 every extremity against both, than to denominate them land pirates. 
 Grotius, as I have remarked, infers belligerent rights, in regard to 
 third parties, not being enemies, from the analogous right to destroy 
 pirates, though to the danger and probable damage of innocent per- 
 sons. 
 
 If the question rested on general reason and authority, it would 
 seem to be settled : but I have a stronger and more practical warrant 
 in the very instructions which I am charged with having violated, 
 a document that loses none of the authority due to its official cha- 
 racter from having been signed and probably indited by a gentle- 
 man whose talents and learning had illustrated a high judicial station 
 in New York before he was called to the administration of the navy 
 department; and are now added to the splendid assemblage of the 
 same qualities on the bench of the Supreme Court of the United 
 States. These instructions lay down the doctrine and apply it to 
 the actual case in terms that leave not the shadow of a doubt of the 
 relations in which I was to hold myself as well towards the pirates 
 as the Spanish authorities and people. 
 
 " You will announce," says my letter of instructions, " your 
 arrival and object to the authorities, civil and military, of the island 
 of Cuba ; and endeavor to obtain, as far as shall be practicable, their 
 cooperation^ or at least their favorable and friendly support, giving 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 331 
 
 them the most unequivocal assurance, that your sole object is the 
 destruction of pirates." 
 
 " The system of piracy which has grown up in the West Indies, 
 has obviously arisen from the war between Spain and the new go- 
 vernments, her late provinces in this hemisphere; and from the 
 limited force in the islands, and their sparse population, many por- 
 tions of each being entirely uninhabited and desolate, to which the 
 active authority of the government does not extend. 
 
 "It is understood that establishments have been made by parties 
 of these banditti in those uninhabited parts, to which they carry 
 their plunder and retreat in time of danger. It cannnot be pre- 
 sumed that the government of any island will afford any protection 
 or countenance to such robbers. It may, on the contrary, confi- 
 dently be believed, that all governments, and particularly those most 
 exposed, will afford all means in their power for their suppression. 
 Pirates are considered, by the laws of nations, the enemies of the 
 race. It is the duty of all nations to put them down ; and none 
 who respect their own character or interest will refuse to do it, 
 much less afford them an asylum and protection. The ^nation that 
 makes the greatest exertions to suppress such banditti has the greatest 
 merit. In making such exertions, it has a right to the aid of every 
 other power, to the extent of its means, and to the enjoyment, under 
 its sanction, of all its rights in the pursuit of the object. In the case 
 of belligerents, where the army of one party enters the territory of 
 a neutral power, the army of the other has a right to follow it there." 
 In the case of pirates the right of the armed force of one power to 
 follow them into the territory of another is more complete. In re- 
 gard to pirates there is no neutral party, they being the enemies of 
 the human race all nations are 'parties against them and may he con- 
 sidered as allies." I lost no time in establishing an understanding 
 with the governors of Cuba and Porto Rico, as recommended by 
 these instructions, and as fully appear from the documents accom- 
 panying the president's message to congress, December 2, 1823, 
 before referred to. From these it has been seen that both the go- 
 vernors recognized, without hesitation, the meritorious character of 
 the war , pledged themselves for every aid and cooperation in their 
 power; that, in various instances, they did cooperate, and actually 
 received prisoners, taken by our squadron, both at sea and on land, 
 and had them executed. Thus the presumption, upon which my in- 
 structions proceeded, that the local governments of these islands were 
 to be considered and treated as allies, in a regular war, was confirmed 
 and consolidated into a solemn compact, followed by all the practical 
 and open evidences of alliance and common cause. 
 
332 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Here the Commodore shows, that the conduct of the 
 inhabitants of Foxardo required him to use energetic 
 measures, and he refers to our committing hostilities 
 against France, without a declaration of war, and with in- 
 structions to our officers not more stringent than his. 
 
 * * * * I shall proceed to lay down a few simple 
 rules of interpretation, by which the sense in which I so clearly 
 understood, and acted upon my instructions, may be demonstrated 
 as their true import and meaning. 
 
 1. The reason or final cause ; the main end to be accomplished, 
 deserves the first consideration. Then I was appointed to the com- 
 mand of the squadron, " for the purpose of repressing piracy, and 
 affording effectual 'protection to the citizens and commerce of the 
 United States/' I am told, that it is my " duty to protect our 
 commerce against all unlawful interruptions, and to guard the rights, 
 both of persons and property, of the citizens of the United States, 
 wherever it shall become necessary." Such is the final cause or 
 end of the argument; and, upon that did General Jackson mainly 
 rest the justification of his operations in Florida, when he appealed 
 to that part of his instructions from the war department, which re- 
 commends " a speedy and successful termination of the war, as 
 being required by the honor and interest of the United States/' and 
 he argues, that he pursued the only means, by which he could have 
 effectuated such intent; and that the intent, both general and 
 particular, which is expressed in the order, justified the means ; 
 these means being in themselves entirely conformable to the estab- 
 lished laws and usages of war. The means by which I was to have 
 accomplished the object of my command, were left to my discretion, 
 under the guidance of some general rules, not at all more restrictive 
 of the inherent authority of my station, than those prescribed to 
 General Jackson, if as much so. The limitations of my authority, 
 from which anything like a prohibition may be inferred, are ex- 
 pressed in two clauses. I am, in the first place, to do what? " where a 
 government exists, and is felt^ you will in all instances respect the 
 local authorities, and only act in aid of and cooperation with them ; " 
 and again, " in no case are you at liberty to pursue, and apprehend 
 any one, after having been forbidden to do so, hj competent authority 
 of the local government." 
 
 Now the term "government" or "local government," certainly 
 means the supreme power of the country ; and in reference to the 
 Spanish islands, means the several provincial governments there 
 established, called locals in contradistinction to the government of 
 the mother country, which is supreme over all. It cannot be pre- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 333 
 
 tended, that the term comprehends the inferior magistrates of ob- 
 scure towns and villages. Then this government must not only exist 
 but must be felt, and felt to what purpose, and to what extent ? 
 surely to no less than to maintain, practically and efficiently, its 
 sovereign and active authority in the country, to the purpose and to 
 the extent of holding it inviolate from the common enemy. In a 
 preceding part of the instructions, places, to which the " active 
 authority of the government does not extend,'* are spoken of, nor 
 can it be less than the active authority of the government in any 
 case, that I was bound to respect. I am told repeatedly, in my 
 instructions, that I am to 'presume that the Spanish authorities and 
 people will make common cause with me, and cordially cooperate 
 with me. I am told so in the very clause which requires me to 
 respect the local governments ; and strange indeed if I had been 
 required to respect them on any other terms. 
 
 * I * * Are these pirates to be viewed in such circum- 
 stances as either " Spanish authorities or people" in the sense of my 
 instructions ? If such were the presumptions upon which we were to 
 act, wecommittedinnumerable transgressions, in the instances of the 
 several piratical establishments broken up and destroyed, without com- 
 plaint, on the coast of Cuba, as before mentioned. But the meaning of 
 this injunction to respect the local authorities, where a government ex- 
 ists and is felt, is decided by its immediate context ; for it goes on to 
 direct that I shall " only act in aid of, and cooperation with them." 
 Now the one of these injunctions is just as obligatory as the other. 
 Them, whom I am to " respect," I must also cooperate with and aid; 
 they must be in a condition to challenge, for themselves, both or 
 neither. Then, if I am to respect the people and authorities of the 
 islands, who are identified in character and conduct with the pirates, 
 I must also " act in aid of, and cooperation with them," and how con- 
 sistent this may be with the main end and aim of repressing piracy 
 and affording effectual protection to the commerce and citizens of the 
 United States, needs no remark to illustrate. When I am told that 
 I must not continue the pursuit of pirates onshore after having been 
 forbidden to do so by competent authority of the local government, 
 should I have been justified in accepting the prohibition of the 
 pirates themselves, or of their known or strongly suspected associates 
 and accessories, as from such competent authority ? The only pro- 
 hibition ever received by me, was in the form of open hostility and 
 resistance ; not otherwise to be accounted for, than as an attack upon 
 the suppressors, and a defense of the professors of piracy. Lieut. 
 Piatt was not forbidden the pursuit and inquiry, which occasioned 
 his first visit to Foxardo ; but he was at first, received with insidi- 
 
334 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 ous civility and a professed respect to his official character and mis- 
 sion, and in that guise was conducted to the town, where the 
 treatment he afterwards received, was equally unaccountable, on any 
 other ground than that of the people, or a great majority of them, 
 making common cause or being identified with the pirates. 
 
 I am further directed, if " the crews of any vessels, which I have 
 either seen engaged in acts of piracy, or have/ws^ cause to suspect as 
 being of that character, retreat into the ports, harbors or settled 
 parts of the islands, I may enter in pursuit of them, for the purpose 
 of aiding the local authorities or people as the case may be, to seize 
 and bring the offenders to justice, previously giving notice that it is 
 my sole object." Then here is an affirmative direction (not neces- 
 sary to communicate the authority, but only declaratory of an au- 
 thority already inherent to my command), to pursue the enemy into 
 the ports, harbors and settled parts of the islands ; but qualified by 
 a limitation, which necessarily supposes the presence of attthorities 
 or people, who have the will, and with my aid, the power to 
 seize the offenders and bring them to justice. But suppose no 
 authorities or people of that description are to be found; and 
 though the country be ever so thickly settled, it is occupied 
 and held by pirates and their accessories, who exert a controlling 
 influence and effective power over the district, and hold what people 
 or authorities there may be in check, or in close alliance; is not the 
 hypothesis upon which the limitations of my otherwise absolute au- 
 thority are expressly founded done away, and is not such authority 
 consequently left in its pristine force? Is there any possible con- 
 struction of the document, that could require of me to aid and assist 
 people to seize and bring themselves to justice ? The very case put 
 by my instructions, as requiring the pursuit of the piratical crew 
 was presented. I had just cause, more than to suspect, that such a 
 crew, which had robbed an ^^ American citizen " at St. Thomas, had 
 retreated with their plunder to Foxardo, and in the pursuit of them 
 I am encountered at the threshold by men of the most equivocal 
 appearance, who stand forward to resist the pursuers, and to defend 
 the pursued, without parley or warning of any kind. Then, was I 
 not bound to conclude, that these men knew what they were 
 about, and that the defenders and the persons pursued were the 
 same ? I knew to a certainty, that they were not, and in the nature 
 of things could not be acting under the authority of the local govern- 
 ment ; but I had the strongest grounds to presume, that they were 
 acting against it. What reason had I to presume, that they had 
 any better authority than the pirates who fired upon Captain Cassin, 
 near Cape Blanco, and upon Lieutenants Kearney and Newton, at 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 335 
 
 Cape Cruz ', and who on other occasions and at other places com- 
 mitted the like violence ; and upon being pursued to the interior 
 were found to be settled in fishing villages, defended by cannon 
 advantageously posted-on the rocks ? 
 
 It seems to me plainly impossible to construe my instructions, as 
 a prohibition of the operation upon Foxardo, consistently either with 
 their context or with the prominent and declared reason, or final 
 cause of the course of service which they prescribed. A learned 
 and judicious author has said that " the nature of every law must be 
 judged of by the end for which it was made and by the aptness of 
 things therein prescribed, unto the same end : " a rule which abso- 
 lutely concludes the present question. 
 
 Here the Commodore compares his orders with those 
 under which »Tackson acted, and refers to the policy of the 
 government at that time, which was in favor of acquiring 
 Florida by any means, showing conclusively that a prac- 
 tical construction was given to his orders by the toleration 
 by our government and that of the Spanish West Indies 
 of the constant landing of our forces on those islands, the 
 capture of the pirates on shore, destruction of their houses 
 and goods, and delivery of their persons to the Spanish 
 authorities. 
 
 * * * * A practical construction is given to my 
 orders, by the toleration of all our previous descents upon Cuba, 
 followed by the destruction of settlements having all the appearance 
 of innocent fishing villages ; and which were nevertheless found to 
 belong to pirates in disguise. It has been seen how far the arts of 
 deception were carried on the coast of Cuba; where the spectacle 
 was presented of old men " with bald heads and hoary locks exposed 
 to view," like the venerable sires of a peaceful and innocent gene- 
 ration of fishermen, and of matrons as if present, either to implore 
 protection for themselves and helpless off"spring, or, according to the 
 account of one officer, like a celebrated heroine of a modern romance 
 by their exhortations and example to inspire their husbands and sons 
 to defend or avenge their homes and altars ; but where all these 
 plausible and imposing appearances proved to be only deceitful 
 covers to the most atrocious of piratical establishments ; for the 
 utter extinction of which, upon no other warrant or authority than the 
 discretion of the officers sent in pursuit of pirates, and acting upon the 
 evidences and presumptions by which their conduct was to be deter- 
 mined in every new exigency of the service, these officers had 
 received the approbation and applause of the government and the 
 
336 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 country. Then if it were lawful to seize and chain these modern 
 Proteii, on one shore, why not on another equally the theatre of 
 their frauds ? Had they possessed the fabled spirit of prophecy, 
 ascribed to their ancient prototype, it must have puzzled themselves 
 to divine how I could have incurred the displeasure, either of the 
 Spanish government or my own, by pursuing them on the coast of 
 Porto Rico, any more than on that of Cuba ; at Foxardo any more 
 than at Cayo Blanco or Cape Cruz ; as before practiced, without 
 censure or question, in former instances. 
 
 But suppose I have failed to establish the construction of my 
 orders, as understood by myself and now explained, does it follow 
 that I am guilty of any disohedience of orders^ under the naval arti- 
 cles of war ? The negative may be clearly maintained on two 
 grounds. 
 
 1. The naval articles of war look only to orders given by a supe- 
 rior officer in immediate command ; not to general instructions from 
 the government, the observance of which, it is supposed, the govern- 
 ment has, in its own hands the means of enforcing. 
 
 2. The instructions are discretionary ; and no officer can be 
 charged with the breach of a discretionary order unless he wilfully 
 and corruptly misconstrue and prevent it. For no mistake of judg- 
 ment can be, in the nature of things, punishable. Here is the law 
 of nations laid down to me in my instructions ; to be applied in a 
 great variety of supposed circumstances, to facts as they arise. 
 
 To bring me within the scope of this most penal charge, it must 
 appear that I was either positively ordered to do something that 
 I omitted, or positively forbidden to do something that I did ; or 
 that, under pretense of executing a discretionary authority, I corruptly 
 or maliciously abused it. * * * * 
 
 le second charge, " Insubordinate conduct, and con- 
 duct unbecoming an officer," is scarcely worth noticing. 
 Commodore Porter remarks in relation to this charge : 
 
 * * * * Voluminous masses of documents, con- 
 sisting of a miscellaneous correspondence, and a printed pamphlet of 
 more than a hundred pages, were produced in evidence, under the 
 several specifications, and indiscriminately read from beginning to 
 end, without any specific designation or reference whatever to the 
 passages or circumstances, wherein the ofi"ensive matter was sup- 
 posed to consist, with the single exception of the alleged omissions, 
 deficiencies and verbal inaccuracies charged upon that part of my 
 pamphlet which purports to set out the proceedings of the court of 
 inquiry, which were indeed vouchsafed after the trial had proceeded 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 337 
 
 for more than a fortnight. Additional masses, little less voluminous, 
 of documents, and other collateral evidence have been introduced, 
 and in like manner read from beginning to end, without the slight- 
 set intimation of the charge or the specification to which they are to 
 be applied, far less the bearing they were supposed to have on any 
 point of the accusation, or of the purpose or object of their introduc- 
 tion. 
 
 * * * * I have already remarked that I am not 
 called upon to explain, or justify the tone of complaint indicated by 
 the correspondence now produced, but I should be at no loss to 
 specify such reasons, as upon the coolest reflection, I still think well 
 founded. The manner of my recall, so incommensurate as I then knew 
 and still know, with the merits of my conduct, which, if it had been as 
 well understood then, as it must be now, I verily believe would have 
 received applause instead of censure ; the inequality of the treat- 
 ment I received, and that extended to others under like circum- 
 stances ; the continuing to hold me up as an ambiguous object of 
 denunciation and calumny, or of indefinite suspicion, without in- 
 vestigation, after I had tendered myself prepared for the investiga- 
 tion to which I had been cited, were all circumstances that bore 
 hard upon my thoughts. The magnanimous and triumphant sup- 
 port given to General Jackson, against a heavy and menacing 
 cloud of discontent, the delicate treatment of Captain Cassin (as ex- 
 plained in the order of the navy department, to me of the 9th of 
 April, 1823), who had the option to come home and explain his 
 conduct, or to transmit a written explanation against grievous com- 
 plaints (severe and unjust as they were), of the Spanish minister, 
 altogether presented so strong a contrast to the manner and circum- 
 stances of my recall, as convinced me that I had, in some way, 
 forfeited the favor of the administration. Nor did the administra- 
 tion appear so instantly and spontaneously struck with the enormity 
 of my transgression at Foxardo as to account for my severe treat- 
 ment, for my ofl&cial report of the transaction lay unnoticed in the 
 navy department for more than three weeks after it had been received 
 and my letter of recall bears date on the very day that the inquiry 
 of the afi'air was moved in congress. It was my misfortune and not 
 vaj fault if any circumstances made it impolitic or in any manner 
 inexpedient or unpleasant for the administration to stand the brunt 
 of another congressional inquiry, or if, from my want of favor or 
 official or personal importance or influence, there were no adequate 
 motives to bring forward on their responsibility the justification which 
 I could so easily have supplied. 
 
 'Tis true the secretary's letter to me (April 20, 1825), seems will- 
 43 
 
338 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 ing to ease off the weight of the blow by mixing up other causes for 
 my recall. I had indeed intimated a conditional wish to be relieved 
 from the command, but I could never have inferred from my letter 
 of recall, that it was in any degree caused by such intimation. Be- 
 sides if that recall had proceeded at all from a disposition to gratify 
 my particular wishes, why was it not so announced ? Why was it 
 promulgated as resulting solely from the necessity under which I 
 was laid to justify my conduct? Why was the matter left for four 
 months in equivocal suspension infinitely more penal than express 
 disapprobation or determinate accusation ? No reason has been as- 
 signed or can be fairly conjectured, even to this day, for having so 
 long postponed my repeated and pressing instances for a speedy and 
 effectual investigation. 
 
 I take this occasion to say that I should despise myself if I were 
 capable of an insult or rudeness to gentlemen to whom I stood in my 
 then or present relation to the president, and secretary of the navy. 
 I should hold it as unmanly as to stand mute and awe struck, when 
 I conceived myself justly entitled to complain. If any passage of 
 my letters could reasonably have borne such a construction, I should 
 have been grieved and have instantaneously disavowed this inference. 
 On the other hand I am not sensible of any impropriety in the mat- 
 ter or the manner of my letters for which I can be censured by a 
 court martial, without exacting from the oflBcers of the navy the 
 basest servility, without condemning them to a pusillanimous silence 
 under the strongest sense of injury, or to cringe at the doors of de- 
 partments and bureaus for justice. 
 
 I have discussed thus generally the merits of these letters because 
 the generality and vaguenesss of the accusation enabled me not to 
 be more particular. The letters as simply referred to by their dates 
 in the specifications have been produced and read without the 
 slightest intimation of the exceptionable passages, or of the person 
 against whose dignity or feelings they transgressed, or wherein the 
 offensiveness of them consisted. I must therefore leave it to others 
 to discover or conjecture which of them or what part of them an 
 ofiicer of the navy, who honestly thinks himself aggrieved, dare not 
 address to those who owe the duty and possess the means to re- 
 dress him. 
 
 * * * * Having gone through all the stated charges 
 and specifications it seems I am called on to answer some collateral 
 matter having no manner of connection with the real merits of any 
 question involved in the present trial, unless it be supposed to be a 
 legitimate mode of attack to eke out the details of the existing 
 charges and evidence by throwing the weight of an eminent man's 
 character and opinion into the scale against me. But I have never 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 339 
 
 made it my ambition to bask in the smiles of power nor to rest my 
 hopes of preferment to court such favor by any unmanly tone of 
 adulation or subserviency. I have always considered my life and 
 services as dedicated to my country, and myself as the servant of 
 the nation, though undoubtedly responsible directly to the govern- 
 ment, and bound not only to implicit obedience to all lawful com- 
 mands, but to all proper deference and respect in my official and 
 personal intercourse ; and indeed deriving heartfelt enjoyment when 
 such intercourse gave me an opportunity to cultivate the friendship 
 of great and good men, whose talents and virtues had raised them to 
 power. Upon these principles I feel less mortij&ed than might have 
 been supposed at the present attempt to raise any prejudice against 
 me by the introduction of this extraneous matter ; and I think too 
 highly of this court to apprehend any unfavorable influence from it 
 upon the merits of my cause. 
 
 Only a part of this defense was read to the court. Com- 
 modore Porter had been expected to present a written 
 copy for their inspection before delivering it, but he com- 
 menced the address orally on the ground that he had not 
 time to prepare a copy. The court permitted the reading 
 of the defense to continue for three days, at the end of 
 which time they informed the Commodore that if he did 
 not produce a copy the next morning, they would proceed 
 to decide upon the evidence without it, and as he did not 
 supply them with a copy on the following day they pro- 
 ceeded to judgment. The regulations of the navy required 
 that the defense should be submitted to the. court before 
 being read, and why this was not complied with, or why 
 the court allowed the reading to continue, does not appear, 
 but ha^'ing once permitted the defense to commence and 
 continue for several days, then to make objections and 
 proceed to judgment, without complying with the regula- 
 tions as regards a written defense is inexplicable. It is 
 not easy to obtain all the facts of the case, nor the reasons 
 for actions which now appear mysterious ; but if the court 
 had pursued a consistent course, it is fair to suppose that 
 most of the events would have been plain enough which 
 now seem inexplicable. 
 
 "When it is recollected how impossible it was for the ac- 
 cused to anticipate the particular charges of the original 
 accusation, and how deliberately the different points of at- 
 
340 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 tack were unfolded, which had been kept out of sight until 
 the beginning of the trial, it will appear as if a deliberate 
 attempt was made to overwhelm the Commodore with ac- 
 cumulated evidence, without giving him any opportunity 
 for rebuttal. After the court had closed its doors, and 
 retired into conclave to deliberate on the final sentence, 
 new articles and particulars had been elaborated from the 
 undigested mass of papers thrown promiscuously upon the 
 table. 
 
 In addition to the unjust verdict rendered by the court, 
 after referring to their own leniency in dealing with the 
 accused, they undertook to censure the latter, on the 
 ground that his defense was delivered orally from notes 
 under the appearance of reading it ; an oral defense being, 
 in the opinion of the court, a violation of all rule and pre- 
 cedent. As to the censures, it is positively denied that an 
 oral defense is any such violation of rule and precedent ; 
 it is asserted, on the contrary, to be at the election of the 
 accused, to present his defense either written or oral ; and 
 this is asserted upon the clearest authorities, both English 
 and American. The rule is laid down by Mr. Tytler and 
 General Macomb, in nearly the same terms, as follows : 
 " When the evidence in support of the charges is closed, 
 the prisoner may submit to the court, either verbally or in 
 writing, a general statement of these defenses which he 
 means to support by evidence. When the whole evidence 
 on both sides is closed, the prisoner may, if he think pro- 
 per, demand leave of the court to sum up, either verbally 
 or in a written statement, the general matter of his defense ', 
 and to bring into one view the import of the proof of the 
 charges ; with such observations as he conceives are fitted 
 to weaken its force ; and the result of the evidence in de- 
 fense, aided by any arguments that are capable of giving 
 it weight." 
 
 But if it were otherwise, the proper time to have cor- 
 rected the irregularity, was when it was committed ; 
 having submitted to it then, however reluctantly (the 
 reluctance being entirely confined to the breasts of those who 
 felt it, without the slightest intimation of it to the ofi'end- 
 ing party), it was strange it should afterwards be found 
 fault with ; and certainly it is no satisfactory answer, to 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 341 
 
 say that it was mixed np with other, and distinct topics of 
 censure merely to enhance the gravamen. 
 
 So much for the defense, which is a full vindication of 
 Commodore Porter's conduct. 
 
 The court, after deliberate consideration, found the 
 Commodore guilty of both the charges, and their specifi- 
 cations, but unfortunately for their own reputations for 
 impartiality they say: " In deciding upon the first charge 
 and the specification under it, the court, however, feels 
 itself called upon, to ascribe the conduct of the accused, 
 which is deemed censurable, to an anxious disposition, on 
 his part, to maintain the honor and advance the interest of the 
 nation and of the service; and the court, therefore, sentence 
 and adjudge the said Captain David Porter, to be sus- 
 pended for the term of six months from the date thereof." 
 
