UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 2J/^Q > *=2S^" = Nsstjgp o//~\lg UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 3V& ^vks p ^=^ ^fe I JllIC^l RSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY OF TH RSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY OF Tf V) RSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY OF THE yNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY OF Tl FRANKLIN WHARTON, LIEUTENANT-COLONEL U. S. MARINE CORPS. COMMANDANT MARCH 7, 1804. DIED SEPTEMBER 1, 1S HISTORY UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BY RICHARD S. COLLUM, CAPTAIN t .S.M.C. PH I I. A DHI.PHIA : L. R. HAMHRSLY & CO. 1 8 go. Copyright, 1890, by L. R. HAMKRSLY & Co. PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY. PHILADELPHIA, TO THE CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES, THIS WORK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED; WITH A DESIRE THAT THE SERVICES OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS MAY BE INTELLIGENTLY APPRECIATED, AND THAT THE NATION MAY RECOGNIZE THE DEBT IT OWES TO THE OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN, WHO, IN ALL THE TRYING TIMES IN OUR COUNTRY S HISTORY HAVE NOBLY DONE THEIR DUTY. 224363 PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, BENJAMIN HARRISON. VICE-PRESIDENT, LEVI P. MORTON. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, B. F. TRACY. ASSISTANT-SECRETARY, J. RUSSEL SOLEY. COMMANDANT U. S. MARINE CORPS, COLONEL-COMMANDANT C. G. McCAWLEY. 1890. " From the establishment of the Marine Corps to the present time, it has constituted an integral part of the Navy, has been identified with it in all its achievements, ashore and afloat, and has continued to receive from its most distinguished com manders the expression of their appreciation of its effectiveness as a part of the Navy." Report of House Committee on Navaf Affairs ; 3gth Congress, 2d Session, PREFACE. A CUSTOM has prevailed throughout the armies of Europe to keep regular record of the services and achievements of their regi ments and corps. This principle has not obtained in our own country, hence a great difficulty arises in presenting an authentic account of the services of any branch of our establishment either military or naval. This defect has long been felt in relation to the Corps of which this historical record is designed to treat. An attempt was made by the author in 1874 to present a true and faithful record, but owing to circumstances beyond his control the original idea was changed during his absence from the country. It is now thought that the proper time has arrived for an edition which will present a record of events that will be acceptable to the Corps and to the nation. Impressed with this consideration, and influenced by a strong attachment to the welfare and reputation of the Corps in which he has the honor to serve, the author feels persuaded that an impartial account of the services of the United States Marines will not only reflect an additional lustre on its distinguished character, but en courage a spirit of emulation, which is the strongest impulse to great and gallant actions. Although he may have failed in accomplishing that object with the ability due its importance, he trusts that the fidelity and zeal which has been exercised in the present compilation will obtain for him the indulgent consideration of those who are aware of the difficulties with which he has had to contend. He desires to express his obligation to his brother officers who 7 8 v t l ^ Preface. have kindly rendered him their cordial assistance, without which this record would have been incomplete. In narrating these events the information obtained has been com piled from official reports, " Cooper s Naval History," " Hamersly s Record of Living Officers," and " Hamersly s Naval Encyclopaedia." Although this record must fail to do the United States Marines ample justice, the author trusts that sufficient has been said to prove that their distinguished repute is well merited, and that they have not, under any circumstances, tarnished their motto " Semper Fidelis." CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. PACK The Antiquity of Marines The Royal Marines of Great Britain The American Marines 15 CHAPTER I. 1740-77. Colonial Marines Organization of the Corps First Regular Cruisers Vessels ordered to be Constructed Commodore Hopkins appointed Com- mander-in-Chief The First Ensign Descent on New Providence Alfred, Cabot, and Glasgow Lexington and Edward Appointments in the Corps The Sachem Doria and Racehorse Uniform Adoption of the American Flag Fox and Hancock < . . 23 CHAPTER II. 1777. Capture of Philadelphia The First Attack by the British Fleet on the Defences of the Delaware Success of Commodore Hazelwood in repulsing the Enemy The Advance Squadron of the Enemy succeeds in opening the Channel 27 CHAPTER III. Contemplated Capture by the Combined British Army and Navy of Forts Mercer and Mifflin The Attempt made October 22, 1777 Attack on that Day on Fort Mercer repulsed with Heavy Loss to the Assailants The Navy rendering Great Aid No Serious Attack on Fort Mifflin Two British Vessels run aground, and on the 23d are set on Fire Their Magazines explode 29 CHAPTER IV. The Second Attack on Fort Mifflin Success of the British A Portion of the State Fleet saved The Continental Fleet burnt by its Commander The Treason of Captain Robert Whyte Marines attached to the Pennsylvania Navy 31 CHAPTER V. 1777-80. Second Descent on New Providence Ranger and the Drake Capture of a British Privateer Capture of the British Sloop Jason, Schooner Hibernia, and Five Transports The Expedition to Castine The Squadron under Commodore Paul Jones Trumbull and Watt Alliance Congress and Savage The Hyder Ally 35 CHAPTER VI. 1798-1800. Commencement of the New Navy The Organization of the Corps Marine Camp near Philadelphia The Quasi French War Death of Wash ington 42 9 io Contents. CHAPTER VII. PAGE 1801-1805. War with Tripoli The Squadron under Commodore Dale Capture of the Tripoli by the Enterprise Commodore Preble assigned to the Com mand of the Squadron before Tripoli Loss of the Philadelphia Destruction of the Philadelphia by Decatur Actions before Tripoli The Expedition to Derne Assault and Capture of the City 46 CHAPTER VIII. 1809-13. Increase of the Corps The War of 1812 President and Belvidere The Constitution and Guerriere United States and Macedonian Wasp and Frolic Constitution and Java Hornet and Peacock The Essex Lieutenant Gamble Attack on the Batteries of Craney Island Actions on the Lakes . . 50 CHAPTER IX. 1814-15. The War of 1812 Continued The Chesapeake Flotilla under Captain Barney The Loss of the Adams in the Penobscot The Advance upon Wash ington The Battle of Bladensburg Capture of the City of Washington Un successful attack by the British on Baltimore Battle of New Orleans Capture of the Cyane and Levant by the Constitution The President and Endymion Hornet and Penguin 55 CHAPTER X. 1824. The Mutiny in the Massachusetts State Prison 61 CHAPTER XL 1824-35. Operations against Pirates Quallah Batoo Services in New York . . 64 CHAPTER XII. 1836-42. Potomac at Port Mahon The Services of the Corps during the Cam paigns against the Indians in Florida The United States Exploring Expedition The mutiny on board the brig Somers 67 CHAPTER XIII. 1846-48. War with Mexico, I. Operations on the Pacific Coast 81 CHAPTER XIV. 1846-48. War with Mexico, II. Naval Operations on the East Coast of Mexico 88 CHAPTER XV. 1847-48. War with Mexico, III. Operations of the Marines attached to the Army under General Scott , 94 CHAPTER XVI. 1852-55. The Expedition to Japan Combined attack of English and Ameri cans on the Chinese Monument in Happy Valley, Hong- Kong 98 Contents. \ \ CHAPTER XVII. 1855-60. Insurrection at Montevideo Engagement with Savages in Washington Territory The Barrier Forts in China The Riot in Washington Savages at Waya Montevideo Expedition to Paraguay Services on Staten Island John Brown Insurrection Services at Kisembo Panama 101 CHAPTER XVIII. 1861. The Civil War 109 CHAPTER XIX. 1861. The Civil War, I. Resignations Star of the West Fort Pickens Destruction of the Gosport Navy- Yard Potomac Flotilla The First Battle of Bull Run Reorganization of the Corps Hatteras Inlet in CHAPTER XX. 1861. The Civil War, II. The Capture of the Confederate Privateer Judah off Pensacola Destruction of the Royal Yacht Battle of Port Royal Loss of the Governor The Trent Affair Occupation of Wassaw Island n8 CHAPTER XXI. 1862. The Civil War, III. Cedar Keys Appalachicola Joint Expedition for Operations in the Waters of North Carolina Cumberland Sound Fort Clinch Fernandina 126 CHAPTER XXII. 1862. The Civil War, IV. Destruction of the Cumberland and Congress Merri- mac and Monitor Capture of Norfolk Action at Drury s Bluff Pass Christian Expedition up Santee River Morris Island 130 CHAPTER XXIII. 1862. The Civil War, V. The Capture of New Orleans Passing the Batteries at Vicksburg The Ariel captured by the Alabama 137 CHAPTER XXIV. 1863. The Civil War, VI. Raid of Rebel Ironclads among the Vessels off Charleston, South Carolina Attack on Port Hudson The Draft Riots in New York City Morris Island Assault on Fort Sumter Potomac Flotilla East Gulf Squadron 144 CHAPTER XXV. 1864. The Civil War, VII. Condition of the Corps Sounds of North Caro lina The Ram Albemarle Murrill s Inlet The Defeat of the Alabama Engagement at Simonosaki Havre de Grace Admiral Farragut s Attack on the Defences of Mobile Bay Safety of the Wabash due to the Action of the Marines 15 * 1 2 Contents. CHAPTER XXVI. PAGE 1864. The Civil War, VIII. The Expedition under Admiral Porter up Red River The First Attack on Fort Fisher 160 CHAPTER XXVII. 1864-65. The Civil War, IX. Services in the Pacific Squadron Marines at Boyd s Neck and Tulifinney Cross-Roads Second Attack on Fort Fisher Its Capture by Porter and Terry Occupation of Georgetown Report of Admiral Dahlgren 167 CHAPTER XXVIII. 