 If, by the preamble to the sentence, the court sought to 
 avert public indignation for their being led by men tem- 
 porarily in power, to inflict an unjust sentence, they 
 failed in their object, for they gained nothing by it except 
 severe criticism; and, perhaps, no event of Mr. Adams's 
 administration gave less satisfaction to the public, than 
 the proceedings against Commodore Porter. Of course, 
 some of the partizan press took up the cause of the admin- 
 istration, and approved of the finding and sentence of the 
 court, but such newspapers were in a small minority, for 
 whatever may be the tendency of politicians and political 
 papers to decry whatever appears to stand in the way of 
 success to the parti/, very few could be found, in this in- 
 stance, to support the administration in its policy of sacri- 
 ficing a brave officer, to appease the anger of a feeble 
 government, which the American people held in contempt, 
 and from which they had nothing to fear. 
 
 It was felt, by a majority of people, that the United 
 States had been humiliated by Commodore Porter's sen- 
 tence, and our hurry to apologize to Spain, when she had 
 not even asked an explanation ; and, in fact, owed us one, 
 for her treatment of an American officer and citizen. But 
 it would appear that naval officers are not citizens, in the 
 common acceptation of the term. Had the victim at Fox- 
 ardo been the consul of some small port, appointed for his 
 political services, and who had taken advantage of his 
 
342 MBMOtR OP Commodore David Porter. 
 
 official position to violate the laws of Spain, the whole 
 country would have been up in arms at the outrage, for 
 the politician is the link in the chain which supports the 
 head centre in office, while the naval officer is a paid mer- 
 cenary, /ooc? /or poz(;(ier and a jit subject for indignities. 
 
 "While the United States government was doing all in 
 its power to degrade a faithful officer, for the performance 
 of his duties, the governors of Porto Rico and St. Thomas 
 were publicly approving his conduct, and it was a pity 
 that the American government had not waited a little 
 longer ; in which case, it is probable Spain would have 
 been as anxious to disavow the acts of their piratical 
 alcalde, as the United States had been to deprecate her 
 displeasure ; for while the secretary of the navy was pro- 
 mulgating a sentence, which was really the highest 
 compliment Commodore Porter ever received. Governor 
 Torres of Porto Rico was issuing a general order, calling 
 upon all his subordinates to give every aid to the Ameri- 
 can navy. The governor directs " that American officers, 
 in pursuit of pirates, shall be privileged to all ports, harbors, 
 anchorages, etc., which they may think proper to enter; 
 and that all authorities will give them necessary aid and 
 notifications for discovering them, and in case of meeting 
 them the civil and military authorities will join themselves 
 with the said American officers, to pursue the pirates by 
 land and sea." The governor says, " that from the known 
 zeal of the authorities referred to, that they will display 
 the greatest energy and activity in this important service, 
 for the extermination of the vile rabble which disgraces 
 humanity." 
 
 In the mean time, the governor had removed the offend- 
 ing alcalde from office ; although his successor was not a 
 model of virtue, being willing enough to encourage piracy, 
 according to the custom among officials of the lower class 
 in the Spanish West Indies, who did not by any means 
 believe with Franklin that honesty is the best policy. 
 
 The real motive for the action of our government, in the 
 case of Commodore Porter, will probably never be known. 
 It certainly conferred no honor upon the administration, 
 which, though remarkable for strict economy of the public 
 money and known to be possessed of statesmanlike quali- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 343 
 
 ties, was not careful, in this instance, of the rights of our 
 citizens abroad. 
 
 Commodore Porter was not constituted to bear with 
 equanimity, what he considered degradation. He had ex- 
 pected a complete vindication of his course, at the hands of 
 a court composed of his brother officers, who could under- 
 stand better than a civilian the merits of the case ; par- 
 ticularly a civilian, who, although possessed of some of the 
 high attributes which should characterize the head of the 
 naval establishment, was certainly not an impartial judge. 
 The whole affair looks as if the object had been to find an 
 excuse to deprive Commodore Porter of his command, and 
 to do this, it was necessary to have him censured by a 
 court of his brethren in arms. There was a spirit of per- 
 secution running through the whole course of this trial, 
 from the conduct of the judge advocate, who charged the 
 Commodore in every case with some heinous offense, as 
 " scandalous falsehood," " forged letters," " malicious, 
 false and scandalous libels," etc., to the anonymous fabrica- 
 tions of the same hand, "that a personal appeal had been 
 made to him to drop the charges, said to have been fol- 
 lowed by a menace in case he refused to do so." Instead 
 of being tried by the officers composing the court. Com- 
 modore Porter was really tried by a judge advocate, whose 
 competency he denied, and tried ; not as an officer who had 
 never hesitated to peril his life for his country, and who 
 might at the worst be guilty of an error in judgment, but 
 as a criminal upon whom it was necessary to cast the 
 greatest obloquy. 
 
 Many years have passed since these events occurred, 
 but their evil effects are felt to this day ; in the destruction 
 of a handsome competency and a happy home ; and in the 
 scattering of a large and dependent family, who were 
 called upon to give up a parent who became an alien in 
 foreign lands, to enable him to provide for their support. 
 Most of the sons entered the service of the country, where 
 they had to encounter the prejudices and animosities of 
 the men, who, having committed injustice in the trial of 
 Commodore Porter, pursued the same course towards his 
 descendants. They never forgot his words, that " he 
 could not associate with those who were led away by men 
 in power to inflict an unrighteous sentence." 
 
344 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Time has gathered all the actors in those proceedings, 
 court, judge advocate, administration, and defendant, to 
 the tomb ; they have all appeared before that tribunal where 
 the thoughts and motives of all are revealed. 
 
 In expressing an opinion, as to the result of the revela- 
 tion, I would proceed cautiously, as one is apt to do, 
 when traveling in dim twilight over unfamiliar roads ; but 
 justice is one of the great attributes of Heaven, and we 
 believe the scales are often turned there, in favor of the 
 oppressed on earth. This is putting the matter as mildly 
 as possible. 
 
 Commodore Porter received his sentence quietly, and 
 did not gratify his enemies by letting them see he felt 
 their injustice, but he could not stand what he considered 
 degradation, and therefore made preparations to leave the 
 navy, in which he thought he could no longer be useful, 
 and where he would be constantly coming in contact with 
 the men who had lent themselves to his apparent disgrace, 
 and with whom he could no longer associate as brothers. 
 True, his sentence had been condemned by public opinion, 
 and his friends considered the finding of the court a high 
 compliment; and, could the Commodore have subdued 
 his feelings, and taken time for reflection, he might have 
 continued for many years an ornament to the service, long 
 after those who had been so active in persecuting him, had 
 gone to their graves, or to the oblivion of private life ; but, 
 unfortunately, philosophic patience does not always accom- 
 pany a proud, energetic and honest character, and an offi- 
 cer, governed by the highest motives, cannot bear with 
 unjust censure from those who should have upheld him, 
 instead of being blindly led at the dictation of men in 
 power. The Commodore was also unduly sensitive with 
 regard to attacks from the press. The administration 
 journals, not contented with the fact that their represent- 
 atives in power had sacrificed him, censured all the oppo- 
 sition papers that criticized his sentence, and tried to soil 
 his reputation by every means in their power. 
 
 Had the Commodore lived to our days, he would have 
 seen how^ the people can place a man on the highest pe- 
 destal, and after almost worshiping their hero for a season, 
 hurl him from his eminence and pelt him with filth from 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 345 
 
 the gutter, replacing him by another idol whb is shortly to 
 share a similar fate. A nation, in t]iis respect, too 
 often resembles a crowd of boys who labor through a 
 winter's day, with half frozen limbs, to raise a colossal 
 image of snow, and when finished they scarce take time to 
 admire their work before battering it to pieces. Such 
 treatment is too often the penalty of greatness. The higher 
 a man ascends, the more conspicuous object he becomes 
 for detraction, and few would incur the penalty, if they 
 could anticipate it, even for the highest honors. 
 
 It is a singular fact, which, though probably unknown 
 to Commodore Porter, is now a niatter of history, that 
 the head of the administration which pursued him so 
 relentlessly, for a supposed violation of the neutrality 
 of Spain, should have interposed his powerful influence to 
 shield General Jackson, at the time of his celebrated inva- 
 sion of Florida. Of all the members of Mr. Monroe's 
 cabinet, Mr. John Q. Adams, then secretary of state, alone 
 upheld and applauded the conduct of the hero of E'ew 
 Orleans, and it is certain that but for Mr. Adams's support, 
 Jackson would have been recalled and treated as Com. 
 Porter was subsequently for a similar "offense." It is 
 plain enough, from the above circumstances, that Mr. 
 Adams could not have considered the Commodore's con- 
 duct at Foxardo otherwise than proper; and, consequently, 
 the only real charge against him, so far as the administra- 
 tion was concerned, falls to the ground. 
 
 44 
 
346 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 W HEIS" Commodore Porter received the sentence of 
 the court martial, he was the father of eight children, who 
 had to be provided for. His expenses during the trial, for 
 counsel fees, etc., amounted to nearly a year's pay of his 
 grade, which at that period was very small. It was there- 
 fore necessary for him at once to take steps to better his con- 
 dition, as his liberal way of living since the close of the war, 
 had made serious inroads upon his private means, and com- 
 pelled him to rely upon his salary in a great measure for 
 his support. At that time, the war between Spain and the 
 Spanish American republics — her late dependencies — was 
 being vigorously prosecuted on both sides, and unfortun- 
 ately, the tempter stood in the Commodore's way in the 
 shape of the Mexican minister, who, in behalf of his govern- 
 ment, invited him to assist the young republic to gain, 
 from the mother country, an acknowledgment of her in- 
 dependence. The Mexicans had a small force of naval 
 vessels, but were without officers or seamen, and the 
 national exchequer was very low. 
 
 Commodore Porter having been sufficiently punished 
 to gratify Mr. Adams's administration, they offered him the 
 hand of friendship, and evinced no further hostility. They 
 had shifted whatever odium there might be in the Foxardo 
 affair, from their own shoulders to his, by a sentence 
 inflicted by brother officers, who were supposed to know 
 all the merits of the case, and to deal impartially ; but they 
 now found that they had committed a mistake, and that 
 the great body of the American people did not approve of 
 their action. In fact the people were too patriotic to wit- 
 ness, unmoved, the degradation of one of the nation's most 
 faithful servants for "upholding the honor of the flag;" 
 for the country had arrived at the point where its tradi- 
 tions ^ere cherished with pride, and the community was 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 347 
 
 anxious to keep the government up to the level of its own 
 independence. The feeling towards Spain was also much 
 as it is at present — a disposition to rebuke her despotic 
 acts, and teach her the necessity of respecting the rights 
 and property of our citizens. 
 
 Daring his short suspension, the government placed no 
 restriction upon the Commodore's movements, and he 
 asked and obtained permission to absent himself from the 
 United States, with the design of proceeding to Mexico, 
 and seeing for himself the condition of affairs and whether 
 there were sufficient inducements for him to enter the 
 Mexican service. 
 
 At that time, there was in process of construction, at 
 New York, by the celebrated naval architect Henry Eck- 
 ford, who afterwards went into the Turkish service, a twenty- 
 two gun brig for the Mexican navy, called the Guerrero. 
 The Commodore determined to take passage in her to 
 Vera Cruz. A number of young officers of our navy, 
 wished to accompany him, but he dissuaded most of them 
 from doing so, only availing himself of the services of a 
 sufficient number to take the vessel to her destination. 
 On the 29th of January, 1826, he writes to a friend : " I am 
 preparing to go to Mexico, and shall be absent about three 
 months; at the expiration of that time shall be better 
 able to answer your inquiry. There is scarcely a doubt in 
 my mind, that I shall join the Mexicans, but I shall view 
 the ground first." 
 
 From this letter it appears, that the Commodore had 
 not yet finally concluded to resign his position in our navy 
 and had the administration been just enough to remit his 
 sentence, he would never have left the service to which he 
 was greatly attached. 
 
 The Guerrero at length sailed, in the latter part of 
 April, 1826, in command of the Commodore's nephew, 
 Lieut. David H. Porter; passed midshipman Alexander 
 Thompson, and Charles Hawkins went out as watch offi- 
 cers; Dr. Boardman surgeon, and Mr. Law secretary. 
 The Commodore also took with him his two sons, boys of 
 the respective ages of ten and twelve years. All these 
 persons expected to join the Mexican navy in case the 
 Commodore accepted service under that government. He 
 
348 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 might have taken with him half the young officers in the 
 navy had he desired to do so, but he did not think it pro- 
 per to advise any one to join his fortunes until he was 
 certain of being in a position to serve them. 
 
 On his arrival at Vera Cruz towards the end of May, 
 1826, the Commodore was received with every attention, 
 and the Mexicans were highly delighted to get possession 
 of the Guerrero, which was a valuable addition to their 
 little navy. 
 
 When the Spanish government received intelligence 
 that Commodore Porter had been invited by the Mexicans 
 to take command of their navy, they directed their minis- 
 ter at Washington to use every effort to prevent it, and to 
 offer him on the part of Spain the $60,000, which had been 
 wrongfully withheld in 1810, by the consulado at Havana, 
 and to which we have previously referred, but the Com- 
 modore indignantly refused to accept what he could only 
 consider as a bribe, although the large amount involved, 
 would have made him independent. Besides his ardent 
 spirit longed for action, and he was happy at the opportu- 
 nity of giving his services to the young republic fighting 
 for independence against an unnatural mother. 
 
 The Spanish government then determined to prevent his 
 joining the Mexicans if possible, by capturing the brig on her 
 way to Vera Cruz, and the Spanish brig of war Hercules was 
 therefore directed to cruise in the vicinity and try to inter- 
 cept the vessel as she entered the harbor. On the day 
 previous to making land, a brig of war was made out to 
 the northward carrying all sail in chase. The Guerrero, 
 under top gallant sails, stood on her course without heed- 
 ing the stranger. She had seventy good men, who were 
 perfectly willing to have a bout with the Spaniards, and 
 though only six men to a gun the Hercules would have 
 met her match, but on coming within three miles of the 
 brig, the Spaniards tacked ship and stood in another 
 direction, while the Guerrero soon after anchored under 
 the guns of the grim fortress of San Juan de Ulloa. 
 
 As soon as he could make the necessary arrangements 
 the Commodore started on horseback for the city of 
 Mexico, accompanied by Dr. Boardman, his secretary, Mr. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 349 
 
 Law, an English supercargo, the Commodore's two sons 
 and a couple of servants, and declining an escort of soldiers, 
 under the impression that there was more danger of being 
 robbed by them than by professional banditti. The jour- 
 ney was long and fatiguing, there were no inns deserving 
 the name, nothing to eat except the everlasting national 
 dish, frijoles and tortillas, and nothing to drink but 
 pulque. 
 
 The first day's ride to Jalapa over the hot sand was very 
 tedious ; but when the travelers reached this beautiful 
 place, where the flowers were blooming in abundance, 
 where the air was soft and refreshing, and where they 
 were received by the authorities with the most liberal hos- 
 pitality, all their toils were forgotten. 
 
 After resting a couple of days, they continued on their 
 journey, and at the city of Puebla were again the recipients 
 of great attention. On the 5th of June, they came in sight of 
 Tenochtitlan (Mexico) the great city of the Aztecs, formerly 
 in the time of the conquest surrounded by Lake Tezcuco, 
 with its beautiful floating gardens. The lake is now so 
 diminished by draining, that it is several miles from the 
 city, the intervening space being crossed by long cause- 
 ways. Here the party halted and gazed with delight on 
 the magnificent landscape, experiencing, no doubt, some of 
 the feelings of Cortez and his companions, when they first 
 caught sight of this enchanting scene. In the afternoon, 
 when the party entered the city, the streets were filled 
 with the luxurious carriages of the wealthy classes, and 
 with gay cavaliers dressed in the national costume, all pro- 
 ceeding to the Alemeda, where the elite of the capital assem- 
 bled every afternoon. 
 
 The grand square, beautiful in its proportions, the 
 magnificent cathedral, the spacious streets, numerous 
 churches, and substantial dwellings, gave an idea of solid 
 wealth and comfort, and impressed the Commodore with 
 the idea, that here of all others was the place to spend the 
 remainder of his days, far from the intrigues of the petty 
 politicians whom chance or a vitiated public taste had 
 elevated to oflS.ce in Washington. But after a short 
 sojourn in the Mexican capital, he found that, though fair 
 ■ to view, it contained even more vicious political elements 
 
350 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 than the half-fledged city he had left behind him. He 
 now became the guest of Joel R. Poinsett, the United 
 States minister, who it will be recollected, was the repre- 
 sentative of the United States in Chili when the Essex was 
 captured, in the port of Valparaiso, at which time a life- 
 long friendship was established between the two men. 
 
 After resting for a couple of days from the fatigues of 
 his journey, the Commodore called at the ^N'ational Palace, 
 and was presented by Mr. Poinsett to President Victoria and 
 his cabinet. His excellency received him with great kind- 
 ness, and assured him in the most flattering manner, that 
 Mexico would warmly welcome him among her defenders, 
 if he would consent to enter the service of the republic. 
 The president assured him, that he should be appointed com- 
 mander-in-chief of their little navy, and placed beyond the 
 control of every one, with the rank of general of marine — 
 equivalent to that of admiral — and a compensation ade- 
 quate to his position, and that in a few months he would 
 receive a further proof of their regard, by the gift of a large 
 tract of land in Texas, by way of compensating him for 
 the position he would give up in the United States navy, 
 and that there were further views with regard to him 
 which would not be made known to him then, but that 
 the Mexican government would leave nothing undone to 
 compensate him for leaving his native country. 
 
 These honied assurances were delivered in true Mexican 
 style, by the secretary of state, but had the Commodore 
 understood the character of the people, as well at that time 
 as he did subsequently, he would have declined all their 
 offers and returned at once to the United States. Truthful 
 and honorable himself, he could not, for a moment, believe 
 that the Mexican cabinet was cajoling him with promises 
 which they had no intention of fulfilling. One of the 
 members, Seiior Pedrassa, minister of war and marine, had 
 taken ground against Commodore Porter at once outside 
 the cabinet, and opposed him as he did all foreigners who de- 
 sired to enter the service of the republic. In his opinion 
 Mexico needed no assistance to achieve her independence, 
 and he disliked all IsTorth Americans. Lopez, the com- 
 mandant of marine, was also opposed to him. This person 
 had been for some time in command of the naval forces, 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 351 
 
 and had shown little ability in their management. He 
 was unwilling to be superseded by an experienced officer, 
 who would probably throw his services into the shade. 
 
 The Commodore took ten days to consider the Mexican 
 proposals, and had a hard struggle in deciding to sever 
 the ties which bound him to his native country and become 
 a citizen of another, with whose language and customs he 
 was unfamiliar ; but he was highly delighted with all he 
 saw in the beautiful city of Mexico, and its grateful cli- 
 mate (neither too warm nor too cold), and charmed with 
 the attention of the people, who left nothing undone to 
 secure him as one of their defenders. He indulged too, 
 in the hope that here he should find a resting place for 
 himself and family, and perhaps return in a few years to 
 his native land, and with affluence sufficient to make all 
 those dependent upon him comfortable and happy ; Utopian 
 dreams never to be realized. Within a month after his 
 arrival he found that his advent was not agreeable to a ma- 
 jority of the men in power, but he relied upon the honest old 
 president, and upon the influence of Mr. Poinsett, to clear 
 away all difficulties. 
 
 During the time allowed him to accept or reject the 
 proposals of the government, the Commodore enjoyed his 
 excursions around the city and its environs, forming agree- 
 able acquaintances and partaking of the amusements of 
 the Mexicans, who, in spite of their feebleness, seemed to 
 be the happiest people he had ever encountered. A few 
 days sojourn however, satisfied him that for political in- 
 trigue, Mexico compared to Washington was as Mount 
 Orizaba compared to a level plain, and it was wonderful 
 how people so ignorant on general topics, should be such 
 masters in intrigue. However, the obstacles with which 
 he now plainly saw he should have to contend, rather 
 whetted his appetite, for he was fond of overcoming 
 difficulties ; and within the ten days, he notified the 
 government that 'he accepted their proposals. The 
 terms were as follows : he was to be commander-in-chief 
 with the rank of general of marine (admiral), to receive 
 a salary of $12,000 per annum, besides perquisites; to 
 have control of the castle of San Juan de Ulloa; to appoint 
 such officers in the navy as he might think proper, and 
 
352 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 to remove such as he considered incompetent. His two 
 sons, who had accompanied him to Mexico, were also to 
 receive appointments as midshipmen in the navy. The 
 Commodore accordingly sent in his resignation as captain 
 in the U. S. navy, to take effect August 18th, 1826 ; and, 
 as soon as it was accepted, he considered himself regularly 
 installed in the Mexican service. Placing his sons at 
 school in the city of Mexico, and bidding the many friends 
 he had made at the capital farewell, he returned to Vera 
 Cruz dfbout the 1st of I^ovember — as soon as the yellow 
 fever had abated — to look after his navy. 
 
 From the beginning, he met with difficulty in procur- 
 ing the payment of his salary. The Mexican officials did 
 not, at that time, depend much upon their salaries, which 
 were generally very small, but relied on perquisites 
 established hy themselves. The customs were loosely col- 
 lected, and only a small amount of revenue was realized, 
 which was mostly devoted to paying the chiefs of depart- 
 ments, and to paying off the army, which last was unneces- 
 sarily large. 
 
 On his arrival at Vera Cruz, Commodore Porter found 
 the navy in a very dilapidated condition. It consisted of 
 a small frigate, the Libertad of 32 guns, mostly carronades, 
 the Guerrero, previously mentioned, the Victoria, an old 
 brig mounting 18 eighteen pounders, the Bravo brig of 
 14 twenty- four pound carronades, the Herman a small 
 hermaphrodite brig of 5 guns, and two small gunboats 
 stationed at Campeache. There was no dock yard of any 
 kind, and the " naval store depot " was undeserving the 
 name, for there were no stores of any kind on hand. The 
 vessels were all in a dismantled condition, and lay under 
 the guns of the fort, like so many old hulks. The few 
 officers of the navy were of the poorest kind, with the ex- 
 ception of three or four English and Americans who had 
 sought service prior to the Commodore's arrival. 
 
 The first step was to put the old frigate Libertad in 
 commission, the Commodore living in the fortress of San 
 Juan while the repairs were progressing. When the 
 ship was all ataunto, David H. Porter, late a lieutenant in 
 the United States navy, was appointed to command her, 
 and a crew was selected, by taking the best men from all 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 353 
 
 the vessels. In the meantime, regulations and general 
 orders were promulgated for the maintenance of system 
 and discipline, and the few Mexican officers that were in 
 the navy, began at once to look upon them as unwarrant- 
 able innovations on long established custom. These per- 
 sons had been taken from coasting vessels, and in some 
 instances from the army, and deserved the appellation of 
 horse marines, rather than that of naval officers. They had 
 not even the faculty of imitation, or something might have 
 been made out of them ; but it was hoped that when the 
 Libertad should be completely fitted as a ship of war, 
 that the Mexicans would profit by the example, and en- 
 deavor to get their vessels in like condition. 
 
 Captain Mechen, the commander of the Victoria, was a 
 fine looking old Mexican, and the only one who seemed 
 disposed to conform to the new regime, but he found it 
 impossible to prevent his officers from playing monte on 
 the quarter deck, or smoking in all parts of the ship, wear- 
 ing their dressing gowns on duty, or sitting in the channels 
 in their shirt sleeves, all matters which of course would 
 not be tolerated in a properly regulated vessel of war. 
 
 The money, for which requisition had been made to 
 meet the expenses of the squadron was slowly forthcom- 
 ing, and when it did arrive, there was so much corruption 
 among the disbursing officers, that only about-two thirds of 
 it reached its proper destination. The experiment was tried 
 of placing American and English officers on board the 
 several vessels, as executives, and Lieut. Hawkins was 
 given command of the Herman. This created quite a 
 commotion, for none of these officers could speak the 
 Spanish language, nor could the Mexicans understand 
 English; but by means of interpreters they managed 
 to get the vessels ready for service, and the Guerrero, 
 under a Mexican captain, put to sea in December, with 
 orders to cruise on the coast of Cuba, and capture and 
 destroy as many Spanish merchant vessels as possible. 
 The Mexican commander accordingly made the best of his 
 way to Pensacola, where he remained at anchor and never 
 performed, a particle of service while he retained the com- 
 mand. This officer was next in command to Commodore 
 Porter, and was a person of much influence at headquar- 
 45 
 
354 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 ters. It was not deemed politic to displace the Mexicans 
 at once from command, incompetent as some of tliem were. 
 It was desirous to gain their good will, and make 
 them welcome the Americans in a friendly spirit ; but it 
 may easily be imagined how difficult it was to conciliate 
 men accustomed to sleep on their watches, leave their 
 vessels without an officer on board, and play cards and 
 smoke cigars on the quarter deck. Such persons naturally 
 looked upon all regulations as irksome, and unnecessary, 
 when the only method that could be adopted to make the 
 navy effisctive, was to introduce strict discipline and change 
 all their habits. 
 