1865. Assassination of the President The Arrest of Semmes 178 CHAPTER XXIX. 1866-71. The Great Fire in Portland, Maine Grade of Brigadier-General created Services in Aid of the Civil Power Fight at Formosa Capture of Filibusters Aiding the Civil Authorities Capture of the Forward Darien Expedition Valuable Services in aiding the Revenue Officers 183 CHAPTER XXX. 1871. The Corean Expedition A Surveying Party fired upon by the Corean Forts Punishment inflicted on the Coreans The Marines in Advance The Final Triumph Report of Captain Tilton 190 CHAPTER XXXI. 1872-74. Services in Boston Panama The Delaide Review at Key West The Grade of Brigadier-General abolished 198 CHAPTER XXXII. 1877. The Labor Riots, I. Services of the First Battalion 203 CHAPTER XXXIII. 1877. The Labor Riots, II. Services of the Second Battalion Separate- De tachments 211 CHAPTER XXXIV. 1878-82. Universal Exposition Marines at Alexandria 218 CHAPTER XXXV. 1885. The Expedition to Panama 220 CHAPTER XXXVI. 1889. Disaster at Apia, Samoa 238 CHAPTER XXXVII. 1889. The Paris Exposition 260 Conclusion 267 Contents. 1 3 APPENDIX. PART I. PAGE Complete List of Officers of the Corps, from 1798 to the Present Time 269 PART II. Thanks, Medals, and Swords awarded to the Corps 285 PART III. Acts of 1780, 1794, 1797 2 9 2 1815, Letter from Captain Bacon 1818, Duel between Commodore Perry and Captain Heath 1839, Joint Letter from Officers of the Navy Commanding Vessels attached to the Florida Squadron 1874-90, Views of the Admiral of the Navy in Regard to the Marine Corps 1890, Table of Strength, from November 10, 1775, to January I, 1891, with a Complete Resume of the Duties of Marines 293 PART IV. List of Officers brevetted for Services during the Civil War 306 INTRODUCTION. The Antiquity of Marines The Royal Marines of Great Britain The American Marines.* THE employment of infantry as part of the regular complement of vessels of war was common to the Phoenicians and to all the maritime states of Greece at least five centuries before the commencement of the Christian era. In the earlier period of history it was not so. When vessels were no larger than pentekonters, open boats pulling fifty oars, perhaps up to the time of biremes, the warriors were the oarsmen. But as naval science progressed, and the size of vessels increased, there gradually sprang up distinct classes, which together made up \.\\Q personnel of the navies about 500 B.C., the rowers, the seamen proper, who had the general management of the vessel and sails, and Marines, or fighting men. Marines are especially mentioned in the account of the battle of Lade, in the time of Darius, king of Persia, about 497 B.C. The Ionian Greeks, being in a state of revolt, had their fleet drawn up at Lad, a small island lying off Miletus, where it was discovered by the Persians. In the battle which ensued, the Samian and Lesbian squadrons deserted the cause, the people of those isles having been won over by Persian emissaries, and were followed by others. " Of those who remained and fought," says Herodotus, " none were so rudely handled as the Chians. They had furnished to the common fleet over one hundred ships, having each of them forty armed citizens on board, and those picked men. Scorning to follow the base examples of the traitors, they fought desper ately, till, overcome by numbers, they were obliged to seek safety in flight." The same author, in estimating the strength of the Persian naval force which accompanied the army of Xerxes to Greece, observes that each vessel had on board, besides native soldiers, thirty fighting men, who were either Persians, Medes, or Sacans. At the dawning of the day of the battle of Salamis, the men-at-arms of the Greek fleet were assembled on shore, and speeches were made to them. "The best of all was that of Themistocles, who, throughout, contrasted what was noble with what was base, and bade them in all that * This chapter was kindly furnished the author, in 1874, by Captain, now Rear-Ad miral, S. B. Luce, U.S.N. 15 1 6 Introduction. came within the range of man s nature always to make choice of the nobler part." These men-at-arms, or soldiers, which formed part of the complement of the Greek trireme, were called Epibatce, a word all author ities agree in rendering into English by the word Marines. The largest number of Marines found aboard each of the "swift ships" that is, the regular men-of-war, as distinguished from transports at this period was forty. Plutarch gives the number on board each Greek trireme at the battle of Salamis as eighteen, four of whom were archers and the rest heavy-armed. During the Peloponnesian War, the average number on board the Athenian trireme was ten. It may not be out of place to give here one of the many incidents of the battle of Salamis, as an illustra tion of the valor and mode of fighting of the Epibatce : "A Samothracian vessel bore down on an Athenian and sunk it, but was attacked and crippled immediately after by one of the Eginetan squadron. Now, the Samothracians were expert with the javelin, and aimed their weapons