 Up to this time, the Mexican navy had been a ren- 
 dezvous for idle young men of influential families, who 
 were placed there with no intention of following the sea 
 as a profession, but simply to enable them to wear a gaudy 
 uniform and draw pay from the government, that is when- 
 ever the latter could raise money enough to pay them offi 
 These young men led a dissolute life, and it required great 
 restraint to break up their vicious habits, and bring them 
 down to the duties of their profession. This restraint caused 
 extreme dissatisfaction and many complaints, but the go- 
 vernment saw plainly that this was the only way to bring dis- 
 cipline into the navy, and ensure the efficiency of its officers, 
 and therefore approved of all the Commodore did. 
 
 The first serious violation of the new regulations was 
 duly noticed, and the offender tried by court martial. The 
 accused was a young Mexican of an influential family, 
 who had defied what he called the "American laws," and 
 his dismissal from the service arrayed against the foreigners 
 the animosity of a powerful clique. 
 
 One can easily imagine the difficulties that would beset 
 a foreigner entering the service of a country, whose lan- 
 guage he did not understand, and whose manners and 
 habits were different from those to which he had been ac- 
 customed, arid where the anxiety to get to sea rendered it 
 necessary to drive people, to keep them up to their work. 
 Drills and daily exercises were matters to which these people 
 were not accustomed. Their new duties deprived them of 
 pleasures on shore, and bothered the old Mexican captains, 
 who had been accustomed to take things easy, and not to 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 355 
 
 be disturbed during their noon siesta, and while being 
 taught their duties by men who understood their own 
 thoroughly, they considered their instructors tyrants, and 
 the course pursued a reflection upon their ignorance, in 
 which they would have been contented to remain all their 
 lives. 
 
 It was late in the spring of 1827, before Commodore 
 Porter could get his vessels to sea. He could not obtain 
 men, and the government, desirous to assist him, sent down 
 a mutinous regiment of soldiers, to be transferred to the 
 navy as sailors, by way of punishment. These were dis- 
 tributed among the different vessels, and efforts made to 
 train them at least at the guns, but their insubordination 
 was beyond description, and not until the cat and colt 
 were unsparingly dealt out to them, could they be brought 
 into anything like discipline. However, patience and per- 
 severance will conquer in the end, and in the course of time 
 these soldiers became tolerable sailors, yet here were 800 
 men who had' never seen salt water to be depended on to 
 fight the battles of the country against, what was at that 
 time, a powerful navy, well disciplined and well com- 
 manded. 
 
 About the end of May, 1827, the squadron, in company 
 with the American corvette John Adams, sailed for Key 
 West, and the third day out encountered a smart norther 
 which put all the Mexican mariners hors du combat. How 
 the ships got safely through the gale, will always remain 
 a mystery, but they finally arrived off the island of Cuba 
 in a shattered condition. The squadron consisted of the 
 frigate Libertad, brig Victoria, Capt. Machen, brig Bravo, 
 Captain Wise (an American), and the brig Herman, Lieut. 
 Hawkins. The Herman was immediately sent to cruise 
 against Spanish commerce, while the rest of the vessels 
 stood for the port of Havana. When within a hundred 
 miles of the Moro Castle, a sail was made and chase given, 
 and in a short time the stranger was overtaken. She 
 proved to be the Hercules, a fine, large, Spanish merchant 
 brig, loaded with an assorted cargo of the value of $150,000, 
 and bound from Cadiz to Havana. When the Spanish 
 captain was told to haul down his flag, he was thunder- 
 struck, never having heard before that the Mexicans had 
 
356 Memoir of Commodoee David Porter. 
 
 any ships of war. The vessel was sent as a prize to Vera 
 Cruz, most of the passengers being transferred to the fri- 
 gate. Two hours afterwards three sail were made in the 
 direction of Havana, to which chase was given. As the 
 Mexican squadron approached the strangers, the latter 
 proved to be a Spanish squadron, under Commodore La- 
 borde, consisting of the Lealtad and Casilda, sixty gun 
 frigates, and the brig Hercules of 20 guns. The Spaniards 
 were sailing in close order under topsails and courses, 
 the Mexicans running down before the wind approached 
 within five miles of them, then hauled on a wind and re- 
 duced the vessels to the same canvass, sailing in the same 
 direction with the enemy. Strange to say, the Spaniards 
 took no notice of them, although they must have known 
 of the sailing of the squadron from Vera Cruz, through the 
 British packet which plied between that port and Havana. 
 
 Commodore Porter did not have the right to seek a 
 combat, but he was determined not to decline one. He 
 wished to impress the Mexican officers with confidence, 
 and not give them the opportunity of writing home that 
 he had avoided a conflict with the Spaniards. Had the 
 Guerrero been in company, he would have run down and 
 engaged the enemy, with every probability of success. 
 His men had been well trained at the guns, aud there 
 were a sufficient number of American* aaid English seamen 
 on board, to have good captain gunners to every piece. 
 
 The squadrons sailed side by side, from 5 p.m. until 
 sunset, when Commodore Porter ordered the helm to be 
 put up, and the vessels run off towards the enemy, who 
 also bore off, but as soon as darkness set in, the Mexican 
 vessels were hauled by the wind and all sail was made, 
 and next day the squadron was snugly anchored inside 
 the sheltering harbor of Tortugas. 
 
 In the summer of 1827, the Mexican squadron entered 
 Key West unmolested, there being no Spanish vessels 
 anywhere in sight. They had no sooner been comfortably 
 moored in this snug harbor, than Commodore Laborde 
 appeared with four frigates and three brigs, with the evi- 
 dent intention of blockading them. For several days the 
 enemy kept close into the reef, where their guns could be 
 plainly counted. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 357 
 
 The Spaniards had already spread the report in Havana, 
 that the Mexicans had declined their offer of battle, and 
 now some of the American newspapers joined in the cry 
 that Commodore Porter was blockaded in Key West, and 
 was powerless to do the Spaniards any harm, when at 
 that very time the Herman under Hawkins, was off the 
 'N. W. coast of Cuba, where she had captured a fine armed 
 schooner with 360 slaves, had destroyed ten coasting 
 vessels under the guns of the Moro, and had sent two fine 
 large schooners loaded with coffee and sugar intoJKey 
 West. Another brig, the Bravo, slipped out of Key West 
 one night, and took a position in sight of the Moro Castle, 
 where she could capture anything going in or out of 
 Havana, and completely stopping the coasting trade to 
 that port. It was preposterous in the Spaniards to call 
 that a blockade, which never stopped a single Mexican 
 vessel, or their prizes, from going in or out. 
 
 Commodore Porter made his head-quarters on board the 
 Libertad, at Key West, whence he directed the movements of 
 his vessels. The Libertad was a slow sailer, badly armed, 
 and not half the size of the Spanish frigates, and therefore 
 entirely unfit to cope with any of them singly. The 
 Commodore being perfectly familiar with all the pas- 
 sages through the Keys, could take any vessel in or out 
 by night or day, and get in his prizes. He had, within 
 thirty days after his arrival in Spanish waters, captured at 
 least |400,000 worth of commerce besides creating a panic 
 and obliging the enemy to keep a large force of vessels 
 together to blockade him. While it took three frigates 
 and three brigs to watch the fiagship, the other Mexi- 
 can vessels could cruise without fear of being attacked. 
 From this, it will be seen how many vessels are required 
 to blockade a single one. It was the old story of the 
 Essex over again, where a large force of the British navy 
 was sent out to catch that one frigate. Commodore Porter 
 would have been very unwise to have abandoned his ad- 
 vantageous position, from which he was carrying on the 
 war with such success. From Key West he sent emis- 
 saries to Cuba, to try and impress the native population 
 that it would be for their interest to declare themselves 
 independent of a government that could not protect them. 
 
358 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 From this action of Commodore Porter may have been pro- 
 duced the germ of that revolution which has now extended 
 throughout the island, and will ultimately destroy the last 
 vestige of Spanish power in America. 
 
 By this time the Mexican squadron had assumed a very 
 creditable appearance. American discipline had brought 
 officers and men up to high water mark, and the mutinous 
 regiment that had marched to Vera Cruz, ornamented 
 with ball and chain, expecting to labor at the galley oar 
 as a punishment for their misdeeds, was now a bright and 
 happy set of sailors. Their once attenuated forms, now pre- 
 sented specimens of manly beauty not to be excelled in 
 any service, and the prison ships had become happy homes 
 to them. Their ration, adopted from that of the United 
 States navy, gave them an abundance of food, such as they 
 had never before dreamed of possessing. In fact, these 
 were their halcyon days, if such days have ever fallen to 
 the lot of Mexicans. 
 
 Affairs were in this condition about the last of October, 
 1827. The Commodore was daily increasing the effi- 
 ciency of his force by enlisting men inl^ew Orleans, and had 
 added about two hundred prime seamen to the different 
 vessels, besides securing the services of several capital offi- 
 cers. He therefore felt that he could afford to go out and 
 meet Laborde, when the latter had not an unusual force 
 of frigates with him. At about the date last mentioned, 
 all the vessels of the squadron happened to be at Key 
 West, each one having made a successful cruise, and sent 
 in prizes to that place or Vera Cruz, and Commodore 
 Laborde being off the harbor with two frigates and two 
 brigs. Commodore Porter thought he would try to bring 
 about an engagement. The wind was fair out of the har- 
 bor, and gave the Mexicans the weather gage, and at 10 
 A.M., the squadron got under way in handsome style, and 
 stood towards the Spanish ships which were cruising off 
 the port under easy sail ; but much to the surprise of every 
 one, the Spanish commodore made signal to his vessels 
 which immediately ran off the wind and crowded on all 
 sail. The Spaniards being fast sailers left the Mexican 
 vessels astern, until the former were hull down, and as 
 Commodore Porter did not wish to lose the advantage of 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 359 
 
 having a port near him, into which to run in case of being 
 overmatched, he gave up the pursuit. 
 
 Commodore Laborde was a brave officer, but a prudent 
 one, and possibly was influenced by similar motives with 
 his antagonist. He steered for Havana, probably wishing 
 to draw the Mexicans to battle in sight of the Moro Castle, 
 where in case of disaster he could run into the harbor, 
 while the Mexicans would be at the mercy of a fresh fleet 
 of vessels that could come out of port and attack them. 
 Next morning the little Mexican fleet again anchored in 
 Key West, and Laborde returned to the blockade with 
 such an increase of force that it would have been madness 
 to meet him. 
 
 Finding it impossible to bring on an encounter on any 
 thing like equal terms, Commodore Porter determined to 
 reap all the advantages of his favorable position, until 
 finally the Spanish minister at "Washington, complained of 
 his using the place as a rendezvous, from which to operate 
 against Spanish commerce. In answer to this protest, 
 Commodore Porter replied that the Spaniards had the 
 same right to use Key West to operate against Mexican 
 commerce, and that in neither case could it be considered 
 a violation of the neutrality of the port. The United 
 States government, however, wishing to annoy Commodore 
 Porter, ordered a squadron of observation to enquire into 
 the proceedings at Key West, and in March, 1828, the 
 sloops of war, John Adams, Erie and Peacock arrived oif 
 the port. Commodore Porter had taken great pains to do 
 nothing that could be construed into a violation of neu- 
 trality, and whatever may have been the instructions of 
 the American commander, he certainly made no objections 
 to any thing the Commodore had done, but on the con- 
 trary treated him with the greatest cordiality and rqjoiced 
 in his apparent good fortune, in holding so good a position, 
 and the success which so far had attended his eflbrts. It 
 was a meeting of old friends, for among the officers were 
 many of those who had served with or under Commodore 
 Porter, and he could have obtained the services of half of 
 them, had he held out any encouragement for them to 
 enter the Mexican navy ; but he did not wish to induce any 
 one to join their fortunes with him, in what he had for 
 
360 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 some time considered a doubtful enterprise, since the 
 Mexicans did not afford him the substantial pecuniary aid 
 they had promised. 
 
 The American ships of war departed from Key West in 
 a few days, the time of the officers, while they remained, 
 being spent in fraternizing with the Mexicans, and enter- 
 taining them on board their respective vessels. Coming 
 in contact with so many of those with whom he had been 
 intimate in the old navy, revived recollections and pro- 
 duced regrets, which he could not conceal ; for notwith- 
 standing the injustice with which the Commodore had 
 been treated, his heart clung to his old flag, and he felt 
 painfully the cruel fate that had driven him from beneath 
 its folds. As the American squadron departed, he gazed 
 after them without moving until their sails sank below 
 the horizon, and said with a sigh, " after all it is better to 
 serve in a subordinate position under that flag, than to 
 hold the highest honors in a doubtful and insignificant 
 service like this ; and I would advise no man to leave the 
 flag under which he was educated, and to which he is ac- 
 tached, no matter how brilliant the prospects in a foreign 
 navy." 
 
 In a letter to a friend written at this time, after alluding 
 to events connected with his command, he says : 
 
 ** It was hard, dear friend, to be compelled at my age to com- 
 mence a new career in life, but bow could I do otherwise ? Let 
 parasites and sycophants say wbat they will I was treated with undue 
 severity. Punishment of that kind ought not to be inflicted on me 
 for doing what it was my duty to do, for doing that which was ap- 
 plauded by the nation, for doing what? my judges say, " for sup- 
 porting the honor and dignity of the nation and flag." I could 
 never again harmonize with men who would punish me for doing 
 my duty, nor could I ever again serve with cheerfulness the govern- 
 ment that could sanction the sentence. Better for them and me 
 and all that we should part. They lose nothing by the act, why do 
 iAe^ complain ? Is it to cover their own un justice? Now I have 
 exchanged a certainty for an uncertainty. I was sure, in the United 
 States, of having the esteem of the people for the services I have 
 rendered. I am not so certain of that in Mexico, though I have 
 every motive for endeavoring to deserve it. In a pecuniary point 
 of view I have greatly bettered my condition. I have the entire 
 confidence of, and unrestricted power from the Mexican govern- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 361 
 
 ment, but I still make sacrifices in the long separation from family 
 and friends. However, a few more years of activity and usefulness, 
 will, I hope, enable me to seat myself down for the rest of my life, 
 not to indulge in my favorite pursuit, as you call it, of farming, but 
 to vegetate." 
 
 "Pixed like a plant to its peculiar spot, 
 
 To draw nutrition, propagate and rot." 
 
 This was the last time the Commodore ever allowed his 
 feelings to get the better of him, so far as to Tetany one see 
 that he had a feeling on the subject of quitting the United 
 States navy, and this avowal was drawn from him at the 
 sight of the flag he set loved, and under which he had 
 gained his reputation, floating over vessels which a short 
 time previous had been under his command. There is an 
 abiding love for the flag of our country inherent in the 
 breast of every man, and even those who have deserted 
 it, can never lose entirely their natural veneration for 
 the sacred emblem of nationality. ' The most bigoted 
 of those who once dared to desecrate the flag which 
 floated as the symbol of their country's greatness, who 
 trailed it in the dust and trampled it upon the deck of 
 American merchant vessels, are now seeking permission to 
 honor and defend it. The love for our country's flag is 
 like that of the child for its mother; we may stray from it 
 for a while, but long to return to its protecting folds, and 
 in our last moments we desire it to float over our mortal 
 remains. 
 
 The want of money was felt in the squadron, even as 
 early as Feb., 1827, and the Commodore determined to 
 follow his practice in the Pacific and live on the enemy. 
 The commerce of Cuba did not, however, furnish anything 
 like the stores produced by the capture of whale ships, and 
 the most he could do was to sell the sugar and coffee cap- 
 tured in the prizes, at Key West, which for some time 
 enabled him to keep up the outfit of the squadron and pay 
 the oflSicers and men. This course, however, gave dissatis- 
 faction at Vera Cruz, where the government officials were 
 hoping to reap large profits from the plunder of prizes. 
 The brig Hercules, that had already been sent there, had 
 been so completely plucked that she never yielded the 
 captors a single cent, and the other vessels were sold at a 
 46 
 
362 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 great sacrifice. If the prizes had all been sent to Yera 
 Cruz, the squadron would have been very popular, but 
 when it was reported that the latter was being supported 
 by the sale of captured cargoes, there was an indisposition 
 felt at once to keep it up. 
 
 There was a number of romantic episodes connected 
 with this expedition, showing the hair breadth escapes of 
 officers and men in their pursuit of Spanish commerce, and 
 the inefficiency of the Spanish cruisers in protecting the 
 Cuban coast. Two schooners were, on one occasion, 
 brought in as prizes to Key West, loaded with coffee and 
 sugar. These vessels were originally built in Maine, and 
 were what is known as drogers. Lieut. Thompson, with 
 twenty-seven men, was ordered to take one of these 
 vessels and go in quest of prizes. He sailed at midnight 
 with a fresh breeze, and hugging the reefs closely and 
 steering some forty miles down the gulf to the eastward, 
 he put about and stood for Matanzas. Here he found the 
 coast clear of vessels of war, and at noon of the next day 
 fell in with a number of coasters keeping close in shore, 
 and bound for Havana. He kept along with them, board- 
 ing seven in succession, by running alongside and taking 
 them by surprise, selecting the largest and most heavily 
 laden vessels. He put three men on board each of the 
 prizes with directions to proceed to Key West, and the 
 passengers and crews of the coasters, amounting to one 
 hundred and thirty-seven persons, Lieut. Thompson un- 
 dertook to guard with only six men, but as the prisoners 
 were all in irons he felt quit^ secure. I^ot satisfied with 
 what he had already accomplished, Lieut. Thompson went 
 off the port of Havana, and endeavored to add to his list 
 of prizes, but by some means the prisoners managed to 
 escape from their irons during the night, overpowered the 
 schooner's men, and in a few hours delivered them to the 
 authorities in Havana, who consigned them to the Moro 
 and treated them as pirates, so far as hard fare and close 
 imprisonment were concerned. 
 
 The night after the first schooner under Lieut. Thompson 
 disappeared from Key West, the other vessel also departed 
 at midnight, with 27 men under the command of Captain 
 David H. Porter of the Libertad. The crew consisted of 
 two Americans, one Englishman, one Swede and twenty- 
 
Memoir oe Commodore David Porter. 363 
 
 three Mexicans, together with an old superannuated Mexi- 
 can marine officer, and the Commodore's son, the present 
 admiral of the navy. The vessel was about 150 tons 
 burden, comfortable and roomy, but a very dull sailer, 
 having a high after deck loaded with machinery for 
 sugar plantations, and with mahogany logs. At day- 
 light she w^as about ten miles to the southward of Sand 
 Key light, at the entrance of Key West, when the Span- 
 ish squadron was descried standing towards her with 
 a fresh breeze. The squadron consisted of two frigates 
 and a brig, from which there being no escape the captain 
 stood directly for them. There was no American flag on 
 board, but the after run of the vessel being filled with red 
 lead, some stripes were marked on a piece of cotton and 
 the improvised ensign duly hoisted, but the dons con- 
 sidered the schooner too insignificant to notice, and she 
 passed safely between a frigate and the brig without ques- 
 tion, the Spaniards not paying her the courtesy of hoisting 
 their colors. Had they examined the schooner through a 
 glass, they would have seen a large fourteen oared launch 
 on her deck which the low bulwarks could not con- 
 ceal. In an hour the enemy was out of sight, and the 
 schooner steered for Cape Antonio, keeping close in with 
 the Cuban shore, in the hope of picking up prizes on her 
 way. She at length arrived at Cape Corrientes, on the 
 south side of Cuba, and cruised along the coast as far as 
 Broa bay, just south of Havana. There an expedition 
 was fitted out, under the command of the captain, to go 
 in the launch to Batabanoa. ^JDhey reached their destina- 
 tion at midnight, and found several schooners at anchor 
 awaiting convoy, most of them being filled with coffee and 
 sugar. A train of mules, loaded with cofifee, had just ar- 
 rived. The muleteers were seized and the coffee trans- 
 ferred to the schooners, lying at the dock. All the crews 
 of the vessels were secured, and when day broke the as- 
 tonished inhabitants looked in vain for their schooners 
 and muleteers. In fact, they never again set eyes on their 
 vessels, w^hich were sunk after their cargoes had been 
 transferred to Captain Porter's high deck schooner, which 
 bore the sonorous name of Esmeralda. 
 
364 Memoir or Commodore David Porter. 
 
 The following day the Mexican schooner weighed an- 
 chor, and ran for Seguanca bay, in the Isle of Pines, and 
 that night the launch pulled in and captured four more 
 schooners. These were taken out to the Esmeralda, which 
 was loaded until she could hold no more, after which the 
 prizes were sent to the bottom, only one little clipper 
 built schooner being kept for a tender. Some of these 
 prizes were beautiful vessels of from 40 to 150 tons burden, 
 and would have sold well at Vera Cruz, but the order was 
 to " burn, sink and destroy," and the order was carried out 
 so far as the vessels were concerned ; but cargo, stores, 
 sails, and cordage were saved for the use of the Mexican 
 squadron. The Esmeralda then cruised to the eastward 
 as far as the town of Cienfuegos, where the launch was 
 sent in at night, and hauled out one schooner partly 
 loaded, which was sunk. The party in the launch also 
 made an expedition on shore, where, we are sorry to relate, 
 the native Mexicans showed their natural disposition by 
 entering private houses, and stealing every thing they 
 could lay their hands on. One fellow took from a gentle- 
 man's house a lot of books, thinking thereby to propitiate 
 the commander, who had strictly forbidden pillaging on 
 shore. The same fellow stole a splendid satin embroidered 
 dress, and a fine horse with a silver mounted saddle, which 
 plunder he presented to the captain, himself and compan- 
 ions reserving all the silver spoons and doubloons which 
 they had taken from the house. Suffice to say the horse 
 was permitted to depart with the satin dress, which had 
 been carefully rolled up and secured to the saddle, but the 
 theft of silver w^as not known until it was too late to make 
 restitution. Captain Porter found that the Mexican sailors 
 were so addicted to plundering that he could not attempt 
 any more land expeditions, and resolving henceforth to 
 confine his operations to the water, he sailed for the Isle 
 of Pines. 
 
 Captain Porter was a strict disciplinarian, having been 
 brought up by some of the severest captains in the U. S. 
 navy, men who were more addicted to the use of the cat 
 and colt than to moral suasion. He was not over twenty- 
 one years of age, and had not learned the art of governing 
 men by kindness. He punished for every oftense, and the 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 865 
 
 Mexicans, when away from a ship of war with its surround- 
 ings of power, did not fail to commit many acts which it was 
 impossible to pass unnoticed. The carpenter, on board 
 the Esmeralda, was an Englishman named Barret, a most 
 insubordinate fellow, who was constantly being punished 
 for drunkenness. He had ingratiated himself with the 
 Mexican sailors, and was a leading man among them. By 
 working upon their feelings, he made them believe they 
 were badly treated, and finally persuaded them to join him 
 in a scheme for seizing the vessel, killing the captain and 
 ofiicers, and disposing of the cargo in some of the West 
 India ports. It was intended to put this design into ex- 
 ecution at the Isle of Pines, or on the way thither. The 
 only arms on board were twenty-five muskets, and an 
 equal number of cutlasses, and these were always under 
 the captain's eye in the cabin, and were only placed in the 
 hands of the crew when an expedition was on foot. The 
 day after leaving Cienfuegos, a merchant ship hove in 
 sight, and supposing her to be a Spaniard the captain 
 armed the crew and ran down to board the stranger, but 
 as she proved to be French, the Esmeralda stood on her 
 course for the Isle of Pines, and the arms were restored 
 to the cabin. Midshipman Porter had charge of the 
 arms, and when they were turned in noticed that two 
 muskets, several cutlasses, and all the bayonets were 
 missing, of which circumstance he immediately informed 
 the captain, also informing him that one Yizetelly, an 
 English boy, had hinted that in less than twenty-four hours 
 they would have a new captain. Captain Porter immedi- 
 ately went on deck, after directing Mid. Porter to stand 
 by the cabin door with his cutlass and pistols, and be 
 ready to hand them to him. When the captain reached 
 the deck he noticed Barret standing forward with a large 
 axe in his hand, surrounded by the Mexicans, to whom he 
 was talking excitedly, frequently pointing towards the 
 quarterdeck. The captain called out "Barret, come aft 
 here, you drunken scoundrel." "I am no more a drunken 
 scoundrel than you are," retorted the mutineer, at the same 
 time shouting to the Mexicans " now's our time, follow 
 me," he rushed upon the captain with uplifted axe, followed 
 by the Mexican crew. Midshipman Porter, seeing the 
 
366 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 state of affairs, handed the captain his cutlass and pistols, 
 and as Barret approached, he was cut down before he had 
 time to use his axe. The leading Mexican received a 
 shot through the head, and the rest retreated forward? 
 pursued by a huge Swedish quarter master, named Sims, 
 who knocked three or four of them down with his fist. 
 The Mexicans were then ordered aft, and made to stand 
 in line, the captain with his pistol cocked ready to shoot 
 the first man that moved. On examination, all were found 
 to be armed with the missing bayonets, which they had 
 concealed down their backs. After the mutineers had 
 been put in irons, there were left only the quarter master, 
 Sims, and two Americans to work the vessel, and this 
 affair put a stop to any further inroads upon Spanish com- 
 merce. 
 