so well that they cleared the deck of the vessel which had disabled their own, after which they sprang on board and took it." (Herodotus viii. 90.) In the account of the battle of Platea, where Mardonius, the great military leader of the Persians, was slain, and the choice of the Persian troops routed, there is an instance related where the military and naval training are curiously blended in the person of the Athenian Sophanes. "He wore," says Herodotus, "an iron anchor, fastened to the belt which secured his breastplate by a brazen chain ; and this, when he came near the enemy, he threw out, to the intent that when they made their charge it might be impossible for him to be driven from his post. As soon, however, as the enemy fled, his wont was to take up his anchor and join the pursuit." Another account states that the anchor was simply a device upon his shield. But in either event the anchor would indicate that he had served afloat. Thucydides makes frequent mention of Epibatce. When the Athenian strategus Demosthenes was operating near Leucas with thirty ships, he landed his forces, and had, besides the army, "the three hundred Epibatce. from his own ships," making ten for each trireme. Rawlinson, in translating the word Epibatce, explains that it means " the armed portion of the crew, corresponding to our (English) Marines." So also Dr. Dale, in his translation of "Thu cydides," renders the word Epibatce. as "the heavy-armed soldiers who served on board ship, answering to our Marines." The eminent Greek scholar, Dr. Arnold, takes the same view. The learned historian of Greece, Mr. Grote, speaks of Epibatce as Marines, and observes that "though not forming a corps permanently distinct, they correspond in function to the English Marines." In the statement that they did not form a distinct corps, Mr. Grote seems to differ from other authorities. Boeckh, probably one of the very best authorities on the antiquities of Athens, who is so freely quoted by Mr. Grote in his history of Greece Introduction. 1 7 and referred to by Dr. William Smith and Rich in their dictionaries of Roman and Greek antiquities, in speaking of matters concerning the Athenian navy, remarks that " The crews of the swift triremes consisted of two descriptions of men, of the soldiers or Marines appointed to to defend the vessels, who were also called Epibatce, and of the sailors. These Epibat<z were entirely distinct from the land soldiers, such as the hoptitfz, peltastce, and cavalry, and belonged to the vessel." ("Boeckh s Economy of Athens," vol. i., page 373.) They had, moreover, their own officers, called trierarchoi. During the naval supremacy of Rome, the quinquireme only, as a rule, was admitted into the line of battle. Polybius gives the number of rowers in these vessels as three hundred, and that of the Marines (clasiarii milites] as one hundred and twenty. In regard to the manner of fighting, it may be observed that the Epibata used arrows and darts at a distance, spears and swords in close combat, and as ships increased in size they added balistcz, and turres, or turrets (naves turritce), and fought from them as from castles on land. In the earlier period of naval history, when opposing fleets, drawn up in parallel lines, closed at once and decided the issue of the battle by a hand-to-hand contest, the number of Marines aboard each vessel was as large as could be accommodated. But when, in the process of time, military science became better understood, and its principles came to be applied to the management of fleets, naval tactics grew to be an art in which the Athenians rendered themselves pre-eminently successful. Skil ful manoeuvres and evolutions performed with wonderful celerity and precision took the place of the old style of rushing headlong into battle. To maim and disable an enemy without receiving any injury in return was now the evidence of an expert trierarch and a well -drilled crew ; this feat once accomplished, and the enemy s vessel reduced to a helpless wreck upon the water, the survivors were easily despatched by the Marines. Hence, with the improved tactics came a reduction of the number of Marines allowed to a Greek trireme, the precise number being finally settled at ten, as already stated, the entire complement of the trireme being two hundred. The true functions of the Marine of modern times were little under stood, his great value to the navy to which he belonged little appreciated, till within a recent period. According to their own writers, the Corps of Marines of Great Britain was originally instituted in 1664; and, curi ously enough, partly with a view to forming a nursery of seamen for the fleet. The privates were encouraged to qualify as able seamen, and were allowed every opportunity of doing so.* *" Royal Marines," by T. Smith, R.M. Colburn s United Service Magazine for May, and following numbers, 1874. 1 8 Introduction. " It having been found necessary on many occasions to embark a number of soldiers on board our ships of war, ... it was judged expe dient to appoint certain regiments for that service who were trained to the different modes of sea-fighting, and also made useful in some of those manoeuvres of a ship where a great many hands were required. These, from the nature of their duty, were distinguished as marine soldiers, or Marines. 1 (" Grose s Military Antiquities of the English Army," vol. i.) They were expected to be more or less familiar with the duties of sea men, and it is still more curious to observe that this total misapprehen sion as to the nature of the duties of Marines was transmitted to the colonies in America, and found definite expression in the first act of the Continental Congress establishing a Marine Corps. In 1740 three additional regiments were raised in America and as sembled at New York. All the officers, excepting the captains of com panies, who were colonists nominated by the provinces, were appointed by the crown, and Colonel Spottswood, of Virginia, was colonel-com mandant of the whole.* In 1760 the strength of the Corps being increased to eighteen thousand three hundred and fifty-five men, application was made for an increase of the number of field-officers, etc. Nicolas, in his history of the Royal Marine forces, gives very full accounts of all the battles in which that Corps participated, but although the British Marine had in many a hard-fought action acquitted himself with credit, yet on no occasion had he proved himself of more value to the navy to which he belonged, or reflected more honor on his Corps, than during the momentous period covering the great mutinies at Spithead, the Nore, and Bantry Bay. The seamen of the fleet fully understanding the advantage, ^in the stand they had taken against the government, of engaging the Marines as their allies, took care to include them in their demand for redress of abuses. In their answer to the Lords of the Admiralty, dated on board the Queen Charlotte at Spithead, April 19, 1797, they say, "And as a further proof of our moderation, and that we are actuated by a true spirit of benevolence towards our brethren, the Marines, who are not noticed in your lordships answer," * The history of the Royal Marines is not without its page of romance. One Han nah Snell, of Worcester, England, it appears, fought in the ranks as a Marine. She belonged to the guard of the Swallow, one of the squadron under Admiral Bosca- wen, was distinguished for bravery, wounded twelve times in various actions, and was finally discharged without her sex being discovered. This brings to mind the story of the lady whose devotion to the fortunes of one William Taylor induced her to follow that hero to sea. She assumed the name of Richard Carr, behaved with great gallantry, and, notwithstanding the secret of her sex being revealed, she was actually promoted to be first lieutenant of the " Thunder" bomb. (See " Universal Songster," London, 1827, vol. i., page 65.) Introduction. 19 etc. But neither had they, in their first statement of grievances, be ginning, "We, the seamen of His Majesty s Navy," alluded, even remotely, to the Marines, showing that the alliance was an after-thought. The Marines were mentioned, however, in the petition to Parliament. But although their "brethren the Marines" doubtless had their own grievances, yet they, as a rule, remained true to their duty, and by their steadfast courage and good discipline suppressed more than one mutiny. One remarkable instance among many of a similar character is related of the crew of the Impetueux, Captain Sir Edward Pellew, afterwards Lord Exmouth. The mutineers had in vain attempted to win over the Marines, and Sir Edward, finding he had them on his side, at once took such energetic measures that the mutiny was put down. The Marine guard of the Castor frigate summarily suppressed a mutiny on board that ship December, 1801. In the same year the mutiny in the squadron in Bantry Bay broke out ; this also was put down by the aid of the Marines. On each occasion the good conduct of the Marines was recog nized in the official report of the affair, and it was probably due to the reputation for loyalty then acquired under the most trying circumstances, rather than their conduct in battle, that gave rise to the complimentary order of the Admiralty, of April 29, 1802, conveying His Majesty s di rections " that the Corps shall be styled Royal Marines." The last serious mutiny necessary in this connection to notice occurred on board the Excellent, 74, in the West Indies. Lord Hood, in general orders, dated "Blenheim, Barbadoes, Decem ber 30, 1802," says, "The commander-in-chief (as well as the members of the court-martial) is highly sensible of the active exertions of the officers of H. M. ship Excellent, in quelling the late mutiny on board that ship ; and also the officers, non-commissioned officers, and private Marines belonging to the said ship : who, by their firmness in resisting the attempt to seduce them from their duty, and in opposing men in actual mutiny, have increased, if