 Instead of continuing on to the Isle of Pines, Capt. Por- 
 ter ran for the Mangles islands, then in sight, and entering 
 one of the little nooks (a former retreat of pirates), he hid his 
 vessel among the mangroves, where no one would ever 
 think of looking for her. The question now was, what to 
 do with his twenty-four desperate characters. The cap- 
 tain knew that if he landed them on these islands they 
 must inevitably starve to death, and he therefore hit upon 
 an expedient which placed them entirely under his inspec- 
 tion. Two holes for each man were sawed through the 
 high deck of the schooner, on each side of the carline over 
 the cabin. The prisoners' feet were put through these 
 holes, and the irons put upon them below. Thus there were 
 forty-eight feet protruding into the cabin through the deck, 
 and no one could meddle with the irons without the 
 knowledge of the captain. This was a simple expedient, 
 but a very happy one — at least for the officers, and in this 
 condition the Esmeralda made her way back to Key West, 
 where she passed in through the Spanish squadron, which 
 took no notice of her, and presented Commodore Porter 
 with a cargo worth $56,000. The cargo was sold in Key 
 West, and again the squadron was in funds. The mutineers 
 were tried by court martial, and punished through the 
 fleet, and afterwards sent to work on the fortress of San 
 Juan de Ulloa. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 367 
 
 There is no knowing what devastation the old Esmer- 
 alda would have committed on the Cuban coast, but for 
 the unexpected termination of her cruise. As it was, in less 
 than a month, she captured and destroyed about one hun- 
 dred thousand dollars worth of property. 
 
 Winter was now approaching, and the northers began to 
 set in very heavily, and as there was no use in attempting 
 operations at that season, Commodore Porter determined 
 to return to Vera Cruz, with his squadron and prizes. 
 Besides, he did not wish the United States government to 
 raise any points, with regard to his making Key West a 
 base of operations, as he could direct the movements of 
 vessels equally well from Vera Cruz. The principal ad- 
 vantage he derived from his stay in Key West was, that 
 the Spaniards were obliged to keep the larger part of their 
 force blockading him. Previous to leaving for Vera 
 Cruz, about March 1st, 1827, he visited New Orleans in 
 a pilot boat chartered for the occasion, where he was 
 publicly received by the authorities and people, a circum- 
 stance at which he felt greatly flattered. At N'ew Orleans 
 he made arrangements to have men sent him to Vera Cruz, 
 as his original sailors had nearly served their time, having 
 enlisted for only one year. 
 
 On the Commodore's return to Key West, he gave the 
 order to be ready to sail at a moment's notice. All the 
 vessels except the Guerrero were then in port, and Com- 
 modore Laborde was more attentive than usual to the 
 blockade. He had three frigates and three brigs on watch 
 close into the reef. The morning after sailing orders 
 were issued, not one of the Mexican vessels was to be 
 seen in Key West, much to the surprise of the Spaniards. 
 When the moon went down, the squadron got under way, 
 and stood out of the north passage, at that time imper- 
 fectly surveyed and known only to the wreckers, and one 
 or two other persons, among them Commodore Porter, 
 who led his squadron safely through. The wind was blow- 
 ing fresh from the westward, and all sail was carried to 
 place a wide distance between the Mexicans and the 
 Spaniards. At daylight the fleets were 91 miles apart. 
 The Spanish Commodore did not attempt pursuit, and in 
 the course of ten days the Mexican fleet reached Vera 
 Cruz without molestation. 
 
368 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 The Commodore had no reason to be dissatisfied with his 
 reception by the Mexican authorities. They approved of 
 everything he had done, and promised all manner of aid 
 in carrying on future operations. He had drawn on them 
 but once during his absence, and then for but $50,000, the 
 sale of prizes having kept him supplied with funds. This 
 however, was a source of regret to the Mexicans on shore, 
 who all wished to share in the distribution of prize money. 
 
 The Commodore did not find them well pleased when 
 he called for the return of the prize money which he had 
 spent for the maintenance of the squadron. He met with 
 vexatious delays, and many questions were raised with re- 
 gard to the accounts, and the money was only paid in 
 small installments. The American seamen, dissatisfied 
 with their small allowance of prize money, refused to re- 
 enlist, their times being out, and without them the squad- 
 ron would be worth nothing. 
 
 The Commodore now began to experience the difficulties 
 he had been anticipating. The minister of war and marine 
 was opposed to all his measures, and he was at that time 
 the most powerful member of the cabinet. The officers 
 received their pay very irregularly, and the Commodore's 
 family in the United States sufiered much inconvenience. 
 He had left some obligations behind him, which he calcu- 
 lated to settle upon receipt of his allowance from the 
 Mexican government, and to discharge these debts, he was 
 obliged to sacrifice by a forced sale, his place near Wash- 
 ington, for one-third of its value. In the meantime, the 
 Mexican authorities were profuse in promises, and treated 
 the Commodore with marked kindness, granting him a 
 tract of land of thirty square leagues on the Rio Grande, 
 which he had exchanged for a grant on the Guatzacolcos 
 river, on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, amounting to about 
 372,000 acres. This land extended along the river nearly 
 to Minatitlan, and being granted for military services 
 and no act of settlement required, it stands good to this 
 day, although the Mexican government have given a 
 dozen grants since that time of the same tract to others. 
 
 Commodore Porter's command included, besides the 
 navy, the castle of San Juan de Ulloa. Whoever held that 
 fort commanded Vera Cruz, and the receipts from the cus- 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 869 
 
 toms provided they desired to interfere with them. The 
 chiefs of parties in Mexico were always agitating for revo- 
 lution, and were anxious to get rid of one, upon whom 
 they could not depend to enter into their nefarious schemes. 
 They sounded him to see how far he could be used, but 
 finding him determined to support the government under 
 all circumstances, they proposed to limit his authority by 
 placing a Mexican in command of the Castle of San Juan, 
 outside the control of the navy. This change would, in 
 effect, have controlled the navy, the ships being fastened 
 to the castle and right under the muzzles of its guns, which 
 he would not submit to. The intrigues in the city of 
 Mexico, not being to the Commodore's taste, he visited 
 the capital but seldom, passing most of his time in Vera 
 Cruz trying to get his vessels to sea. He had sent the Bravo 
 and Herman back to the Cuban coast, where they inflicted 
 considerable damage on the coasting trade. The brig Guer- 
 rero was now fitted out anew, with a picked crewof three- 
 fourths English and American seamen, and one-fourth of the 
 best Mexicans, and a picked guard of Mexican marines. 
 Captain David H. Porter was appointed to the command, 
 a very clever English officer named Williams, first lieu- 
 tenant, an American, Yanstavern, second lieutenant, the 
 rest made up of the best Mexican ofiicers that could 
 be selected. There were several of the midshipmen Ameri- 
 cans, among them the admiral's son. 
 
 The Guerrero sailed about the middle of March, 1828, 
 with instructions to pursue the same course which had 
 been tried in the Esmeralda, and having fair winds she 
 arrived off the coast of Cuba, towards the latter part of the 
 month. The day previous to making the land, an Ame- 
 rican brig was boarded, the master of which informed Capt. 
 Porter that there were two frigates in Havana, dismantled, 
 and the only vessel ready for sea was the brig Hercules, 
 and that he might go oft' the harbor with perfect im- 
 punity. In consequence of this information, he steered 
 for Little Mariel, a fine port fifteen miles to the westward 
 of Havana. It was his intention to run the coast up, pass 
 Havana at night, and catch the coasters coming from the 
 eastward with the sea breeze, also to fall in with convoys 
 coming from Bahia Honda, and ports to the westward. 
 47 
 
370 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 In those days there was an extensive trade from the 
 different Cuban ports to Havana, and as many as sixty or 
 seventy vessels at a time might be seen working their way 
 along to the great depot of sugar, coffee, and tobacco. It 
 was a lovely morning when the Guerrero made the island, 
 standing on a wind for the port of Mariel, when within 
 about ten miles of the land, the look out from aloft re- 
 ported a large convoy, with two brigs of war beating up the 
 coast. On approaching nearer, the convoy was found to 
 consist of forty- two vessels, and one of the brigs mounted 
 18 guns, the other 8 in broad side, and one long gun. 
 The two together were superior to the Guerrero by three 
 guns, and the advantage was still greater from the fact of 
 the force being distributed in two vessels. Nevertheless, 
 the captain concluded to attack them, and get posses- 
 sion of the convoy. All sail was carried to close with 
 them, and the Guerrero cleared for action. The Spaniards 
 seemed indisposed to meet the Mexican brig in the open 
 sea, but put their helms up, and ran** into the port of 
 Little Mariel — which was protected by a fort — the 
 convoy following. It w^as the intention of Captain Porter 
 to follow them in, but when he got within six hundred 
 yards of the entrance, the water shoaled suddenly, and he 
 put his helm down, came head to wind and anchored, 
 leaving his topsails on the cap. The Guerrero's position 
 was now a very good one, there was only a low narrow 
 strip of land between her and the enemy, not sufficient to 
 cover their water line, and he had a better chance to 
 attack than if he had been inside. 
 
 In the meantime, the Spaniards had shown great dili- 
 gence in getting their vessels into good position close to- 
 gether, in a line with each other, with springs on their 
 cables, and had opened a raking fire on the Guerrero as 
 she stood head on, cutting her up aloft but doing no 
 material damage to the hull. Capt. Porter coolly anchored 
 under this heavy fire, and then deliberately opened on the 
 enemy with great effect. 
 
 When the Guerrero stood in, those on board had not 
 noticed a Martello tower, mounting one or two long guns 
 which defended the entrance of the harbor, but they were 
 soon made aware of its existence, as it opened a sharp fire 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 371 
 
 on the brig, every shot telling on the hull or spars. 
 Two guns were assigned to attend to this battery, while 
 the rest were directed towards the Spanish vessels. It was 
 soon apparent that the Guerrero's fire was too heavy for 
 the enemy, whose exertions began to slacken, and in a 
 a few minutes more the battle would have ended, and the 
 Mexicans would have brought all their guns to bear upon 
 the fort; but just when the Captain was most sanguine 
 of success, a shot from the latter struck the hemp cable 
 and cut it in two, when the Guerrero drifted rapidly 
 astern, and struck on a rock where she laid for some 
 minutes apparently fast aground; but sail being made 
 on her with great rapidity (her guns still keeping up 
 their fire), she cast to seaward and went all clear, the 
 Spaniards raking her as she stood ofiT, and cheering lustily 
 at her supposed retreat. 
 
 The port anchor was now got ready for letting go, and 
 Captain Porter stood in again to the attack. In the mean- 
 time the Spanish brigs had repaired some of their damages, 
 and together with the fort opened a heavy raking fire on 
 the Guerrero, as she stood in to renew the conflict. This 
 time Captain Porter anchored four hundred yards more to 
 \vindward, with his topsails up and the yards braced to 
 cast to port, in case of a similar accident to his cable. All 
 this time the enemy were firing rapidly, most of the shot 
 striking the spars, sails and rigging. The shot from the 
 fort almost always struck the hull, but their powder was 
 evidently bad, as the missiles did not go through the brig's 
 side, otherwise they would have inflicted much damage. 
 
 The action since last anchoring, had continued about 
 twenty minutes. The smaller Spanish brig had struck 
 her colors or they had been shot away, and the fire of her 
 companion was very feeble. Both vessels had suftered 
 greatly in spars and hull. Every shot from the Guerrero 
 that missed the vessels of war, struck among the convoy 
 which was packed so close inshore of the brigs that they could, 
 not avoid the missiles. Several of them were sunk and 
 all their crews sought safety on shore. Had shells been 
 in use at that time all the vessels would have been set on 
 fire and destroyed. Another ten minutes would have de- 
 cided the battle in favor of the Mexicans, when the Guer- 
 
372 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 rero's port cable was cut in two by another shot, and the 
 wind being fresh the brig cast to port and stood out again, 
 receiving but one raking shot from the fort which cut off 
 part of her rudder. The sheet anchor was now got ready 
 to let go, but before standing in again, damages aloft had 
 to be repaired. Both top gallant masts, spanker gaff, fly- 
 ing jib boom, and jib halliards had been shot away. New 
 braces had to be rove and the wreck cleared, which con- 
 sumed about three-quarters of an hour. There were 
 many other minor damages, for the Spaniards had fired 
 high, and most of their shots had struck the spars, sails, 
 or rigging. 
 
 Between Little Mariel and Havana was a fine road, and 
 couriers had been dispatched to the city, announcing the 
 presence of the Guerrero, which the Spanish admiral be- 
 lieved to be still in Vera Cruz. The guns could be plainly 
 heard in Havana, and the Spaniards hastily prepared to 
 put to sea. The Lealtad, a 64 gun frigate, just refitted 
 was lying with sails unbent, and rigging unrove. Her men 
 were summoned on board at once, with part of those from 
 the Casilda frigate. Every available boat was now put in 
 requisition, and the Lealtad towed out to sea, which was 
 an easy matter as there was no wind, and the surface of the 
 ocean was as smooth as a mirror. The Spaniards worked 
 with a will, and lost not a moment ; for while the boats were 
 towing, the sails were bent, the rigging rove, and the bat- 
 teries got in order. When the Lealtad was within ten miles 
 of little Mariel, the sea breeze set in quite freshly and the 
 boats ceased towing. The frigate, now under full sail, 
 made rapid progress towards the Mexican brig, which had 
 hauled off for repairs, on account of her cable being cut ; 
 when, just as the Guerrero was again standing in to finish 
 the afiair under sail, the top gallant sails and royals of the 
 Spanish ship were discovered rapidly rising above the 
 horizon. In half an hour her hull was fairly in sight. 
 Captain Porter, to his great regret, was now obliged to 
 run for it, and accordingly filled away to the northward 
 under such sail as he could get up. The heads of both 
 fore and main topmasts were shot away, and it was impos- 
 sible to get up topgallant masts for some time, until a pair 
 of stump masts were lengthened on the heel, swayed aloft 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 373 
 
 and lashed to the topmast below the eyes of the rigging, 
 then the topgallant yards were swayed aloft and the sails 
 set. The Spanish frigate was by this time within four 
 miles of the brig, but when all sail was set on the latter 
 she left the Spaniard behind, at the rate of a mile an 
 hour, so that at sunset Captain Porter felt himself quite 
 safe. At night fall he changed his course several times, 
 and finally seeing nothing of the Lealtad he determined to 
 return to Little Mariel, and cut the two brigs out with his 
 boats. He had accordingly steered south for about an 
 hour, when the frigate was made out close on board, at the 
 same instant she opened her broadside and the shot rattled 
 among the brig's spars and rigging, doing some damage ; 
 the latter tacked ship and hauled on the wind again to the 
 northward, and the enemy was again lost sight of. 
 
 Capt. Porter now made all sail in the direction of Key 
 West, not expecting to see the frigate again ; but at 
 daylight she was descried, well to windward, running 
 down for the brig, of which it appears she had never lost 
 sight, having been able, by means of good night glasses, 
 to follow her movements. 
 
 Escape now seemed impossible, and the Guerrero was 
 prepared for action. The frigate, under all steering sails, 
 rapidly approached, while the brig was kept close hauled 
 intending to cross her bow. When the Lealtad was 
 within three-quarters of a mile, the Guerrero poured in a 
 broadside directed at her sails and spars, which committed 
 great havoc, the light steering sails coming down by the 
 run. At the same moment the brig tacked and poured 
 in a second broadside with good effect. The Spaniards, 
 though taken by surprise, managed their ship beautifully, 
 came to the wind with squared yards, opened their broad- 
 side, and took in the remaining steering sails in good 
 order, then filled away on the same course with the brig. 
 All this did not consume more than ^ve minutes, although 
 it seems longer in the relation. 
 
 The battle now commenced in earnest, and continued 
 for an hour, the two vessels running side by side, half a 
 mile distant from each other, when the wind allowed the 
 Guerrero to close within a hundred yards for a few minutes. 
 Her broadsides were so destructive, that the Spaniards 
 
374 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 decreased their fire considerably, and for a moment it was 
 thought that the frigate would haul off, but at that instant 
 the wind fell calm below, while there was enough aloft to 
 catch the Lealtad's light sails, leaving the brig with her 
 sails torn to tatters. The frigate now took a position out of 
 the reach of the Guerrero's short guus, and there laid 
 for nearly an hour, boring the brig through and through, 
 until her deck was like a slaughter pen. The Mexican 
 vessel was unmanageable, masts, sails, and hull being a per- 
 fect wreck, and even at the greatest elevation, not a shot 
 could reach the Spaniard. Under these circumstances the 
 captain called the officers together, and expressed to 
 them the pain he felt at being obliged to haul down his 
 flag, but felt it his duty to do so, in which they all agreed, 
 and the colors were hauled down after an action of one 
 hour and forty minutes. The moment the Spaniards saw 
 that the brig had surrendered, the frigate ran down 
 for her, keeping up a constant fire, and when right abeam 
 and close aboard, she poured, in a whole broadside, which 
 cut the Guerrero almost to pieces, killing and wounding 
 a number of the officers and men, and cutting the gal- 
 lant Captain Porter in two with a twenty-four pound shot. 
 This last act of barbarity was to punish the brig for her 
 stubborn resistance, and to show to the people of Havana 
 how much damage the Lealtad had inflicted on her. 
 
 The Spanish frigate was much cut up in masts, spars, 
 hull, and rigging, but sailors were immediately sent over 
 the side to cover shot holes with tin, and paint them black 
 to conceal the injury. N"ew sails were bent, the rigging 
 knotted and set up, and in Rve or six hours the damages 
 were in a measure repaired, so that to the uninitiated, the 
 frigate looked in perfect order and as if she had been sail- 
 ing on a summer sea. 
 
 The Guerrero was not boarded until four hours after 
 she 'surrendered, and then boats filled with armed men 
 went alongside, and the Spaniards swarmed over her decks 
 like a gang of pirates, every man bent on plunder. The 
 officer in command immediately demanded the chrono- 
 meters and the key of the strongbox, while the crew were 
 seizing on the personal property of the sailors. The 
 Mexican officers were hustled out of the brig, minus every- 
 

Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 375 
 
 thing but what they stood in, and the next morning the 
 Lealtad, with a fresh breeze, stood into Havana with the 
 brig in tow, amid the applause of thousands who had as- 
 sembled to exult over the capture of a 22 gun brig by a 64 
 gun frigate! little dreaming that the blood of those 
 martyrs to liberty, who fell on board the Guerrero would 
 sow the seed of republicanism throughout Cuba, until the 
 flag they were lauding to the skies, should be driven from 
 the island. 
 
 The body of the gallant Porter was thrown overboard, 
 without even the form of a funeral service, for though only 
 a few hours from port, they could not honor such bravery 
 as his by a burial on shore. It would not have been 
 politic even at that time, for thousands of those who honor 
 the gallant dead would have followed the Captain's body 
 to the grave, and the government did not want any ex- 
 citement to fan into flame the smouldering embers of 
 liberty. They did all that they could to depreciate the 
 battle, but the intelligent portion of the community could 
 see that it had been one of the most desperate engage- 
 ments on record, and that the frigate had suffered as much 
 as the brig. The latter lost in killed, wounded and miss- 
 ing about 80 out of 186. Three of her officers were killed, 
 and all the others more or less wounded. The surviving 
 officers were transferred to the guard ship, near the entrance 
 to the harbor, where they were well treated — consider- 
 ing who were their captors — and a parole was offered to 
 Midshipman Porter which he declined to accept, preferring 
 to share the captivity of his shipmates. 
 
 The news of the capture of the Guerrero caused great 
 excitement in Mexico, and much enthusiasm was manifested 
 at the gallantry displayed on the occasion ; but when the 
 enthusiasm cooled off' the Mexicans remembered that they 
 had lost a vessel which cost them $180,000, and that the 
 Spaniards were that much better off*. " What did they 
 fight for?" queried the men in power; " their object was 
 to destroy commerce, they should have avoided an engage- 
 ment." They did not consider that the laurels gained for 
 the nation strengthened her claims to independence, by 
 showing her power to maintain it. But the Mexicans 
 were not a deep thinking people, nor did they act on the 
 
376 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 broad principles of making any sacrifices to gain their in- 
 dependence. When the reaction set in, even the gallant 
 Porter, who was buried beneath the waves, was found 
 fault with, for not whipping a sixty-four gun frigate. 
 " We pay those ITorth Americans to fight," said the 
 Mexicans, " they ought to whip everything. The Mexicans 
 could do better ; the Mexicans on board did all the fight- 
 ing," and so on ad nauseam. 
 
 This blow for a season checked the Mexican naval 
 operations, with the exception of fitting out the Bravo 
 under Wise and the Herman under Hawkins. This 
 last named officer was a handsome fellow, and a great 
 favorite with the ladies. His vessel was chased into Nassau, 
 N^ew Providence, where he had a love aflair and killed a 
 man, in consequence of which he was imprisoned for some 
 months, while the Herman was laid up in port and her 
 services lost during all that time. The Bravo, in the 
 meanwhile, was so closely watched by the Spanish forces, 
 that she could seldom get out of port to do any damage. 
 
 In the year 1828, there was an accession to the Mexican 
 navy, the ship of the line Asia. She was a vessel of the 
 Spanish navy, whose crew had revolted at some port on 
 the Pacific, and turned her over to the Mexicans, who had 
 sent her to Vera Cruz. In the then condition of the 
 Mexican treasury, this addition to the navy was a disad- 
 vantage, as it required a considerable sum to keep her 
 moored in port and prevent her from going to decay, 
 which sum would equip a good sized vessel to cruise 
 against the Spaniards. 
 
 The Commodore made the Asia his head-quarters, and 
 with a csmall crew endeavored to make her appearance 
 inspire the Mexicans with some respect for their navy, but 
 without avail. They were not a naval people, had no 
 commerce of any consequence, and their harbors were 
 defended by forts, against which the Spaniards would not 
 venture an attack, or they were protected by dangerous 
 bars which no vessel of any size could pass. The Spaniards 
 could not hope to land troops in Mexico, for they would 
 have been easily defeated by the Mexicans, who were 
 better soldiers and far more numerous. The policy of the 
 Mexicans was, therefore, to shut themselves up and only 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 377 
 
 fight the Spaniards when the latter attempted a landing 
 on their shores. 
 
 By this time, Commodore Porter was convinced that 
 the Mexicans possessed few of the elements of a great peo- 
 ple, and that their only chance of maintaining their inde- 
 pendence lay in the difficulty of access to their ports, and 
 that they would succumb to an energetic foe the first time 
 one should enter the country. All his opinions have 
 since been fully confirmed, as well as the evils resulting 
 from divisions among their public men, all aiming at su- 
 preme power, from the corruption pervading all departments 
 of the government, and from the ignorance and indolence of 
 the mass of the people, who knew nothing and desired to 
 do nothing except enjoy themselves. Had our revolution- 
 ary forefathers possessed such a country as Mexico, with 
 its genial climate, unbounded resources, inaccessible 
 mountain passes, and inhospitable coast, they might have 
 defied the world in arms; but there were few of the Mexi- 
 cans who were imbued with the spirit of the men of 1776, 
 and one of the besetting sins of the people was, hostility 
 to the foreigners who were fighting their battles. 
 
 In these remarks it is not meant to detract from the 
 good qualities which the Mexican people really possessed, 
 their hospitality, and kindness of disposition, but our 
 strictures more properly apply to those who held the 
 reins of power, and their dependants, the army of office 
 holders. There was no doing anything with this party, 
 in the way of obtaining funds for the support of the navy, 
 for although there was plenty of money in the country, 
 every office holder wanted to secure it for his own private 
 benefit. The naval officers and men received their pay at 
 long intervals, and thatof the commander-in-chief was far in 
 arrears. When he complained of the pittance he received, 
 they proffered him a grant of land as worthless as their 
 promises. 
 
 During the early part of the year 1828, the Mexican 
 government issued a decree expelling all Spanish subjects, 
 and particularly priests who were cachupinos, from the 
 country. The fear of personal violence from the popu- 
 lace induced many Spaniards to hurry from Mexico, carry- 
 ing with them all their effects, and what was still worse, 
 48 
 
378 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 depriving the country of a useful class of inhabitants, for 
 many of the old Spaniards were good merchants and men 
 of wealth and influence. The laity sent off their personal 
 property privately, but many of the priests, considering 
 that their sacred profession would be a safe guard to them, 
 undertook to travel with whatever effects they possessed, 
 thus showing themselves very unfamiliar with the people 
 among whom they lived. They were depleted of a por- 
 tion of their goods on the road to the coast, but met with 
 their worst treatment after reaching Vera Cruz. 
 