possible, the high character the Corps has so justly acquired," etc., etc. It is evident that the worth of the British Marine had begun to be acknowledged, and yet it was not till 1837 that the "iniquitous system"* of rewarding distinguished naval officers by appointing them to the sinecures of generals and colonels of marines was abolished. The value of the Royal Marine as exhibited in his loyalty during a series of mutinies of ships companies, extending over a period of five years, or from 1797 to 1802, some of which shook the throne of Great Britain to its very foundation, was found to be in the total ab sence of sympathy between him and the seaman ; an inimical feeling, perhaps, which the appointment of naval officers, of whatever class, to t * Nicolas. > 2O Introduction. positions in the Corps had a decided tendency to break down. Hence it may be assumed as a general proposition, subject to little qualification, that the value of a Marine Corps to a navy, or of a Marine guard to a ship, is in direct proportion to the thoroughness of its military training, its esprit de corps, and the strict observance of that line of demarcation which separates the military from the naval element. Happily for us, our seamen have never been driven into mutiny, nor does it seem possible that such a deplorable condition of affairs could be brought about as would cause an absolute antagonism between them and the Marines. Still, as the legally established " sharp-shooters" and necessary military element of our sea-forces, our Marine Corps should jealously guard its integrity as a military body " par excellence." In 1804 an artillery company was attached to each of the three divisions of the Royal Marine Corps, to supply the service of the bomb- vessels, and in time of peace to drill the whole of the Marines in gun nery. But they were soon available for other purposes, and on the out break of the War of 1812, a large body of the Marine Artillery, with a field battery and rocket equipment, accompanied the battalions of Marines then formed for service in America. Later, Sir Howard Doug lass complimented the Marine Artillery as being " either a corps of good infantry, of scientific bombardiers, or expert field artillerymen, well constituted, thoroughly instructed, and ably commanded." After fluctuating in numbers through several years, the Corps was so augmented that in 1859 it numbered three thousand officers and men, and was formed into a separate division, with its head-quarters at Fort Cumber land. The military education of the officers of the Royal Marine Artillery is thorough, and such as could be heartily wished were introduced some what into our own Marine Corps. The cadet Marines have to study for two years, more or less, during which they are expected to acquire a competent knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, plane trigonom etry, the use of the sextant, fortification, English history, and French. To this may be added a practical course in naval gunnery. If, on obtain ing his commission, the young marine officer is selected to qualify for the artillery, he must be prepared at the end of a year to pass an examination in analytical trigonometry, differential and integral calculus, conic sec tions, statics and dynamics, hydrostatics and steam, besides being required to have an increased knowledge of fortification. The men are volunteers from the light infantry divisions, possessing specified qualifications as to age, height, intelligence, and character. The course of training, which is, with a few exceptions, common to both officers and men, is very comprehensive: it includes the usual in fantry drills and musketry instruction ; the exercise of field guns and rockets, with such field-battery movements as are of real practical im- Introduction. 2 1 portance ; the service of heavy ordnance, including heavy guns, howit zers, and sea and land service mortars ; the naval great gun exercise ; mounting and dismounting ordnance, with and without machines ; the various methods of slinging and transporting ordnance ; knotting and splicing and fitting gun gear ; use of pulleys, etc. ; a laboratory course, including use and preparation of tubes, rockets, and fuses, making up cartridges, manufacture of port fires, signal lights, rockets, and explosive compounds ; a course of practical gunnery, comprising instruction in the nature and uses of the various kind of guns, howitzers, and mortars, of projectiles, sighting ordnance, use of red-hot shot, and such matters con nected with the theory of projectiles as may have a practical application.