 At that time Col. Santa Anna was governor of Vera 
 Cruz, and was notorious for his love of cock fighting and 
 other forms of gambling, a circumstance that did not 
 make him a very good example for the youth of th.e com- 
 munity, and did not contribute to strengthen his authority 
 to preserve good order among the citizens. When it was 
 known that the priests had arrived in the city, bringing 
 with them considerable wealth, a plot was arranged to 
 deprive them of it ; the excuse being, that they had con- 
 veyed away many things belonging to the churches. 
 One night the city was thrown into great excitement, a 
 tremendous uproar was heard in the streets. The Com- 
 modore sent a messenger on shore to ascertain what was 
 the matter, who soon returned with the information that the 
 populace was pursuing the priests from one end of the city 
 to the other. He immediately sent word to Col. Santa 
 Anna, that if these outrages were not stopped he would 
 send his marines to protect the priests, and no attention 
 being paid to this, the Commodore did send a guard to 
 escort them to the naval vessels, and as soon as arrange- 
 ments could be made, placed them on board vessels bound 
 to Havana, Kew Orleans, and ISTew York, and saw them 
 safe out of the country. 
 
 The Mexicans considered this action of the Commodore's 
 a high handed invasion of their rights, and he became at 
 once the object of popular displeasure; but he never- 
 theless, did not lessen his efforts to secure all the 
 Spaniards against oppression, and finally succeeded in 
 getting them safe out of the country at the expense of 
 being called cachupino by the populace. 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 379 
 
 Santa Anna was not a man to forget what he considered 
 an indignity, and though apparently extremely friendly to 
 the Commodore, and to the Americans, it was hinted to 
 the latter that they had made an inveterate enemy. This 
 was not considered remarkable, for it required very little 
 to obtain the enmity of one of these officials, and for an 
 American to interfere in any matter where a native was 
 concerned, was provocation sufficient. 
 
 About three months after the above event. Col. Santa 
 Anna sent an officer on board the flag-ship to inform the 
 Commodore that a courier had just arrived from the city 
 of Mexico, with orders from the government for him " to 
 repair at once to the capital," that important movements 
 were on foot and that his presence was imperatively neces- 
 sary. The Commodore was much surprised that no 
 written dispatch was sent, but was told that a confidential 
 officer was the bearer of the message, showing that the 
 urgency of the case admitted of no delay. Upon the fol- 
 lowing morning, he applied to Santa Anna for an escort, 
 as the road to the capital was infested with robbers ; but 
 the colonel had left the city taking the only escort with him, 
 so that the second in command had no means of comply- 
 ing with the request without sending to Jalapa for cavalry. 
 Finding that this would delay him for several days, the 
 Commodore determined to proceed to Jalapa without an 
 escort, as the robbers seldom attacked parties in the 
 Tierra Caliente as the low country between Yera Cruz and 
 Jalapa was called. 
 
 On the day after the summons reached him, he started 
 on horseback, accompanied by the fleet surgeon. Dr. 
 Boardman, and a Mexican boy as a servant, with a pack 
 horse to carry their luggage and provisions. The Com- 
 modore and the surgeon were each armed with a pair of 
 pistols and a sword, and the boy carried the Commodore's 
 favorite double barrelled gun loaded with buckshot. At 
 sunset the party rested at a small rancho, and next morn- 
 ing continued on their way to Jalapa. They had now the 
 choice of two roads, one short and hilly, the other 
 longer but more agreeable, and choosing the latter had 
 advanced about ten miles, when a Mexican came riding 
 rapidly by crying out " ladrones vienen senores tenga vmd 
 
380 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 quedou /" (" robbers coming gentlemen, look out"), and at 
 the same instant four horsemen came in sight approaching 
 very fast. The Commodore's party drew up on one side of 
 the road to let them pass, supposing they were in pursuit of 
 the flying Mexican, but at the same time had their arms all 
 ready for use, which proved to be a wise precaution, for the 
 Mexicans drew rein right in front of them, and the leader, 
 pointing to the gold embroidered belt which sustained the 
 Commodore's sword exclaimed " aquel con el cinturon de 
 oro es el hombre." (" That man with the embroidered belt 
 is the one.") The robbers commenced firing their pistols at 
 the distance of almost twenty-five paces, whereupon, as 
 quick as thought, the Commodore leveled his pistol at the 
 leader of the brigands and shot him dead. His second 
 shot struck tlie horse of one of the assailants in the throat, 
 and the animal fell on his rider, who lay unable to extri- 
 cate himself, while his two remaining companions put 
 spurs to their horses and fled, like the wind, in the direction 
 from which they had come. Dr. Boardman had fired his 
 pistols as quickly as possible, but not being so good a shot 
 as his chief, only struck one of the horses without disab- 
 ling him ; but the Commodore discharged both barrels of 
 the shot gun after the retreating robbers, and as one of 
 them reeled in his saddle, it was hoped that he was badly 
 injured. The Commodore never before won a battle in 
 so short a space of time, for the action did not last ^ve 
 minutes from the time of the first appearance of the assail- 
 ants on the scene. The party now dismounted to examine 
 into the condition of the robber, whose horse had fallen 
 upon him, and at the same time to secure the steed of the 
 dead man which stood quietly by the body of his master. 
 The living robber was not materially injured, but could not 
 extricate himself from beneath the body of his horse; 
 he managed to draw his sword, and commenced showering 
 upon the Americans all the curses and vile epithets known 
 to the Castilian language. It was the intention of the 
 Commodore to take this ruffian prisoner to Jalapa, but 
 every timC any one went near him he made such desperate 
 cuts at them, that it was found impossible to secure him 
 without first getting possession of his sword. Dr. Board- 
 man undertook to disarm the man, saying that it was 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 881 
 
 altogether a surgical operation and that he knew exactly 
 where to cut him to make him drop his weapon, and would 
 injure him very little. Cautiously approaching the des- 
 perate villain the doctor endeavored to cut him slightly 
 on the biceps muscle, but the miscreant defended himself 
 so vigorously that the surgeon, more expert with the lancet 
 than with the sword, could not reach him, till in an un- 
 guarded moment coming too near, the robber dealt him 
 a blow slicing off his elbow joint and the sword dropped 
 from his hand. The robber fairly shrieked at his success 
 and shouted, *'come on you carrajo Americanos," but the 
 Commodore determined to trifle no longer gave him a shot 
 through the head which terminated his career. 
 
 The doctor's wound was exceedingly painful, but after 
 binding it up as well as they could, the party proceeded 
 to Jalapa, leaving the dead robbers in the road, but care- 
 fully securing their horses, arms, and equipments. On 
 reporting this affair to the governor of Jalapa, soldiers 
 were sent to bring in the bodies for identification, while 
 the Commodore was told to keep the horses, as they were 
 prize of war ; so the animals, arms, and equipments, were 
 sold and netted seventy-five dollars prize money, which 
 was the first installment on that account, which he had 
 received since he entered the service of the Mexican re- 
 public. 
 
 After this affair was over it was remembered how anx- 
 ious the officer in command at Yera Cruz had been to get 
 the Commodore off, and the many excuses he made for 
 not furnishing a military escort, and it was plain that there 
 was some treachery at the bottom of it. The same night 
 a party of Mexicans coming into Jalapa, stated that seven 
 mounted men had been encountered at the junction of 
 the two roads, and after consultation three had taken one 
 road and four the other, and the two who were killed were 
 of the latter party. Had the whole seven gone on the 
 road the Commodore traveled, matters might have turned 
 out very differently. The latter hinted to the governor of 
 Jalapa that Santa Anna was at the bottom of the attack, 
 but whether this was the case or not, could never be ascer- 
 tained. No doubt the robbers were military men in dis- 
 guise, who had started in pursuit of the Commodore some 
 
382 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. \ 
 
 time after his leaving Vera Cruz, expecting to overtake 
 his party before it reached the diverging roads, in which 
 expectation being disappointed, there was nothing left 
 them but to divide their forces and assassinate him before 
 reaching Jalapa, where they knew he would take an 
 escort. 
 
 ISTo one could or would recognize the dead men, and no 
 inquiry into the circumstances of their death was made, 
 especially as it was known that the Commodore was hast- 
 ening to the capital, in obedience to orders. The life of 
 a man was not considered of much consequence at that 
 time, especially that of a robber. The party remained but 
 one day in Jalapa, and then continued their journey with a 
 strong escort. Dr. Boardman in a litter on account of his 
 wound, and reached the capital without farther adventure. 
 
 When the Commodore reported to the government in 
 obedience to his orders, he was much surprised to find 
 that he had not been sent for at all, and that the whole 
 afiair was an act of treachery, yet to be fathomed. The 
 authorities were equally surprised and annoyed at the 
 circumstances, as related by the Commodore, and pro- 
 mised to leave nothing undone to bring the perpetrators 
 to justice. But Mexico, at that time, was a safe place for 
 these marauders, who were to be found in every portion 
 of the country, as well in the cities, in the passes of the 
 Pinal, as in the tortuous roads of the Orizaba mountains, 
 and their retreats were as difficult to follow as the wind- 
 ings of the labyrinth of the minataur, from which Theseus 
 escaped by following the clue of a silken cord. 
 
 Whatever steps the government ever pursued to find 
 out the origin of this scheme of assassination, it is certain 
 that nothing was discovered, and the Commodore had 
 only the satisfaction of knowing, that some one was in 
 pursuit of his life, and that he would have to depend upon 
 his own vigilance and courage to protect it. After a 
 short sojourn in the city of Mexico, he returned to 
 Vera Cruz, where Santa Anna was the first to con- 
 gratulate him on his escape, and the swift retribution 
 he had dealt out to his assailants. Santa Anna also pre- 
 sented him with a splendid sabre, as a mark of esteem, 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 383 
 
 and was very active in the attempt to discover the instiga- 
 tors of the attack. However, in spite of all exertions, the 
 matter remains a mystery to this day. 
 
 Soon after this affair, the Commodore's son Thomas 
 was taken down with yellow fever, and after a painful ill- 
 ness, departed this life, to the great grief of his sorrowing 
 father, for this was his favorite child, in whom his heart 
 was wrapped up. He was a beautiful boy of eleven years 
 of age, full of promise. His other son had been sent 
 to the United States, to be educated, and his nephew 
 having been killed in the Guerrero, the Commodore was 
 left without a relative near him. His secretary, Mr. Law, 
 had also returned to the United States, leaving him with 
 few associates whom he cared for. The illusions, which 
 for a time had buoyed him up, were all dispelled one after 
 another, and he saw no hope of creating anything like a 
 permanent navy in Mexico. The government now owed 
 him twenty thousand dollars, which he saw no likelihood 
 of getting, except by taking grants of land of which he 
 was already the proprietor of a large tract on the isthmus 
 of Tehuantepec. He went to the isthmus with Senor 
 Tadeo Ortiz, and had his grant surveyed and the title 
 established and acknowledged, hoping that at some future 
 day it would be a fortune to his children. 
 
 In 1827, he thought he saw the necessity of an interoceanic 
 communication, and he was even then impressed with the 
 superior advantages of the Tehuantepec route, for a ship 
 canal, over all others. He says " any one looking at a map will 
 seethe advantage to the United States, of a ship canal at this 
 point, over all others, to bring our commerce within easy 
 reach of the Pacific coasts, without having to make the 
 dangerous and tedious passage around Cape Horn." It 
 was not for the benefit of the civilized world, that the 
 Commodore anticipated the day when a canal would be 
 opened, but for the commerce of the United States. " The 
 Guatzacualcos is but 700 miles from the mouth of the Miss- 
 issippi, which drains a country capable of supplying the 
 world with provisions. It is but 480 miles from our 
 Texan frontier, and must eventually fall into the Ameri- 
 can union. The gulf included between Florida and Yuca- 
 tan is, nine months of the year, as quiet as a lake, on which 
 
884 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 even our river steamers might safely voyage, and carry 
 the products of our country as far south as Valparaiso, 
 and as far north as Oregon ; and offering a voyage to sea 
 steamers and sailing vessels to China, of about half the 
 distance, "around the cape of Good Hope. These were 
 the advantages which the Commodore thought he saw in the 
 future, when our commerce should whiten every part of the 
 ocean. He knew that he should not live to see all this 
 realized, but expected that his immediate descendants 
 would. From a careful survey that he made of the bar of 
 the Gruatzacualcos, he ascertained that it had not changed 
 within the memory of man, and that the upper stratum 
 of the bottom, was composed of hard clay, which once 
 excavated would remain unchanged, and that an excava- 
 tion of only Rve hundred feet would be sufficient to make 
 a safe channel for the largest ships. 
 
 Surveys and scientific calculations have long since proved 
 the availability of this route for a ship canal, most of the 
 necessary excavation being over a level country, with but 
 a short distance through mountains, which supply sufficient 
 water to fill the canal. The proposed routes, via Panama, 
 San Juan river, and the Atrato are mainly for the benefit 
 of the world at large and would be of no advantage 
 to us, while the Tehuantepec route is almost within 
 our domain, and would serve more particularly for the 
 commerce of the United States, which could always control 
 it as it would be almost under our guns. These were 
 the reasons for locating his great grant of land on the 
 Guatzacualcos, where a ship crossing the bar, can carry 
 deep water within a short distance of Minatitlan, and 
 whose entrance offers as good a harbor as is to be found 
 on this continent. 
 
 The Commodore erected sawmills, on the Guatzacualcos, 
 for the purpose of getting out mahogany, and other valua- 
 ble woods, but having no time to give his personal attention 
 to these matters they produced no beneficial results. 
 
 The year 1829 came around, and General Jackson had 
 been inaugurated president, and with old Hickory Com- 
 modore Porter's friends again came into power. The 
 president elect was also his warm friend, and, satisfied of 
 the injustice of the court martial towards him, disapproved 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 385 
 
 of its sentence. He had himself been placed in a some- 
 what similar position when he took possession of Florida, 
 and could fully appreciate the motives which governed 
 Commodore Porter in his action at Foxardo. Jackson 
 had no sooner assumed the duties of president, than he 
 invited the Commodore through his friends to return to 
 the United States, assuring him that he should receive full 
 justice for all the wrongs done him by the late administra- 
 tion. 
 
 In reply to this invitation the Commodore made known 
 his situation, and the embarrassment he labored under 
 owing to the treachery of the Mexican government, and 
 the longing he felt to be once more under the protection 
 of his country's flag. At the same time he stated, that he 
 could never return until assured that he could be placed 
 in a position that would enable him to triumph over his 
 enemies, and be satisfied that he received it with the 
 approbation of the American people. 
 
 To show the feelings which animated President Jack- 
 son, in regard to the Commodore, we insert the following 
 letter from the Honorable Mahlon Dickerson, afterwards 
 secretary of the navy. 
 
 Suckasunny, Morris Co., New Jersey, March 30, 1829. 
 
 Dear Sir : Soon after General Jackson's arrival at Washington, 
 I put into his hand a copy of your letter to me, of December last, on 
 the reading of which, as I am informed, he was much agitated. I 
 also wrote to him my sentiments, and views upon the subject at his 
 request. 
 
 In consequence of the immense press upon him, I was not able to 
 have any conversation in private with him till the 17th instant, 
 when I dined with him and was with him alone for an hour or more. 
 After having expressed the highest respect for your character and 
 services, and his utter detestation of the persecution that drove you 
 into exile, he authorized me to say to you, that it would afford him 
 the highest satisfaction to see you again in this country, and that 
 should you return he would as soon as circumstances would permit, 
 provide for you in some way agreeably to yourself. 
 
 You must be aware that he has no power to recall any person 
 that has left the country, and it is possible there may be some diffi- 
 culties as to citizenship which he as well as congress will be dis- 
 posed to remove as soon as possible. How far you have expatriated 
 49 
 
386 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 yourself I do not know. Lafayette and other French officers who 
 served in our revolutionary war, never lost any of their rights as 
 subjects of the king of France. 
 
 The sooner you arrive here, the sooner you will be in a situation 
 to please you. Of the cabinet, Eaton you know is your devoted 
 friend, Van Buren is equally attached to you, and Ingham, Branch 
 and Berrian are friendly to you ; but none of them more attached to 
 you than the president himself. Everything here promises you the 
 most favorable reception, and I hope that as soon as your convenience 
 will permit, we may have the pleasure of seeing you among us. 
 I am with great respect and esteem 
 Sincerly yours, 
 
 Mahlon Dickerson. 
 Commodore David Porter, 
 
 Of the Mexican Navy, Vera Cruz. 
 
 This letter was both consoling and flattering to the 
 Commodore, for he felt that he could now openly express 
 his feelings towards the Mexican government. His rela- 
 tions with them had been growing worse and worse for 
 some time past, for finding that the Commodore could not 
 be made use of to further their political schemes, the men 
 in power did everything they possibly could to annoy him. 
 His subordinates at Vera Cruz were directed to disregard 
 his orders, his letters in relation to public matters were 
 unnoticed, and he saw plainly that the government not only 
 wanted to get rid of him but to defraud him of the pay and 
 prize money still due, amounting to about $40,000. 
 
 Commodore Porter had long seen the uselessness of try- 
 ing to infuse sentiments of true patriotism into the hearts 
 of these people. In vain did he attempt to show them, 
 that with a few clipper vessels built in the United States, 
 they could destroy the commerce of Cuba and soon force 
 the Spaniards to acknowledge their independence. He 
 tried to bring about a union of the Mexican and Columbian 
 navies, promising if he could have command of the com- 
 bined force to sweep the Spaniards from the Gulf of 
 Mexico. The Mexicans listened favorably to this project, 
 but the Columbians finding that the former people intended 
 to saddle them with all the expense, broke oflF negotiations 
 and would have nothing more to do with the plan. As a 
 last resort, the Commodore made a proposition to the 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 387 
 
 Mexican government to destroy the Spanish fleet in the 
 Havana. An enterprising American had volunteered to 
 blow up every vessel in the harbor for the sum of $150,000. 
 His scheme was to run into port in a schooner bearing 
 American colors in distress, and operate at night by means 
 of torpedoes. The Commodore, after carefully examining 
 the plans, felt satisfied that they could be successfully carried 
 out. A similar plan of torpedoes invented by Fulton 
 had been approved by the navy commissioners when the 
 Commodore was a member of the board, and was supposed 
 to be a profound secret in that office. As to the atrocity 
 of sending hundreds of people to their final account, in 
 such a summary manner, it may be remarked that the trae 
 policy is to make war as destructive as possible while it 
 lasts. 
 
 In the majority of cases war is forced upon a people for 
 the purpose of impeding their advancement, or to gain some 
 advantage to which the aggressors have no right. It is 
 undertaken by the powerful and arrogant, against their 
 weaker neighbors, who not having the naval and military 
 resources of their enemy at command, must resort to such 
 methods as offisr themselves to punish an unscrupulous foe. 
 The pistol places the feeble stripling on a level with the 
 burly bully, and in like manner the torpedo places an in- 
 significant country on an equality with France or England. 
 We who suffered so much by means of infernal machines 
 during our civil war, have learned to regard them as im- 
 portant adjuncts, and are no longer influenced by humani- 
 tarian notions in regard to their use, and it will be found, 
 in the future, that torpedoes will have greater influence in 
 preserving peace between nations, than all the exertions of 
 the most skillful diplomatists. 
 
 The idea of blowing up the Spaniards by wholesale 
 pleased the Mexicans mightily, but they could by no means 
 understand the machine which was to effect such results, 
 or comprehend the hardihood of a man who should dare to 
 place it under a ship's bottom. They concluded therefore, 
 that the plan was merely a trick to extort money, although 
 the inventor asked for nothing until he had destroyed three 
 frigates, which he was willing to risk his life in attempt- 
 ing. But no logic could induce the Mexicans to invest 
 
388 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 §150,000 in such pyrotechnics, they preferred spending 
 their money in fire works for festivals, or keeping it where 
 it would inure to their own personal benefit. The scheme 
 was abandoned, not because they did not desire to see the 
 enemy humbled, but because they determined to give no 
 more money towards the navy. They still considered the 
 capture of the Guerrero a dead loss, never for a moment 
 considering the sentiment of national honor or the renown 
 gained to the nation by so gallant a defense. 
 
 The Spaniards had threatened to blockade the coasts of 
 the Gulf of Mexico, and Commodore Porter prepared a 
 number of large lighters, pulling twenty oars each, 
 and mounting a long heavy eighteen pounder. These 
 were intended to act as gunboats, to annoy the enemy in 
 case he should get becalmed in shore; but the govern- 
 ment even refused money for this purpose, and it was 
 evident that the Mexican rulers were dead to every senti- 
 ment of national pride, and it was probable that Spanish 
 influence still prevailed in the higher and influential circles 
 of the capital. 
 
 There were now but two or three American officers remain- 
 ing in the Mexican navy, the vessels for want of means to 
 repair them lay moored to the castle of San Juan de Ulloa, 
 lookhig like a lot of decayed hulks, in fact not dissimilar 
 from the appearance they presented when the Commodore 
 first took command. He had done his best to infuse 
 some vitality into the navy, but all his energy could not 
 save it from destruction. 
 
 In one respect the Mexicans very much resemble the 
 Turks. When they want to get rid of a person in their 
 employ, they treat him with marked politeness, while at 
 the same time they are cutting off his pecuniary resources 
 and depriving him of all authority over his subordinates. 
 Commodore Porter soon found himself without pay, and 
 had to depend upon some merchant friends in Vera Cruz 
 for the means of subsistence. He took a house in the city, 
 and his occupation ceased altogether, for he had scarcely a 
 shadow of authority. He had been living on shore about 
 a month, when one night he was awakened by a noise at 
 the door, of an apartment adjoining his sleeping room, and 
 a moment afterwards the door was cautiously opened. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 389 
 
 and some cue stole into the chamber. The Commodore 
 seized his sword which stood at his bedside, and ad- 
 vancing in the dark to the middle of the room, called out 
 " who is there?" There was no answer but at the same 
 moment he heard a deep breathing, which seemed to pro- 
 ceed from beneath a centre table covered with a large 
 cloth, and hearing no reply to a second summons, he 
 thrust his sword under the table and into the body of his 
 nocturnal visitor, who immediately rose up, overturning 
 the table and grappled his assailant. The Commodore 
 however, gave the assassin a cut over the head, and he fell 
 weltering in his blood. At this instant, another person 
 rushed at the Commodore, striking at him with a knife and 
 cutting his wrapper a foot down, but fortunately, the gar- 
 ment was padded with cotton and the knife did not pene- 
 trate to the flesh. The second assassin, foiled in his design, 
 jumped through a glass door carrying with him all the 
 frame, and escaped from the house. The servants, hearing 
 the uproar, rushed to the scene, where they found the 
 Commodore standing over the prostrate form of a herculean 
 negro, whose blood was running all over the floor. The 
 negro was too far gone to give any account of himself, 
 but only said " I was told to do it, it wasn't my fault," 
 and being carried to the hospital died a day or two after- 
 wards. The other assassin was never captured, although 
 the wounds in his face, received by jumping through the 
 glass door, would have easily identified him. Whatever 
 the cause of this attack, Commodore Porter's friends as- 
 sured him that Mexico was not a safe place for him to 
 reside in, and after staying long enough to satisfy his ene- 
 mies that he was not driven away by fear, he took passage 
 for the United States in 1829. 
 
 He addressed a letter to the Mexican government, send- 
 ing in his resignation, which was accepted with a profu- 
 sion of regrets, but when he demanded his pay and prize 
 money, they promised him that the amount should be 
 forthcoming as soon as the government should be in funds, 
 which, unfortunately for their creditors, never happened 
 to be the case. It was without regret that he left Mexico, 
 where some of his fondest hopes lie buried, where the 
 climate of the coast had made great inroads upon his con- 
 
390 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 stitution, and where he felt that the enmity of the Ameri- 
 can administration still followed him. 
 
 It was hinted to him, on several occasions, that the 
 Mexican minister at Washington, anxious to preserve 
 pleasant relations with the government to which he was 
 accredited, had expressed himself to his own government 
 unfavorably towards retaining the Commodore in the 
 Mexican navy, on the ground that the United States go- 
 vernment did not consider it a friendly act to employ an 
 officer -^ho had been sentenced by court martial for a vio- 
 lation of Spanish neutrality; that his retention might 
 seriously complicate the relations between the two coun- 
 tries, and that they should find means to relieve themselves 
 of the only obstacle to a good understanding between 
 Mexico and the United States. 
 
 If these reports were untrue, they at least looked very 
 plausible, and the Mexican government laid itself open to 
 the charge of having acted in a treacherous manner to- 
 wards a gallant officer, whom they had invited, under the 
 most illusory promises, to enter their service, only to get 
 rid of him the moment he stood in their way with another 
 government. It was, however, fortunate for Commodore 
 Porter that matters happened as they did, for had he re- 
 mained in the Mexican service for a few years longer, his 
 fate might have become inevitably fixed with a people, 
 with whom he could never have held any very intimate 
 associations, and he would have been deprived of the 
 satisfaction which awaited him on his return to the United 
 States, under the administration of President Jackson. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 391 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 illE career of Commodore Porter had been check- 
 ered, but he never felt such lowness of spirits as when he 
 returned home from Mexico, in October, 1829, broken 
 down in health and fortune. 
 
 Fortunately, adversity often throws us upon the gene- 
 rosity and magnanimity of the successful, and though once 
 placed under the ban of executive power, and suiFering its 
 persecution, the Commodore was about to be relieved from 
 that pressure which had pursued him abroad, and secure 
 a triumph which would make amends for all the incon- 
 venience to which he had been put. Under the impres- 
 sion, occasioned by the letters he had received, Commodore 
 Porter turned to the new administration with perfect con- 
 fidence. Besides the president, several members of the 
 cabinet, including Judge Branch, were his strong friends, 
 and Mr. Mahlon Dickerson, who was one of the president's 
 most intimate friends, was warmly interested in the Com- 
 modore's affairs, and kept his case constantly within the 
 notice of the executive. 
 
 Immediately on his arrival in Washington, Commodore 
 Porter called on the president, who offered him ^personally, 
 as he had before offered through his friends, to nominate 
 him to the senate to fill his old position in the navy. 
 "Thank you kindly, sir," said the Commodore, "beggars 
 should not be choosers, but I would rather dig than asso- 
 ciate with the men who sentenced me for upholding the 
 honor of the flag." "Right, by the eternal," said old 
 Hickory, "you shall not either if I can help it, I wouldn't 
 associate with them myself." The president said he must 
 take time to think over the matter, while the Commodore 
 returned to his home in Chester, trusting to Jackson's 
 liberality to do for him what he thought best. The follow- 
 ing letter to Judge Branch will show the Commodore's 
 feelings on the subject: 
 
392 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Chester, Pa., Oct. 27tli, 1829. 
 
 My Dear Sir : Your highly esteemed favor of the 23d, has this 
 day been received. Permit me to repeat to you assurances of the 
 most lively gratitude for the interest, from the beginning of my 
 troubles up to this period, which you have manifested in my con- 
 cerns, and to assure you that nothing can ever obliterate the recol- 
 lection of it from my memory. 
 
 Permit me to assure you also, that I have the utmost confidence 
 in the good and kind intentions of the president and cabinet towards 
 me, and that not a doubt exists in my mind, that in due time he 
 will do for me all that is right and proper, and that which his own 
 honor and mine require. I have not the slightest objection to his 
 taking his own time about it, and indeed prefer that there should 
 be no haste in the matter, as I am desirous that he should be as 
 much influenced by public sentiment as by his own good feelings 
 towards me. 
 
 I have been extremely cautious in not communicating anything 
 respecting this reparation, except to my father-in-law and another 
 very confidential friend, and to both under the most solemn injunc- 
 tions of secrecy. It is not possible that the public can obtain any 
 knowledge of it, except from head quarters. I am aware of the im- 
 portance of keeping the offers made to me close, and the handle 
 which would be made of them if generally known , To no one but 
 yourself have I ever expressed my feelings on this subject, and on 
 reflection I think I have expressed no more than circumstances war- 
 ranted; considering the kindness which induced the ofl'er. 
 
 My intention is to remain here perfectly quiet, until I am called 
 from my retirement by some official appointment. A visit to Wash- 
 ington during the session would be extremely agreeable to me, as I 
 am desirous of thanking, in person, the many friends who have in- 
 terested themselves in my favor ; but I fear that wrong motives 
 would be ascribed to such visit, and the obtaining of an appoint- 
 ment attributed by those opposed to the administration, more to my 
 own importunities than to a predisposition to serve me. To speak 
 frankly, I think it will be more to the honor of the administration 
 to provide suitably for me, without my appearing to make a single 
 effort to prevail over it to do so. This idea, which I hope you will 
 coincide with, has influenced every part of my conduct since my re- 
 turn from Mexico. It caused me to leave Washington, so soon after 
 I had delivered the dispatches intrusted to me as possible ; it has 
 kept me tied down to this village, and induced me to decline the 
 acceptance of every invitation of a public nature in my power to 
 avoid, for fear it might be thought I had wished to excite public 
 feeling. I shall endeavor, however, to see you as soon as possible, 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 393 
 
 and shall not be happy until I have an opportunity of taking you by 
 the hand. Mrs. Porter desires me to present to you her best re- 
 gards, accept mine, and believe me most truly and sincerely, 
 
 Yours, D. Porter. 
 Honorable John Branch, Secretary of the Navy, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 A short time after this, the president proposed to make 
 Commodore Porter governor of the naval asylum, with 
 the highest pay, but this would have required a special 
 act of congress, and would have brought him in con- 
 tact with naval administration, to which under no cir- 
 cumstances would he consent, although the position would 
 otherwise have been a very desirable one. He also de- 
 clined the appointment of marshal of the District of Colum- 
 bia, and refused a collectorship on the ground that he did 
 not desire to hold an office inferior to that he had occupied 
 in the navy; but the following letter will explain his views 
 on this subject: 
 
 Chester, Oct. 10th, 1829. 
 
 My Bear Sir: I received, in Baltimore, your esteemed favor 
 of the 5th, communicating to me the offer of the president to give 
 me, for the present, my choice of the office of marshal of the District 
 of Columbia, or the navy agency at Gibraltar, and as I have but > 
 few moments before the departure of the mail, I must be much 
 briefer in explaining myself, than I should have been under other 
 circumstances. 
 
 In the first place, I must beg you to assure the president of my 
 entire confidence in his sincere intention to serve me, and of my 
 entire gratitude for the same, and would most cheerfully accept of 
 any situation which he might think a proper one for me, were my 
 interests alone concerned ; but having a good deal of the pride of feel- 
 ing, which has been deeply wounded, my first desire is that it should 
 be gratified regardless of pecuniary considerations. 
 
 The navy agency at Gibraltar, were I a commercial man and could 
 connect commerce with the agency, would be highly desirable, but 
 as I have no knowledge of commerce and no desire or capital to em- 
 bark in it, the agency would neither gratify my pride nor afford a sup- 
 port for my family. The appointment of marshal is still more 
 unsuitable for me, for were the income unlimited in its amount, I 
 could never reconcile it to myself to be under the necessity of draw- 
 ing my support from the misery of others. Therefore, this is an 
 50 
 
394 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 ofl&ce that cannot be thought of with any other feelings than those 
 of the most painful kind. 
 
 In order that the president may understand distinctly, what would 
 be agreeable to me, and therefore be relieved from the trouble and 
 anxiety he feels on my account, I beg you to say to him, that I want 
 him to place me before the nation, and the world in a prominent 
 office, not inferior in point of respectability to those I have volun- 
 tarily resigned, the one in the navy of the United States, the other 
 in that of Mexico. I want an office of honor and trust, and a salary 
 not dependent on any contingency. The amount of salary is not of 
 consequence to me, for whatever it may be I will contrive to live on it. 
 
 For the present, and to produce a suitable effect on the people of 
 the United States, as well as on my political opponents in Mexico, 
 I beg leave to suggest that sending me to that republic in any public 
 character, with or without outfit or salary, if it were only for one 
 month or one week, would be the most gratifying thing the presi- 
 dent could do for me and my family. 
 
 Mr. Poinsett and the whole legation are, I understand, to be re- 
 moved, a ship is to sail immediately to bring them home, if any 
 difficulty prevents my taking his place and rank, cannot I be sent 
 in the character of charge, until another minister is sent ? Some 
 one will be required to bear the dispatches, will not I do as well as 
 another, and cannot I remain if it is necessary I should remain ? 
 This is the height of my ambition, and to be thought worthy of be- 
 ing intrusted with the interests of this country, after all that has 
 been done and said against me, will amply compensate me for all 
 my sufferings. 
 
 I have been but forty-eight hours with my family for nearly four 
 years, and yet, dearly as I love them and dearly as they love me, I 
 am willing to leave this country at one hour's notice, for Mexico ; 
 and if I can be there under its protection one week, I shall be fully 
 contented for the remainder of my life to endure penury. 
 
 Ask, I beg you, the president to excuse me for this suggestion, 
 and to make allowance for those who have drank deeply of the cup 
 of misery, and to grant to me a favor that 1 hope may not prove in- 
 convenient. With sentiments of the greatest respect, I remain, 
 truly and sincerely yours, D. Porter. 
 
 Honorable John Branch, Secretary of the Navy. 
 
 Some appointment was necessary to enable the Commo- 
 dore to support his family, and finally President Jackson 
 appointed him consul general to Algiers, on the 18th of 
 March, 1830, a position that was altogether agreeable to 
 him. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 395 
 
 The Commodore was evidently very desirous to return 
 to Mexic9, i^ some official capacity, under the United 
 States government. It must be confessed, that he had a 
 feelingof animosity against the government thathad treated 
 him so badly. He desired to triumph over his enemies, 
 even at the expense of his own comfort, and had in him 
 that spirit of resistance that nothing could quell. Fortun- 
 ately, there was no opening for him in that direction, for 
 though Mr. Poinsett was anxious to retire from a post 
 where he had met with so many annoyances, he determined 
 to remain until he taught the Mexicans to respect the 
 United States flag, which he finally did. 
 
 The Commodore would indeed have been pleased to lead 
 a fleet against Vera Cruz, and batter down its walls, and 
 nothing would have gratified him more, than to have lived 
 to see Mexico humbled to the dust by the Americans. 
 
 His fortunes were now completely wrecked, so that he 
 was rendered supremely happy by the appointment of 
 consul general, and lost no time in repairing to his post, 
 taking passage in the sloop-of-war Boston, commanded by 
 an old friend. Captain Storer. 
 
 In July or August, 1830, the Boston reached Port Mahon, 
 where Commodore Porter met the American squadron, 
 under Commodore Biddle, in which were many of his old 
 associates with whom he kept up the most amicable relations, 
 but he would accept of none of Biddle's proffered hospi- 
 tality, adhering to his resolution not to associate with any 
 of those who had been instrumental in driving him from 
 the navy. However, Commodore Biddle behaved very well 
 on this occasion, seeming desirous to do away with any 
 ill feeling. He placed the Boston at the Commodore's dis- 
 posal, with the privilege of taking her where he pleased, 
 and keeping her as long as he thought necessary. Commo- 
 dore Biddle also showed his kindness, in protecting the 
 Commodore's son. Midshipman Porter, from the arbitrary 
 conduct of the latter's commanding officer, who had tried 
 to prevent the midshipman from receiving his warrant, 
 ostensibly because he had played a practical joke upon the 
 schoolmaster, the real motive being the failure of the said 
 midshipman to pick up the worthy captain's cocked hat, 
 which was dropped overboard on the return of the latter 
 
396 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 from a dinner party, and never missed until the boat got 
 alongside ! 
 
 Commodore Porter arrived at Algiers on the Slst of 
 August, 1830, and not finding the person there, whom he 
 was sent to relieve, he left for Tunis to avoid a vexatious 
 quarantine, with the intention of visiting all the consular 
 posts in the Barbary States, as they were dependencies on 
 his consul generalship. 
 
 In the meantime, France had made war on Algiers, 
 and captured the place, and there was no longer any ne- 
 cessity of keeping a government representative there. As 
 soon as this was known to President Jackson, who never 
 forgot a promise or a friend, he had the office of charge 
 d'affaires to Turkey established by act of congress, and 
 on the 15th of April, 1831, Commodore Porter was com- 
 missioned to fill the place. Commodore Biddle imme- 
 diately sent the sloop of war, John Adams, Captain 
 Yoorhees, to take him to Constantinople. 
 
 The following letter, from Commodore Porter, will give 
 an insight into the history of those times, and we there- 
 fore deem it worthy of insertion : 
 
 Port Mahon, November 26, 1830. 
 My Dear Friend : after visiting Gibraltar, this place, Algiers, 
 Tunis, Naples and Leghorn, I have returned here to pass the winter, 
 unless otherwise ordered or unless I go to Tunis. Of course you 
 know the fate of Algiers. From the circumstances which have since 
 transpired, there cannot be a doubt that the city was sold to the 
 French by the dey, Hussien Pasha; and that the price of it was the 
 two millions of dollars and an immense amount of jewels and other 
 valuable articles, which he was allowed to take away with him. The 
 fact is, that he had, ever since the death of Alii Kogia, shut himself 
 up in the fortified palace of Casauba, with his treasure, where he was 
 literally a prisoner longing for his liberty, for he dare not leave the 
 place for fear of being put to death. The arrival of the French and 
 delivery of the city to them produced his release. He was permitted 
 to take with him whatever he called his own, and a frigate was sent 
 with him, his treasures, his family and connections amounting to two 
 hundred men and women, when he was landed with all the honors 
 of a prince. He applied for a passage in the U. S. sloop-of-war, 
 Boston, to Leghorn, which of course was refused. I afterwards saw 
 him in the street in Leghorn, where he has formed a connection with 
 some Jews, one of whom is Bonsenac of the firm of Boncara and 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 397 
 
 Bonsenac, who made the contract with Bonaparte in Egypt, for sup- 
 plies for the troops, and which has been the principal cause of, or 
 pretext for, the difficulties between the dey and France. 
 
 The dey intends, he says, to establish at Leghorn, a banking 
 house, and as there are 12000 Jews in that place, enjoying in all 
 respects the rights of Christians, and. who have the management of 
 all the money concerns of Italy, and particularly Tuscany, he will 
 no doubt do well. But the meanness and cupidity of the wretch 
 are beyond all bounds, for it is said and believed that he has 
 declared his intention of applying to the French government for a 
 pension. 
 
 He attempts to keep up the state and pretensions of a prince, 
 but from what I can see I am of the opinion that were it not for 
 his enormous wealth, he must be considered little better than a ped- 
 ler. At Naples he shook off about 50 persons of his tail, as the 
 highlander in Waverly calls it, and left that place for Leghorn with 
 the rest in a steamboat, after jewing the captain down to ten dollars 
 for each person, white, brown and black. He had a motley set of 
 cut-throat vagabonds about him. It is said about forty more were 
 to be shaken off at Leghorn. 
 
 Bonsenac says that in one case, which was too large to be taken 
 into the door of the dey's house near Leghorn, and which conse- 
 quently had to be broken to take out the contents, he saw guns, 
 pistols and swords, covered with gold and studded with diamonds 
 and other precious stones, to the amount of at least $200,000. He 
 says he does not know what the dey is worth, nor does the dey 
 know himself; but from what he has seen, he is induced to believe 
 that he is the richest private individual in the world. This is cer- 
 tain, the French could only remit to Toulon from Algiers, the 
 comparatively small amount of sixteen millions of dollars out of one 
 hundred and fifty millions, which were known to have been not long 
 before in the treasury. That there has been great plundering, and that 
 chiefly by the dey and the party faithful to him, there is not a doubt ; 
 and it is equally certain that he had long been preparing himself to 
 remove with his wealth. The French have instituted an inquiry 
 into this matter, and have, I understand, acquitted Marshal Beau- 
 mont, who was suspected of applying part of it to his own use. 
 
 The French appear somewhat at a loss what to do with Algiers. 
 They do not occupy one foot of territory beyond the reach of their 
 shot, yet they are about forming what they call an agricultural 
 society, and offer to make large grants in the interior, to such as are 
 disposed to settle there, hoping thereby to induce the Swiss to emi- 
 grate, and interpose a barrier of armed peasantry between the French 
 troops and the Arabs who wofully annoy them. At the expiration 
 
398 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 of four years, if tlie occupant wishes to retain his land, for which 
 time he has the use of it gratis, it will be sold to him at the rate of 
 five francs an arpent. This looks like selling the skin before the 
 bear is killed ! 
 
 The expedition has cost France a vast deal of money, more than 
 she found in the treasury, and she is compelled now to resort to 
 every means of remunerating herself. Among other things, she 
 is about forming a company, somewhat similar to the British East 
 India Company, to occupy the eastern part of the regency. Every- 
 thing in fact indicates a disposition to hold on to what they have 
 got, and to make the most of it, and I am of opinion that this origi- 
 nated in their disappointment about the treasure. Bona, which was" 
 given up by its bey, is now occupied by the French. They are 
 widening the streets of Algiers, numbering the houses, and they 
 have reduced the garrison to five thousand troops, but say they in- 
 tend extending their conquests in the spring. I not only think 
 they will not, but I think they cannot. 
 
 They speak of sending forces to occupy Tunis and Tripoli. They 
 have already taken advantage of the panic, which the capture of 
 Algiers produced, and have extorted from Tripoli a large amount 
 of money. They have compelled the bey of Tunis to submit to a 
 most onerous treaty, and have paved the way for great opposition to 
 any military operations that may be set on foot, in either of those 
 regencies. If the French occupy Tunis or Tripoli, they will only 
 occupy their ruins. Their princes are native Moors. They are not 
 prisoners in their own castles, but have their extensive regencies 
 open to them, to any part of which they can retire, and will, if it 
 becomes necessary, retire with their treasures, families and people, 
 when opposition can no longer avail. When combined Europe 
 could not prevail over Saladin, what can France alone expect or 
 hope for, when opposed by the combined efforts of the princes and 
 sheiks of Africa ? Hussein Pasha was a Turk, and as such, was 
 hated by the Moors of Algiers, yet great efforts were made to oppose 
 the invaders, not on his account, but on account of their religion . 
 What progress has France made in this conquest? Now Algiers 
 was sold to her, and it is unsafe for a Frenchman to go outside the 
 walls. What then must the French expect if they assail Tunis and 
 Tripoli ? A war of extermination carried on by bigoted Arabs, led 
 on by native princes. 
 
 I have given you this long and tolerably detailed account of facts 
 and my opinions, in the hope that it might amuse you and your 
 friends, I have drawn it up in great haste, and as I write a 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 399 
 
 very cramped hand, I leave you to make it out for them the best 
 way you can. 
 
 With my best respects for every member of your family, and a 
 kiss for my little namesake, accept assurances of my great esteem. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 David Porter. 
 J. P. McCorkle, Esq. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 xN August 1831, Commodore Porter proceeded to his 
 new post of duty. A passage was granted to the U. S. 
 ship, John Adams, in which he had embarked, to pass up 
 the Dardanelles without dismounting her guns, a favor 
 which at that time was seldom granted to foreign vessels 
 of war. The Turkish authorities at first insisted that the 
 John Adams should not be exempted from the operation 
 of this rule, but the Commodore would not agree to Cap- 
 tain Yoorhees committing so humiliating an act, for he 
 would never consent to see the American flag treated with 
 less respect than that of the most favored nation. While 
 waiting the decision of the Turks, the Commodore im- 
 proved the time in visiting the site of the ancient Troy, 
 the forts of the Dardanelles, and in cultivating the ac- 
 quaintance of the Turkish authorities, until the governor 
 of the forts informed him that a firman had been issued, 
 to permit the ship to pass up. The Turks were much 
 struck with the beautiful sloop of war, and as the sultan 
 was at that time building up a navy, he was desirous of 
 personally inspecting her at Constantinople. 
 
 Mahmoud was a liberal and enlightened monarch, and 
 particularly interested in all improvements in naval archi- 
 tecture, and his making an exception in favor of the John 
 Adams created quite an excitement among the diplomatic 
 
400 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 representatives in Turkey, who all wrote voluminous dis- 
 patches to their respective governments on the occasion, 
 but the sultan, determined to have his own way in the 
 matter, did not even heed the remonstrances of the grand 
 vizier, who looked upon the whole transaction as a fearful 
 breach of diplomatic etiquette. At that time, it was not 
 customary for a simple charge d' affaires to be received by 
 the sultan, but the Commodore determined that the Turks 
 should recognize the representative of the United States, 
 with as much form as they did the ministers of the three 
 great European powers, and he accordingly made such re- 
 presentations to the porte, through the dragoman, that 
 Mahmoud consented to receive him, informally but not 
 officially; the Turkish government only recognize the 
 high rank of minister as entitled to a public reception at 
 the hands of the sultan, and only considered that a foreign 
 government paid it a high compliment by accrediting a full 
 minister to the porte. The Commodore was therefore 
 obliged to be satisfied with being received in this informal 
 way, as it would have been a great breach of diplomatic 
 etiquette to receive a charge d'affaires in any other manner, 
 or on an equality with a minister. 
 
 All official business of a foreign representative with the 
 porte, is conducted through a dragoman, and the person 
 who then filled this important office under Commodore 
 Porter, was Mr. William B. Hodgson of Virginia, who had 
 the reputation of being an accomplished linguist, and 
 therefore well qualified for the position of interpreter. 
 There was also another official attached to the legation, 
 Mr. Ascaroglou, an Armenian, whose duty it was to inter- 
 pret Mr. Hodgson's interpretation to the interpreter of 
 the grand vizier ! In fact, so many forms had to be gone 
 through, that by the time the words finally reached the 
 minister, their meaning was quite changed in passing 
 from one language to another. Besides, the dragoman 
 and the interpreter, the Commodore's nephew, Mr. George 
 Porter, was attached to the legation as secretary, together 
 with two cavasses, old janissaries who had escaped the 
 massacre. These latter individuals were furnished by the 
 porte, to hold communication with the American repre- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 401 
 
 Bentative, and to precede him and the dragoman whenever 
 they went abroad. 
 
 The Commodore was appalled at learning what a multi- 
 tude of forms had to be gone through with, before he 
 could speak in the presence of his celestial majesty. Di- 
 plomacy was an art in which he had received no instruc- 
 tion, and judging from the objections he made to genuflec- 
 tions and other necessary formalities, he was about to prove 
 himself a very unapt scholar, but he finally consented to 
 take instructions from Mr. Ascaroglou, as to how he 
 should enter, and how retire from the sublime presence. 
 
 The Armenians are the greatest adepts in diplomacy of 
 any people in Turkey, and Ascaroglou was the Turveydrop 
 of his race. He knew to a fraction, just how near to 
 bring his forehead to the ground on every occasion of 
 ceremony. In the presence of the sultan he would bump 
 his head against the floor, with force enough to knock an 
 ordinary man's brains out ; to the grand vizier he would 
 not strike it quite so hard ; to the other ministers he 
 would drop on one knee, bow his head and cross his hands 
 over his breast; to the next in grade his salute was a low 
 salaam, his hand on his forehead, to the next below a 
 rather familiar salaam and a smile ; while to persons of 
 his own rank you could see nothing but the twitching of 
 his long ears which moved to show that he recognized 
 their existence, but would die sooner than make the first 
 advances. However should one of his equals salute him 
 first, he received in return a condescending salaam, and the 
 expression of a hope *'that it might never rain upon his 
 grave." Mr. Ascaroglou, then, was an authority that the 
 charge d'afiaires could not dispute, especially when backed 
 by the dragoman, Mr. Hodgson, who though but recently 
 arrived in Turkey professed to know all about the diplo- 
 matic customs. 
 
 The Commodore did not mind so much having to make 
 a salaam in going into the mighty presence, but the idea 
 of walking backwards to the door with his eyes fixed upon 
 the ground he thought was a little too much ! he had 
 never backed out of anything yet, and he thought it unbe- 
 coming an American citizen to follow sucli practices. So 
 while taking his instructions in regard to the manner of 
 51 
 
402 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 proceeding, he determined in his own mind to do pretty 
 much as he thought proper. 
 
 On the appointed day, the charge d'affaires and his suite 
 repaired to the imperial palace, on the banks of the Bos- 
 phorus, where the sultan was to meet the American repre- 
 sentative. His majesty came in a magnificent caique, 
 covered with carving and gilding, and pulled by twenty- 
 four heculean Greeks. When the sultan landed, the Com- 
 modore and his attendants, though close to the Turks, 
 were unnoticed bj^ the latter, who considered the Christians 
 highly honored by being allowed to look upon the mighty 
 potentate, whose nod could deprive the highest of his 
 subjects of their lives and property. 
 
 The sultan did not compel the Americans to wait long. 
 Refreshments were served them in an ante room, followed 
 by pipes and coffee. The pipe stems were of jasmine, and 
 the pipes and coffee cup holders were studded with dia- 
 monds. As to the coffee, it was such as only the Turks 
 can prepare. After enjoying these luxuries, the Commo- 
 dore and party were usher.ed into the reception saloon, a 
 beautiful apartment decorated in the most elaborate oriental 
 style, where the sultan, surrounded by his high dignitaries, 
 gave them audience. The sultan kept his seat according 
 to custom, but motioned the Commodore to a chair by his 
 side, which was immediately occupied by the American 
 representative, in the same manner as if he had been call- 
 ing on the president of the United States, leaving Mr. 
 Ascaroglou to bow to the ground as often as suited him, 
 which he accordingly did a sufficient number of times to 
 satisfy even Turkish etiquette, meanwhile all the others 
 remained standing. The interview was short, as these 
 audiences generally are, the sultan wished his guest happi- 
 ness and prosperity, paid some compliments to the United 
 States, made some inquiries about the navj, and informed 
 the Commodore that he would send a constructor on board 
 the John Adams to take the ship's lines, etc. 
 
 The papers accrediting Commodore Porter charge d' 
 affaires were then handed to the sultan's principal drago- 
 man, and after a short conversation on general topics the 
 sultan rose and the Commodore and party backed out in 
 very good style from the imperial presence, the Commodore 
 bowing and the rest making the Turkish salaam. 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 403 
 
 During the first few years of his residence in Turkey, 
 Commodore Porter occupied a modest house in Pera, a 
 suburb of Constantinople, in great contrast to the residences 
 of the representatives of the great European powers, which 
 were gorgeous palaces kept up in a princely style. At his 
 house he received all Americans, visiting Constantinople, 
 with great hospitality, and afforded them so many facili- 
 ties of various kinds that everybody left with the kindest 
 feelings towards him. This is not always the case with 
 our ministers abroad, who apparently forget what they are 
 sent for, and sometimes disgust their countrymen by treat- 
 ing them with indifference, only attending to the wants 
 of those who, from their strong influence at home, might 
 make trouble for the representative in case he neglected 
 their interests. 
 
 At the time of which we write, the great summer resort 
 for the corps diplomatique was Bayukderi on the Bos- 
 phorus, six miles from the Black sea, where the breeze from 
 the north neutralized what would otherwise have been the 
 intense heat of the climate. Here the foreign ministers 
 lived in elegant style, and owned handsome caiques in 
 which they skimmed over the waters of the Bosphorus. 
 The Commodore had sufficient occupation for a year or 
 two in becoming acquainted with the mysteries of 
 diplomacy, which, in the opinion of these ministers, was 
 the most important subject with which the human intellect 
 could grapple, and not a man of them would have deviated 
 a hair's breadth, from the prescribed rules of the Turkish 
 court, even in a case of life and death. He, however, de- 
 rived more pleasure from visiting the little villages of 
 Madsciar, Kallessi and Umur Keni, and in climbing 
 Yash-a-dagh (the Giant's mountain), than from the society 
 of diplomatists who were apparently animated solely by a 
 desire to live in the smiles of the sultan, and who, for the 
 honor of an audience, would salaam to the earth an un- 
 limited number of times. 
 
 Shortly after the Commodore had delivered his creden- 
 tials, he was riding through Tersaneh (the government 
 dock yard), when he met the sultan on horseback, accom- 
 panied by only two attendants. His majesty stopped and 
 bowed, and then sent a messenger to say that he would be 
 
404 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 happy if the Commodore would accompany him through 
 the dock yard, for the sultan was well aware that the 
 American representative was an experienced naval com- 
 mander, and was anxious to have the benefit of his 
 professional opinion. He joined the sultan, and they 
 walked through the dock yard, and examined the ships on 
 the stocks, talking as familiarly, through an interpreter, 
 as if they had known each other for years. The Commo- 
 dore, with great frankness, pointed out all the defects in 
 the Turkish naval system, without offense to his majesty, 
 who told him he would send his naval pasha to consult 
 with him on the subject, which he did. 
 
 This interview made such an agreeable impression upon 
 the sultan, that in a short time all the principal dignitaries 
 of the empire called on the Commodore, and invited him 
 to their palaces, for it was only necessary for his majesty to 
 notice anybody with marks of favor, to have him receive 
 every attention. The interview was soon known to the 
 foreign ministers, who talked over it for a week, attribut- 
 ing it with true diplomatic stupidity to every motive but the 
 right one, viz : the sultan's desire to obtain naval informa- 
 tion. 
 
 The valley of Sweet waters was a favorite resort of 
 the sultan, especially on the days when it was visited by 
 the ladies of Constantinople in great numbers, with 
 children and attendants, to pass the time amid the beau- 
 tiful kiosks and retreats which every where abound. It is 
 a pleasing picture to see the handsome Turkish children, 
 dressed in their picturesque garb, throwing off the re- 
 straints under which they are kept in the harem, and 
 playing around as any other children would, while their 
 mothers and nurses, wrapped in white yaskmacks, with 
 only their eyes visible, waddle about after the youngsters, 
 like so many ducks, while the latter are dabbling in the 
 silvery waters of the little river which runs through the 
 plain, to the terror of their unsophisticated mammas. 
 
 Turks seldom venture to intrude upon the privacy of 
 the families assembled here, which privacy is sacred in 
 their eyes, but foreigners did sometimes trespass and their 
 presence was not regarded as obnoxious, so long as they 
 did not attempt to be too familiar. ^Nothing pleased the 
 Commodore so much, as to visit the valley of Sweet waters 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 405 
 
 and see the young children playing on the green sward, 
 and hear their joyous shouts, which reminded him of the 
 loved ones at home, of whom he had seen so little since 
 1826, that he scarcely remembered their features. It was 
 stern necessity which parted them from him, the necessity 
 of providing for and educating them, which he could not 
 do at Constantinople. 
 
 On one of these visits the Commodore was observed by 
 the sultan, who sent for him and seating him near by, 
 offered him pipes and coffee, to which luxury he had be- 
 come decidedly addicted. There they sat and talked on 
 naval matters, a subject of which his majesty was never 
 tired. These interviews were not unfrequent, for the 
 sultan never omitted sending for the Commodore when he 
 saw him at the valley of Sweet waters. 
 
 The Commodore soon began to like the Turks, who 
 treated him with great distinction and kindness. He es- 
 teemed them for their apparent honesty, for they would 
 not lie like Europeans, nor steal like Mexicans. In fact, 
 he liked everything connected with them but their climate, 
 which was already making inroads on his constitution. 
 Every year, on this account, he sought for some new 
 summer retreat. Once he tried Princess islands in the sea of 
 Marmora, where there are beautiful summer residences, 
 fitted up to suit either European or Turkish tastes. Next, he 
 tried a summer at Scutari, on the Asiatic shore, where he 
 amused himself by long drives around the beautiful coun- 
 try, and in visiting the ruins of ancient Chalcedon, four 
 miles to the southward. Finally he was so much pleased 
 with a visit to San Stephano, a Greek town, that he rented 
 a kiosk there for the summer, and finally purchased the 
 residence from its owner, a Greek merchant. 
 
 San Stephano lies directly on the sea of Marmora, and 
 is noted for the mildness of its climate, and the purity of 
 its air. He found his residence at San Stephano, so com- 
 fortable and homelike, that from 1834, he made it his 
 abode, never again passing a winter in the city of Pera, 
 although he retained his house there for the transaction of 
 the business of the legation. At Pera he would spend 
 the day on festival occasions, or when called upon to make 
 official visits. 
 
406 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 The kiosk at Sau Stephano, was a cottage built of brick 
 and wood, with a porch nearly all around it, and situated 
 in a beautiful garden of some six acres, stocked with 
 the choicest fruits. The garden was the chief attraction 
 of the place, and the Commodore spent much of his time 
 with his books, seated under the umbrageous trees, whence 
 a most magnificent view was presented of the sea of 
 Marmora. 
 
 This was his life in summer, but in winter he was rather 
 lonesome in his snug quarters, till in 1834, his brother-in- 
 law Dr. Heap, who had been for many years consul to 
 Tunis, paid him a visit with his whole family, including 
 the Commodore's widowed sister, Mrs. Mary Brown, 
 and her son John P. Brown. When Dr. Heap's visit 
 ended, the Commodore invited Mrs. Brown and her son 
 to make his house their future home, and from that time 
 Mrs. Brown became the female head of his establishment, 
 and added so much to his comfort by her care and watch- 
 fulness, that life became much more pleasant to him. He 
 had his nephew John P. Brown educated by direction of 
 the state department, to perform the duties of dragoman, 
 and he succeeded Mr. Hodgson in that post. Mr. Brown 
 remained in the diplomatic service at Constantinople from 
 1836 till his death in 1871, during which time he acted in 
 difierent years as charge d'affaires with great credit to 
 himself, and satisfaction to the United States government. 
 
 Considering himself now permanently settled in Con- 
 stantinople, and having no fear of political parties, the 
 Commodore commenced embellishing the beautiful spot 
 he had purchased for a residence, and added so much to 
 the size of his kiosk that the original building was quite 
 lost sight of, and in its place appeared a very handsome 
 residence, in the modern Greek style, containing all the 
 conveniences that could be desired. The Palace^ as he 
 playfully called it, was divided into three compartments, 
 one comprising his own suite of rooms, including recep- 
 tion room, sitting room, library, dining room, bed room 
 and bath room. The middle portion, which was the 
 original building, he called the harem, as it was appro- 
 priated to his sister, who there entertained the guests of 
 the family. The other wing was particularly devoted to 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 407 
 
 diplomatic guests and entertainments, the lower rooms 
 were occupied by his secretary, Mr. Porter. A large din- 
 ing room for guests, and a small one for his family, con- 
 cludes the list of rooms in his establishment. 
 
 The larger reception chamber was furnished in Turkish 
 style, with a rich carpet and a divan covered with Damas- 
 cus satin. The curtains were of the same material. In 
 the centre of the divan a mirror extended from the pier 
 table to the ceiling. Around the room stood small tables 
 inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and containing choice books, 
 or ornamented with landscapes. The views were particu- 
 larly beautiful from this saloon, the windows of which over- 
 looked the sea, with hundreds of vessels continually passing 
 to and fro. The view included the island of Marmora, 
 from which the Turks obtain the marble for their splendid 
 palaces, beyond was the Asiatic shore, with its mountains 
 and valleys covered with luxuriant vegetation, and dotted 
 with numerous hamlets and burial places. Farther in 
 the interior could be seen the snow capped mount Olympus, 
 rearing its head 9000 feet above the sea level, a grand 
 spectacle, above which the classic Greeks of old imagined 
 a celestial abode bathed in eternal sunshine, free from the 
 storms that vexed the lower world, and peopled by the 
 gods, who, feasting on nectar and ambrosia, were charmed 
 by the music of Apollo's lyre, and by the songs of the 
 muses. 
 
 Far to the left appeared the seven beautiful Princess 
 islands, the three largest containing the country seats of 
 many wealthy European merchants. It was on one of the 
 smaller islands that Sir Henry Bulwer, then British 
 ambassador, expended a fortune to establish a chif lick 
 (farm), with a splendid kiosk for the accomodation of a 
 beautiful Greek princess, the light of his eyes, who reck- 
 less of public opinion openly received the attentions of the 
 ambassador. Away to the left is seen the dark red houses 
 of Scutari, relieved only by the cypresses of the Greek 
 cemetery, while the city of Constantinople, with golden 
 minarets, handsome palaces and private edifices orna- 
 mented in fanciful style, rises from the rich frame of the 
 landscape like a great brilliant in a golden setting. It was 
 a view such as cannot be imagined. It must be seen to be 
 
408 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 realized, and the illusion can only be dissolved by entering 
 the city and being surrounded by its filth and dogs. But 
 no inconveniences of the sort were felt at San Stephano, 
 which is one of the cleanest little villages in existence. 
 
 The Commodore's grounds were surrounded by a stone 
 wall, except where they bordered the sea shore, where 
 he kept his boats. He had a fine vineyard producing 
 chonech, grapes, a light, thin skinned, transparent fruit, 
 fit for the palate of the gods. Fine fruits abounded, 
 and he literally reclined under his own vine and ^g 
 tree. From the door of the kiosk two fine avenues of 
 trees led to the entrance gate, on one side of which was 
 a large lodge for the capougee, on the other a lodge for the 
 two cavasses, or guards, provided for the minister, by 
 the Turkish government. Besides all this, there was a 
 beautiful flower garden, where the Commodore amused 
 himself in the cultivation of choice plants, which grow 
 luxuriantly in that climate. 
 
 Like most sailors, he had a fondness for horses, 
 which his means now enabled him to indulge in, and 
 he procured a select stock at a moderate outlay; among 
 them several Arabians which were not surpassed by 
 any in the sultan's stables. One of the horses was a 
 beautiful sorrel colored stallion, whose skin, when lighted 
 by the sun, shone like gold. This animal, purchased by 
 the Commodore in what was supposed to be a dying con- 
 dition, was completely cured by an English farrier, and 
 proved to be of inestimable value. He had also fine car- 
 riage horses and good English carriages, which contributed 
 essentially to his enjoyment. 
 
 One of the first things he did, after establishing himself 
 at San Stephano, was to erect a tall flagstafi* in the centre 
 of the grounds, on which every morning, at 8 o'clock, the 
 American flag was hoisted by the capougee and the two 
 cava.sses, who went through with as much ceremony on 
 the occasion, as if they were on board a ship of war, the 
 Commodore meanwhile watching them from the portico, 
 to see that the flag he loved was treated with proper re- 
 spect, and that it was hoisted chock up, and properly 
 belayed, after which the three worthies would step back a 
 short distance, and after calmly surveying the result of 
 
Memoir of COxMmodore David Porter. 409 
 
 their combined labors, would leisurely stroll back to their 
 lodges to sit and smoke the rest of the day. The capougee 
 always exclaimed, "Mashallah, we did that well ! " 
 
 Every American vessel that passed San Stephano saluted 
 that flag by lowering her own three times half way down, 
 when the three worthies were at their posts to return it. 
 
 On Sundays or holidaj^s, a larger ensign, that had been 
 presented by the commander of a ship of war, was raised, 
 and to see that his country's honored flag was thrown to 
 the breeze on all proper occasions seemed now to be one 
 of the greatest pleasures of the Commodore's life. Long 
 before his death he indicated to his sister the spot at the 
 foot of the flag staff where he wished to be buried, until 
 the United States government should send for his remains 
 to inter them in his native land. 
 
 In 1834 or 35, the American missionaries in Syria met 
 with severe losses by fire, and were finally compelled to 
 leave that country on account of the plague. The moment 
 the Commodore heard of their misfortunes, he invited seve- 
 ral of the families to reside with him until they could pro- 
 vide for themselves in a suitable manner at Constantinople, 
 for he was keenly alive to the misfortunes of others, and 
 particularly those who had given up their homes and 
 country to ameliorate the condition of barbarous peoples. 
 On the occasion of the great conflagration in Pera, when 
 the missionaries in that city were all burned out, and also 
 at the time the pestilence was raging in Constantinople, 
 whole families found shelter beneath his hospitable roof. 
 
 He took deep interest in the prosperity of the Ameri- 
 can Board of Foreign Missions, which had recently founded 
 an establishment at Constantinople, frequently visiting 
 their schools to watch their progress, and establishing 
 one at his own expense at San Stephano, to which he 
 gave up a great deal of his time. 
 
 In the year of the great pestilence, when all who could 
 get away, were fleeing from Constantinople, his house was 
 again the refuge of the missionaries. The Palace, as it 
 was called, was fitted with a fumigating closet ; carpets, 
 curtains, and everything that could contain the germs of 
 disease were removed, and nothing was left except the 
 wooden chairs and beds. A stranger entering the house — 
 52 
 
410 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 after being fumigated — would be given a seat on a 
 wooden chair in the middle of the room, so as not to in- 
 troduce the plague, which can only be communicated by 
 contact. In this way, by using strict precautions, the 
 Commodore kept the pestilence from his grounds, and no 
 doubt saved many lives. 
 
 Although of a kind and hospitable dispx)sition, he had 
 been so long accustomed to the discipline of a ship of war, 
 that he carried out the same system in his household 
 aifairs, and no one would have any more dreamed of dis- 
 obeying his orders, than if they had been serving under 
 his command on shipboard. Those who accepted his 
 hospitalit}^, soon learning his peculiarities, were always 
 anxious to conform to his rules ; which they knew were 
 for their benefit. It was his habit to have his sister read 
 to him a couple of hours every morning. At the appointed 
 time he was in his seat, clad in a dressing gown, and with 
 a magnificent Angora cat by his side. As he listened 
 patiently to the reading, he would smooth the fur on An- 
 gora's back, often no doubt meditating over the events of 
 his past life. The reading was generally of a solid kind, 
 theology, history, travels and the classics. At the conclu- 
 sion he would retire to his room for several hours, where 
 no one ventured to disturb him. 
 
 His meals were served with a great deal of form, and 
 his table laid so that in case several persons should 
 happen to come in, he could entertain them without any 
 change or confusion. He expected every one to be in 
 proper toilette, at each meal, and curl papers, slippers or 
 morning wrappers were things he would not tolerate. 
 Two waiters always stood at his table, one at the back of 
 his own chair waited exclusively on him. He had a Greek 
 cook, and his liking for Turkish habits extended even to 
 their cookery. He considered it a good rule, when in a 
 foreign country, to follow as closely as possible the cus- 
 toms of the people, in eating and drinking, believing such 
 a course conducive to health. 
 
 At an appointed time after dinner, the Commodore's 
 carriage and Hungarian coach horses were at the door, 
 the covasses mounted the box with the coachman, and 
 he would drive around the environs of Constantinople, 
 
Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 411 
 
 or on the beach on the south side, towards Florida, 
 a sweet little valley much resorted to by sportsmen 
 in the quail season, who after a morning's sport repaired 
 thither to refresh' themselves and count their game. It was 
 also a great place fur picnics, where the Greek and Euro- 
 pean beauties assembled to show their graces. The Com- 
 modore, who was a great admirer of beauty, could here 
 see it displayed in every nationality and costume. He 
 sometimes ventured on a flirtation with some pretty girl of 
 sixteen, by presenting her with a bunch of flowers, and 
 the ladies thought themselves privileged, at Floria 
 especially, when honored, as they considered it, by the 
 American elchy hey^s attention. To his last days he con- 
 tinued his fondness for young people, whom he delighted 
 to amuse, and his house was so popular with them, that he 
 had no chance to be lonely. 
 
 Fourth of July was his day of days, when the great flag 
 was hoisted at San Stephano, and the anniversary of our 
 independence celebrated by a united dinner of all the 
 Americans in Constantinople. Some beautiful spot would 
 be chosen by the Commodore for the celebration, where 
 the Declaration of Independence was read, toasts were drank, 
 and a short patriotic address delivered by himself. The 
 celebration was not considered complete without the pre- 
 sence of all the children, for it was the Commodore's 
 maxim that the youth should be imbued with the principles 
 of liberty, from the time they began to think, and that 
 they should be made familiar with the history of their 
 country's revolutionary struggle, and venerate Indepen- 
 dence Day as the greatest of anniversaries. Besides, he 
 thought that no festival could be successful, where the 
 happy voices of children were not heard. 
 
 Perhaps the reader may weary of this miimte recital of 
 the Commodore's habits of life, but it is these apparent 
 trifles which enable one to judge of a man's true character. 
 His early career had been one of toil and excitement, not 
 calculated to fit him for the duties of domestic life. At 
 that period he was indififerent to the luxuries of refined 
 society, and impatient of the forms and ceremonies which 
 he deemed unsuited to the profession of a sailor. Yet 
 here we find him, at Constantinople, impressed with the 
 
412 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 necessity of conforming to all things affecting his posi- 
 tion, and though it was at first disagreeable to have to 
 change his habits, yet so capable was he of conform- 
 ing to circumstances, that his new duties became to 
 him as second nature. In fact, the sailor was so com- 
 pletely absorbed by the diplomat, that one would never 
 have suspected the American representative of having 
 commanded a ship of war. Few men ever made a better 
 impression on a diplomatic corps ; and his intercourse with 
 the foreign representatives at Constantinople was of the 
 most pleasant kind. He was well known to them, by re- 
 putation, for his services to his country on the ocean, was 
 appreciated for his general intelligence and savoir faire, 
 and was a universal favorite in public and in private circles. 
 He was on the best of terms possible with Lord Ponsonby, 
 Count Portallis, Count Stirmir, and in fact with all the 
 ambassadors. 
 
 The Barrout-jee Pacha (chief of the imperial powder 
 works), lived on the outskirts of San Stephano. His 
 palace was a small village of itself, and was as gorgeous in 
 its equipments as some of the sultan's. The Turkish 
 pachas are apt, as a general thing, to be careful and 
 not make too much external show, for fear of excit- 
 ing the jealousy of the government, and thus invite a visit 
 from the bow-string, but the Barrout-jee Pacha was a 
 great favorite with the sultan, a large portion of the resi- 
 dence was fitted on purpose for the latter's reception, and 
 contained a suite of apartments not surpassed by any in 
 the imperial palace. Here his majesty would often come 
 and spend the whole day, and on such occasions would 
 wander incognito around San Stephano, that is, accom- 
 panied only by the pacha and one or two attendants. 
 The sultan, somehow, always managed to visit the Commo- 
 dore's grounds, which he admired very much, and the 
 latter, of course knowing when to expect him, was always 
 ready to receive his majesty in a proper manner, though 
 without any special ceremony beyond hoisting the large 
 flag, which he considered honor enough for any one. In 
 this way the sultan and himself had many interviews which 
 gradually paved the way to a very social and friendly state 
 of afiairs ; and enabled his majesty to discuss naval matters 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 413 
 
 fully, with one whom he knew was master of his profes- 
 sion. The Commodore gradually made the sultan under- 
 stand how inferior were his ships of war to those of 
 Europeans, and showed all the defects in the Turkish 
 system of naval administration. 
 
 Mr. Henry Eckford, the celebrated ship builder, had 
 arrived at Constantinople with a handsome sloop of 
 war (the United States of 26 guns), which the Turkish 
 government had purchased, and the Commodore strongly 
 advised the sultan to appoint him his chief naval con- 
 structor. This w^as done, and Mr. Eckford was duly in- 
 stalled in office, with high pay and perquisites ; but the 
 climate not agreeing with his health, he was compelled to 
 return to the United States. Before the sultan would 
 agree to his leaving the Turkish service, he made him 
 send to America for his foreman, Mr. Ehodes (after- 
 wards constructor in the U. S. navy), who was appointed 
 in his place. Mr. Rhodes, under the advice and direction 
 of the Commodore, made great improvements in the Turk- 
 ish ships, and held his position for some years. He was ulti- 
 mately removed, owing to the intrigues of a Turkish pacha, 
 with whom he had quarreled, and he left the Turkish navy 
 just when it was about starting into a real existence. 
 
 It was during a visit of the Commodore to the United 
 States, in 1839, that this difficulty occurred. The Turks, 
 knowing his influence with the sultan, took advantage of 
 his absence, and Rhodes, once out of place, refused to 
 return when he had the Commodore's influence to back 
 him. In the year above mentioned. Commodore Porter 
 returned to the United States on a short leave of absence, 
 and having represented to the government, the necessity 
 of a more important mission to Turkey, the matter was 
 brought to the attention of congress, the office of Minister 
 Resident was created, and he was appointed to fill that 
 position, March 3, 1839. While in the United States, he 
 attended the weddings of two of his sons, and made 
 arrangements for the education of his other children, 
 after which he repaired again to his post. During 
 his absence in the United States, his friend Sultan Mah- 
 moud died, and was succeeded on the throne by the 
 Sultan Abdul Mejid. 
 
414 Memoir op Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Soon after his return to Constantinople, the Commodore 
 represented to the Turkish government, that as he had 
 been promoted to a grade which placed him on an equality 
 with the representatives of the great European powers, he 
 would like permission to present his credentials to the 
 sultan in person. The 23d of May, 1841, was therefore 
 appointed by his majesty for that interesting ceremony. 
 The Commodore started from his residence in his large 
 eight oared caique, with the American flag floating at the 
 staif on the stern, and accompanied by his secretary, dra- 
 goman and interpreter, with his two cavasses sitting up 
 behind. This was a proud day for one who had always 
 lookedforward to the time when he should attain the dignity 
 of full minister, and be received with all the ceremony 
 paid to the representatives of the most favored nations. 
 His holding the position of simple charge d'affaires did 
 not make any difference with Sultan Mahmoud, who re- 
 ceived him on all occasions, nor did it make any difference 
 to the Turkish ministers, who served the government from 
 time to time ; Reschid Pacha, minister of foreign affairs, 
 Reza Pacha, minister to England, Achmet Pacha, Said 
 Pacha and Capoudan Pacha — the two latter brothers-in- 
 law of the sultan — Mustapha Nouri Pacha, and Kimal 
 Pacha. All these spoke the English and French lan- 
 guages, and were extremely attentive to him and hos- 
 pitable to the greatest degree, a characteristic of the Turks, 
 whose whole system of social intercourse is pervaded by 
 gentlemanly kindness. 
 
 The Turkish dignitaries seldom visit foreigners, but the 
 Commodore's long residence in the country, and the care he 
 had taken to raise no unnecessary points with the Turkish 
 government, had made him a favorite with them, and they 
 not only received him kindly at their houses, but returned 
 his visits, especially in summer, when one had only to step 
 into a caique and land at the doors. Whenever he arrived 
 at one of these hospitable palaces, a number of servants 
 were always in waiting to escort him to the reception room 
 where the elchy bey (minister), was announced with great 
 ceremony. The pacha would come to receive him with 
 extended hands, and the salutation " hosche guelden saphia 
 guelden,'' which conveys more than we could express in half 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 415 
 
 a page of English. It would have been gratifying to 
 Americans to have witnessed the respect paid to their 
 representative at the Ottoman Porte, as it was gratifying 
 to the Commodore, who took it all as a compliment to his 
 country, and not to himself personally. After his appoint- 
 ment as minister, he felt that he could make these visits 
 more as a right, than when he was only charge d' affaires, 
 and quite satisfied in this conclusion he made his way to 
 Sultan Abdul Mejid's palace. The . ceremonies were 
 more imposing than on the former occasion. The sultan 
 arrived in his great carved and gilded caique, dressed in a 
 European frock coat, with a Turkish fez on his head, and 
 a single great diamond on his breast. He was seated 
 under a golden canopy, around which his ministers were 
 grouped, their eyes fixed to the deck, while an officer with 
 a drawn scimetar stood motionless as a statue in front of 
 his imperial master, from whom he never once moved his 
 eyes. Another scarcely less magnificent caique followed 
 the royal barge carrying the sultan's pipe bearer, cup 
 bearer and other attendants. As his majesty stepped on 
 the rich carpets of the palace landing, the fifteen three 
 deckers of the fleet manned yards, and each fired a salute 
 of twenty-one guns. The after ceremony was pretty much 
 what it had been on the former occasion, only the American 
 minister presented his credentials, through his dragoman, 
 to the grand vizier himself, and had the privilege of con- 
 versing with his majesty on matters pertaining to the 
 afiairs of the two nations, although it was seldom or never 
 that such conversation was carried on except through the 
 ministers. 
 
 Abdul Mejid was a very different character from his 
 father, the late sultan, never indulging in familiar inter- 
 course with any one, so that the Commodore missed those 
 pleasant little reunions with the sultan at San Stephano, 
 where he could make himself agreeable by suggesting im- 
 provements in the Turkish navy. 
 
 The letter of credence was contained in a richly em- 
 broidered bag of rose colored satin, bound with white, 
 studded with gold stars, and closed with a silken cord. 
 The document was addressed, "To our Great and Good 
 Friend the Sultan Abdul Mejid Khan, Emperor of the 
 
416 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Ottomans" &c., &c. On the delivery of the letter the au- 
 dience ended. 
 
 During his residence at the porte the Commodore had 
 learned the necessity of conforming strictly to court 
 etiquette, which alone would enable a man to steer success- 
 fully through the shoals and quicksands of diplomacy. 
 
 A year after his return from the United States, his 
 health became still more impaired, and he contracted the 
 painful disease called angina pectoris, which caused a great 
 change in his habits and disposition. He now seldom 
 went to Constantinople, but was always glad to see his 
 friends at San Stephano. 
 
 While he was charge d' affaires, he received a visit 
 from Commodore Patterson and family, in the frigate 
 United States, to whom he extended the hospitalities 
 of his house, and afforded them facilities to see what- 
 ever was interesting in Constantinople. Among other 
 things the ladies of the family gained admission to 
 the sultan's seraglio, a favor rarely granted to any foreigner. 
 Commodore Porter enjoyed the visit of his old friend of 
 i^ew Orleans and family, and often said that it had added 
 years to his life. 
 
 Later, Commodore Elliott, in the Constitution, with Go- 
 vernor Cass's family on board, visited Constantinople; but 
 although he paid Mr. Cass and family every attention, 
 Commodore Porter would only treat Elliott with the bare 
 civility which was required by his position as charge 
 d'affaires; nor would he accept any attention from him. 
 Commodore Elliott was obnoxious to him on several ac- 
 counts. He had been a member of the court martial 
 which drove him from the navy, and he despised Elliott for 
 his course in the duel between Decatur and Barron, and his 
 subsequent attempt to clear himself from blame in that trans- 
 action. Elliott was Barron's second in that fatal duel, and it 
 was believed could have prevented the meeting had he 
 thought proper to have tried his good offices. Commodore 
 Porter went upon the ground on the occasion, as a mere 
 looker on, or in the hope of preventing the catastrophe 
 which occurred. He rode out on horseback and just after 
 he reached the spot, the shots were fired which stretched 
 both the combatants on the ground. Elliott had come on 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 417 
 
 the field with a carriage for Commodore Barroii aud 
 himself, but as soon as Barron and Decatur fell, both appa- 
 rently mortally wounded, Elliott, appalled at the result, 
 jumped into the carriage and ordering the driver to hasten 
 to Washington, made off as fast as possible. The conse- 
 quence was, that Commodore Barron was left weltering in 
 his blood on the wet earth, with no one but the surgeon 
 to assist him, and no conveyance to take him from the 
 field. Commodore Porter's feelings would have led him 
 to the side of Decatur, with whom he sympathized in the 
 matter of the duel, and whose opinions in regard to Bar- 
 ron's course in absenting himself from the country in time 
 of war he fully endorsed. Barron also was extremely un- 
 friendly towards Captain Porter, who had been one of the 
 members of his court martial, and we suppose it is human 
 nature, not to like a man who has sentenced us to punish- 
 ment. But humanity called Captain Porter to the side of 
 the man whom he knew to be his enemy. Decatur was 
 surrounded by friends, but Barron had no one w^ith him 
 until Porter raised him up in a sitting position. Barron 
 said, "My second. Captain Elliott, has gone off with the 
 carriage, and it will be hours before I can be moved." 
 
 Captain Porter immediately got some one to attend to 
 Barron, and mounting his horse, pursued Elliott at full 
 speed, and finally overtook him, about a mile from the 
 field, the driver having dismounted to mend a broken 
 trace. As he rode up to the carriage, Elliott opened 
 the door and jumped out, asking in a trembling voice 
 " how things fared on the ground." " They fare so 
 badly, sir," said Captain Porter, " that you left your 
 friend weltering in his blood upon the bare earth; go 
 back and do what you can to lessen the mischief you have 
 aided in committing ; go back and do your duty to your 
 wounded friend." 
 
 Captain Porter then rode back to the ground, and Elliott 
 not appearing, a carriage was procured from some stran- 
 gers passing, and Captain Porter got in and helped support 
 the w^ounded man, who had bled profusely and was very 
 weak. Proceeding slowly towards Washington, they met 
 Captain Elliott returning towards Bladensburg. The latter, 
 53 
 
418 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 putting liis head out of the carriage window, made some in- 
 quiry as to how matters stood. Captain Porter immediately 
 jumped from the coach in which he w^as riding, and 
 said to Elliott, " Your place is here, sir, alongside of your 
 wounded friend, I insist upon your getting in," and he 
 almost forced him into the carriage where Barron was. 
 Once Elliott ventured a remark that it was unfortunate 
 that Bainbridge would not consent to an accommodation, 
 when Barron and Decatur entered into conversation before 
 firing; but Porter did not reply, feeling too much con- 
 tempt for the man whom he saw was already trimming 
 his sails to meet the coming storm. 
 
 When Elliott got into Barron's carriage, Capt. Porter 
 ordered the coachman to proceed to Washington, he rid- 
 ing on horseback by the side of Decatur. He would 
 never allow Elliott to speak to him after that, although the 
 latter endeavored once to make an explanation of his con- 
 duct. The fact was, Elliott thought both parties had 
 been killed, and appalled at the consequences of the duel, 
 and dreading arrest as an accessory, he took flight in 
 the manner we have described. 
 
 Next day the newspapers teemed with accounts of the 
 affair, and an attempt was made to fasten the blame on 
 Commodore Bainbridge, Decatur's second, who it was re- 
 ported had said it was too late for compromise, all of which 
 was traced to Capt. Elliott. These facts are obtained from 
 letters written by Captain Porter at the time, and not from 
 rumor or tradition. 
 
 The following letter is interesting, in connection with 
 the event which deprived the country of one of its most 
 gallant officers, who fell a victim to a custom unworthy of 
 the age. The letter will serve to throw some light upon 
 that unhappy event. 
 
 Washington, April 2d, 1820. 
 
 My Dear Hambleton : Tell the Commodore (Bainbridge), I re- 
 ceived his letter for which I thank him. I have handed it over to 
 Commodore Rodgers, who has given the statement to Tazewell. It 
 gives the lie completely to some of the reports that have been put 
 afloat. There are some that go to criminate Bainbridge for oppos- 
 ing or rather for discountenancing a reconciliation. The Commo- 
 dore's recollections of Barron's expressions agree with mine. 
 Barron has apologized to Commodore Bainbridge. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 419 
 
 I have heard from several, that Elliott has said, that he considered 
 Bainbridge did not encourage a reconciliation, when the conversa- 
 tion took place between Decatur and Barron before firing, and he 
 mentioned the same thing to me. Some have it that Commodore 
 Bainbridge said, "it is too-late for accommodation, to your stands 
 gentlemen ! ! ! " Others say that we were all against Barron, that we 
 were impatient of his rank ! ! 
 
 It cannot be doubted that every effort has been made to turn 
 public opinion against Decatur (and those friendly to him), and in 
 favor of Barron. Every newspaper that will publish, contains a puff 
 of some kind in favor of Barron and against Decatur. The Hagers- 
 town Torch Light contains a long account of the matter, giving a 
 coloring to things highly prejudicial to Decatur and his friends. 
 You need not be at a loss to know where it comes from. Every sly 
 art that can be practiced, and some are very sly (thinking like 
 Elliott, if they stick their heads in a bush they cannot be seen), is 
 put in operation to prejudice the public mind. The friends of 
 Decatur scorn to do such things. The correspondence will be pub- 
 lished, and the character of one man in particular (Elliott), be ex- 
 hibited in its proper colors. 
 
 Mr. Tazewell is here, and, if I mistake not, has an abundance of 
 material to enable him to write a highly interesting biographical 
 sketch. 
 
 I think Elliott's retreat from the battle of Bladensburg would 
 make an admirable frontispiece. You do not, however, know all the 
 particulars of this affair, let it suffice that he fled from the field, 
 taking with him the only means of conveyance for his wounded 
 friend ; that he left him for one hour in a helpless state on the wet 
 ground, and that Barron was at length beholden to strangers for the 
 means of getting from the place. Self, self, was Elliott's only con- 
 sideration. 
 
 Tell Bainbridge not to give himself any uneasiness about these 
 matters. There are enough here to put things to rights. 
 
 Justice is slow but sure. Grod bless you. 
 
 D. Porter. 
 Samuel Hambleton Esq., 
 
 Purser U. S. Navy. 
 
 It was owing to the circumstances detailed above, that , 
 Commodore Porter was indisposed to pay or receive any 
 attention from Commodore Elliott. On his last visit to the 
 United States, he was one day at Barnum's Hotel, Balti- 
 more, where a number of persons pressed around him, 
 seeking an introduction. Among the rest Commodore 
 
420 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Porter noticed Elliott approaching, but he gave the latter 
 such a look that he walked away in confusion. 'Not want- 
 ing Commodore Elliott's acquaintance, the American 
 minister notified him of the fact in writing, which was 
 answered by Elliott. The correspondence was published 
 at the time, but is scarcely worth insertion here, as it is 
 likely to interest but few people at this late day. It might 
 seem that the Commodore was rather vindictive, to treas- 
 ure up old grievances in the decline of life, but his actions 
 were governed by his sense of honor, which forbade him to 
 hold intercourse with men whose conduct would not bear 
 close scrutiny. 
 
 In the year 1842, his brother-in-law, Dr. Heap, and 
 family were again his guests, and he took great pleasure 
 in the society of his relatives, and in making excursions 
 with them by land and water, to show them everything of 
 interest. About this time he compiled an excellent guide- 
 book for the use of Americans visiting Constantinople, 
 which saved travelers a great deal of trouble in their ex- 
 cursions in and around the city. He had before this, em- 
 ployed his time in writing familiar letters to his friend 
 James K. Paulding, giving a graphic description of the 
 countrj^, and the manners and customs of the people, 
 which was afterwards published by Mr. Paulding in book 
 form. The book was esteemed a pleasant and readable 
 work, and the proceeds of its sale were devoted by the 
 Commodore to the education of his eldest daughter. 
 
 In the latter part of the year 1842, the disease angina 
 pectoris, to which we have before alluded, had made such 
 inroads upon the Commodore's constitution, that he be- 
 came very feebl6, and was fully aware that he must pre- 
 pare for his last journey, which he set about doing as 
 calmly as if he were going on an ordinary tour. He had 
 never been w^hat is called a religious man, in the common 
 acceptation of the term, but he was honest and conscien- 
 tious, had never defrauded or deceived anybody, and had all 
 his life been guided by the highest principles of honor. 
 His eldest daughter having married, had gone to Constan- 
 tinople to be with him, and he had two sisters and this 
 favorite child to attend him in his last illness, and their 
 attentions were unremitting. He had also with him 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 421 
 
 several nephews and nieces, and was in fact surrounded 
 by a large family, all of whom did everything in their 
 power to relieve his sufferings. 
 
 He was attended by an English physician, Dr. Milligan, 
 one of the sultan's medical attendants, and the same who 
 attended Lord Byron at the time of his death, and also by 
 Dr. Hematiades, a Greek protege of Madame Sigourney, 
 who had been educated in Paris. 
 
 The Commodore's life, during the last two years, had 
 been much embittered by bodily and some mental suffer- 
 ing, and towards the last he endured the most excruciat- 
 ing agony, but he bore it with Christian fortitude. When 
 be could no longer read it himself, he had the sacred book 
 read to him by friends, and other religious reading was 
 selected for him adapted to the state of his mind. Prayers 
 for his relief were continually offered up, and one or more 
 of his missionary friends* were always with him night and 
 day. He had been too kind and self sacrificing to these 
 people to allow them to neglect him at such a moment. 
 
 Suffering and emaciated as he was, his hold upon life 
 was very strong. It was a hard struggle indeed for 
 him to resign his existence, when he had reached that 
 earthly haven of peace and happiness which he had so 
 longed for, and when surrounded by those he loved, but 
 he resigned himself to his fate and met it calmly as a 
 sailor should. 
 
 He was aware that the missionary community con- 
 sidered him a sinner, but he had an abiding faith in 
 the justice and mercy of God, through His Son Jesus, 
 by whose righteousness he hoped for salvation. He 
 threw himself at the Saviour's feet with the conviction 
 that he would meet his Redeemer in heaven, never more 
 to be troubled by the mortifications and disappointments 
 he had experienced on earth. 
 
 On the 3d of March, 1843, the Commodore lost conscious- 
 ness, surrounded by his weeping friends who were about 
 to lose a kind father, brother and relation, and amid their 
 prayers and supplications to Heaven the spirit of the 
 brave man was restored to his maker. 
 
 " And he died," Genesis 5, 27. This was the text of 
 the funeral sermon preached by the Reverend William 
 
422 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 Goodall, March 13, 1843, on which clay the mortal re- 
 maius of Commodore Porter were interred at the foot of 
 the flag-staff, in his garden at San Stephano. The funeral 
 was attended by the entire diplomatic corps, the ministers 
 of the porte, all the missionaries, the relatives and per- 
 sonal friends, and a large concourse of people of all nation- 
 alities, for he was universally esteemed for his generous 
 spirit and benevolence. 
 
 The United States government, on learning of the 
 decease of their minister, ordered the brig Truxton to 
 bring the remains to this country, where they could re- 
 pose in his native earth. This was Commodore Porter's 
 last wish, and he was happy in the belief that the govern- 
 ment would pay that mark of respect to one whose whole 
 ambition had been to serve his country. 
 
 In the fall of 1843, the Truxton, under command of Cap- 
 tain Upshur, arrived in Constantinople, when Mr. John 
 Porter Brown, the first dragoman, who had succeeded the 
 minister in charge of the American legation as charge 
 d'affaires, chartered the steamer Bangor, and proceeding to 
 San Stephano, removed the body with all due ceremony 
 to the Sublime Porte. From thence it w^as transported 
 to the Truxton. On this second occasion, the Turkish 
 authorities all turned out to do honor to the memory 
 of the deceased, as did the diplomatic corps, the mis- 
 sionaries, the different nationalities and the relatives and 
 friends. The body was escorted by the officers, seamen 
 and marines of the Truxton and deposited on board, the 
 vessel firing minute guns during the ceremonies. 
 
 ^o man in the Commodore's position, ever received more 
 honor while living or after his death. He had resided 
 fourteen years at Constantinople, representing the United 
 States government to their entire satisfaction, and during 
 all that time he never had an unpleasant word with the 
 Turkish authorities, and died without a reproach upon his 
 name. If he had faults they were forgotten in the 
 remembrance of the many noble qualities which adorned 
 his character, and his name will ever stand high on the 
 list of modern naval heroes. 
 
 The Truxton reached Philadelphia in December, 1844, 
 and the navy department gave directions that the remains 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 423 
 
 of Commodore Porter should be interred with the honors 
 due to his rank and services. The following order of 
 Commodore George C. Kead will explain the arrange- 
 ment of ceremonies. 
 
 NAVAL ORDER. 
 
 The Honorable the Secretary of the Navy, having caused the 
 remains of the late Commodore Porter to be brought from Constan- 
 tinople to this city, and directed me to have them interred with the 
 appropriate honors due to that gallant and distinguished officer ; 
 the officers of the navy and marine corps, on the station, are hereby 
 notified of the same, and are expected to attend in full dress uni- 
 form, with the usual badge of mourning on the left arm and hilt of 
 the sword. 
 
 The funeral procession will move from the navy yard on 
 
 the instant, at — o'clock, and proceed up Front street to South, 
 
 up South to Third, up Third to Spruce, up Spruce to Fourth, up 
 Fourth to Chestnut, up Chestnut to Tenth, and up Tenth to St. 
 Stephen's church. 
 
 The public authorities, the officers of the army, and of the 1st 
 division Pennsylvania militia, foreign ministers and consuls, the 
 reverend clergy, the personal friends of the deceased, and the citi- 
 zens generally are invited to attend. 
 
 GrEORGE 0. ReAD. 
 Commandant's Office, U. S. Navy Yard, 
 
 Philadelphia, January, 1844. 
 
 ORDER OF THE PROCESSION. 
 
 Military Escort. 
 
 Clergy. 
 
 Seamen as Carriers. 
 
 Pall Bearer. / I Pall Bearer, 
 
 I do. do. / \ do. do. i^ 
 
 ^ ( ) ^ 
 
 do. do. \ / do. do. 
 
 Seamen as Carriers. 
 
 Broad Pendant. 
 
 Mourners. 
 
424 Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 United States Naval Pensioners. 
 
 United States Seamen. 
 
 Warrant Ofl&cers and Assistant Engineers. 
 
 Midshipmen. 
 
 Masters and Passed Midshipmen. 
 
 Medical Officers and Pursers. 
 
 Lieutenants of the Army and Marine Corps. 
 
 Captains of the Army and Lieutenants of the Navy. 
 
 Majors of the Army and Marine Corps and Commanders of the Navy. 
 
 Colonels of the Army and Captains of the Navy. 
 
 Adjutant G-eneral of Pa. and Staff of the Governor. 
 
 Officers of the 1st Division Pa. Militia. 
 
 Foreign Diplomatic Officers. 
 
 Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of the City of Philadelphia. 
 
 Select and Common Councils. 
 
 U. S. Marshal and High Sheriff of the City and County of Phila. 
 
 Judges of the U. S. and State Courts. 
 
 Attorney General of the State and Dist. Attorney of the 
 
 United States. 
 
 Members of the Bar. 
 
 Medical Faculty. 
 
 Society of Cincinnati. 
 
 Society of Sea Captains. 
 
 Mayor of the Northern Liberties and Aldermen of the County. 
 
 Commissioners of the N. Liberties, Spring Garden. Kensington, 
 
 Southwark and Moyamensing. 
 
 Collector and Officers of the Customs. 
 
 Professors and Students of Universities and Colleges. 
 
 Seamen of the Merchant Service. 
 
 Wardens of the Port of Philadelphia. 
 
 Captains of the Merchant Service. 
 
 Societies. 
 
 Citizens. 
 
 After the march through the city, the body was de- 
 posited in a vault in St. Stephen's church in 10th street, 
 between Chestnut and Filbert. The late Dr. Ducachet, 
 the rector of St. Stephens, and an old friend of the family, 
 conducted the ceremonies. The remains were subsequently 
 interred at the foot of the flag staff at the ISTaval Asylum, 
 Philadelphia, and later were buried under a handsome 
 marble monument in the beautiful cemetery of Wood- 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 425 
 
 lands in West Philadelphia, with the following inscrip- 
 tion on the panels : 
 
 Commodore David Porter 
 
 • One of the Most Heroic Sons of 
 
 Pennsylvania 
 
 Having long represented his Country 
 
 with Fidelity 
 
 As Minister Resident at 
 
 Constantinople 
 
 Died at that City 
 
 In the Patriotic Discharge of his Duty, 
 
 March 3d, 1843. 
 
 His Early Youth In the War of 
 
 Was Conspicuous for Skill and 1813 
 
 Gallantry His Merits were Exhibited 
 
 In the Naval Service of Not merely as an 
 
 The United States Intrepid Commander 
 
 When the American Arms But in Exploring New Fields of 
 
 Were Exercised with Romantic Success and Glory 
 
 Chivalry A Career of Brilliant Good Fortune 
 
 Before the Battlements of AVas Crowned by an 
 
 Tripoli. Engagement 
 
 He was on all occasions Against Superior Force and 
 
 Among the Bravest of the Brave Fearful Advantages 
 
 Zealous in the Performance of Which History Records 
 
 Every Duty As an Event 
 
 Ardent and Resolute Among the Most Remarkable 
 
 In the Trying Hour of Calamity in 
 
 Composed and Steady Naval Warfare. 
 In the Blaze of 
 Victory. 
 
 In the large lot surrounding the monument He buried 
 his wife, two daughters and two of his sons, and the remains 
 of his other chiklren will eventual!}' be interred in the 
 same place. Of the Commodore's ten children but one — 
 the author of this memoir — is now living. 
 
 Commodore William I). Porter, IT. S. 'N., his eldest son, 
 died of wounds received in the war of the rebellion. 
 
 Lieut. Theodoric Porter, U. S. army, was the first officer 
 killed in battle, during the Mexican war. He volunteered 
 to search for Colonel Cross, was surrounded by the 
 enemy and fell covered with wounds rather than surrender. 
 
 Thomas Porter fell a victim to yellow fever while a 
 midshipman in the Mexican navy. Hambleton Porter 
 54 
 
426 MexMoir of Commodore David Porter. 
 
 died of the same disease while serving as passed midship- 
 man in the United States navj, at the breaking oat of the 
 Mexican war. 
 
 Henry 0. Porter died from the effects of wounds and 
 disabilities, received in the navy. He was first lieu- 
 tenant of the Hatteras when she was sunk by the Ala- 
 bama. He went down with the ship and was afterwards 
 picked up and made prisoner b}^ the enemy. 
 
 It will appear from this statement that Commodore 
 Porter's sons did their duty to their country, and lost 
 their lives in its service. Man needs no other eulogy 
 than this. 
 
 The reader of this biography must judge from its pages 
 the character of Commodore Porter. It would of course be 
 impossible for the writer to give a thoroughly impartial 
 opinion with regard to one with whom he was so closely 
 identified. His conduct in war and in peace and his written 
 communications w^ill be the best guide for those who did 
 not know him personally. From this it will appear that 
 he was a very decided character, outspoken and impul- 
 sive, which would be apt at times to involve him in 
 difficulties, but that character was founded upon truth, 
 honesty, courage, and conscientiousness, four qualities 
 which are seldom found combined in one person, but 
 which, w^hen they do exist, will carry a man honorably 
 through the checkered scenes of life. 
 
 Commodore Porter possessed an intelligent mind and 
 an ability to adapt himself to any profession he thought 
 proper to follow. Had he started in the career of civil life 
 he would doubtless have attained the highest honors. 
 
 In spite of the defects of style which may characterize 
 one who is not a professional author, the writer of these 
 pages derives great satisfliction in giving them to the 
 public, his only object being to preserve the memory of 
 one who had loved his flag and country and devoted a life 
 time to their service. 
 
 No brighter flowers or greener chaplets should deck the 
 graves of any than those who fought in the war of 1812, 
 and taught the ancient mistress of the seas that a young 
 Neptune had arisen to snatch the trident from her hand. 
 
Memoir of Commodore David Porter. 427 
 
 The laurel wreath rests but upon a mound of earth, it 
 can give no pleasure to the spirit that once animated the 
 dust beneath the sod, but it will serve to keep alive the 
 flame of patriotism, and, by honoring the courage of the 
 dead, remind the living that they also will be remembered 
 should their character and services entitle them to the 
 applause of their countrymen. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
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