* The United States Marine Corps has well sustained the high reputation for steadfast courage and loyalty which has been handed down to it from the days of Themistocles. But like their modern prototypes of Great Britain, they have felt the want of proper appreciation. In the resolution of Congress of November 10, 1775, to raise two battalions to be called "first and second battalions of American Marines," it was enjoined that "no person be enlisted into said battalion but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve with advan tage by sea:" clearly showing that our legislators of that day, at least, had little conception of the nature of a properly-organized Marine Corps. Unfortunately, the erroneous ideas expressed in that act seem more or less to have been transmitted to the present time ; for, strange as it may appear, the Corps, while it has its own peculiar organization, is yet without any regimental organization. It would seem to be to the interest of our Marine Corps that it should be brigaded, the full number allowed by law being three thousand and seventy-four, f though practically re duced by the amount of the annual appropriation, and companies, or parts of companies, with their proper officers detailed for duty afloat. This course, in connection with the educating of the young Marine officers at West Point, would soon bring our Marine Corps up to that high military standard which it is quite safe to say all naval as well as all Marine officers desire to see it attain. J * " Military Schools and Course of Instruction in the Science and Art of War." Henry Barnard, LL.D. New York, 1872. f Act of July 25, 1861. J The officers of the Corps, since 1881, are appointed from the graduates of the Naval Academy, a course advocated by the progressive members of the Corps, many years be fore the passage of the law. AUTHOR. HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS. CHAPTER I. 1740-1777. Colonial Marines Organization of the Corps First Regular Cruisers Vessels ordered to be Constructed Commodore Hopkins appointed Commander-in- Chief The First Ensign Descent on New Providence Alfred, Cabot, and Glasgow Lexington and Edward Appointments in the Corps The Sachem Doria and Racehorse Uniform Adoption of the American Flag Fox and Hancock. 1740. The first authentic record of Marines in America bears the date of 1740. Early in that year three additional regiments were raised, when the royal standard was displayed at New York as the port to which any volunteer Marine was to repair. It was supposed that the native Ameri cans were better calculated for the service in this climate than the Euro peans, and they were clothed in a manner which was considered well adapted for their duties. The colonels, lieutenant-colonels, and other commissioned officers were appointed by the crown, except the captains of the companies, who were nominated by the American provinces. Their uniform was camlet coats, brown linen waistcoats, and canvas trousers. Colonel Spotiswood, of Virginia, was colonel commandant of the whole. 1775. On the 8th of June the Continental Congress resolved "that the compact between the crown and the people of Massachusetts Bay is dissolved," and on the loth of November, before a single vessel of the Navy was sent to sea, the Corps was organized by the following resolution : Resolved, That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors, and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions ; that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea when required ; that they be enlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress ; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of American Marines. Later in the same month, another resolution was adopted providing against filling the Corps from the army. 23 24 History of the United States Marine Corps. But slight record can be found of the services of the Marines during the first year of the existence of the Corps. Men were not over-plenty, either for military or naval duty, and several months elapsed before the Corps was fully organized, equipped, and ready for duty. From the hour of their earliest organization, however, the Marines made a noble record for themselves and for their country. In the early naval fights they played a most important part, amply proving their devotion to the cause in which they were enlisted, and furnishing conclusive evidence of the wisdom of the legislation which called their Corps into existence. The first regular cruisers that ever got to sea were the sloop Hornet and schooner Wasp, which sailed in November from Baltimore to join the squadron under Commodore Hopkins in the Delaware. This passage, however, cannot be called a cruise. Cooper says that the honor properly belongs to Captain John Barry, of Philadelphia, who commanded the Lexington, a brig of fourteen guns, which must have left the capes of the Delaware late in January or early in February, 1776, and her orders were to cruise to the southward. On the 1 3th of December Congress directed thirteen ships of war to be built. On the 226. of the same month Congress passed a resolution declaring Esek Hopkins commander-in-chief, and appointed officers for all the vessels then in service. The equipment of all vessels that could be procured was going on in the autumn of 1775, and the first ensign ever shown by a regular man-of- war was hoisted in the Delaware on board the Alfred, by Paul Jones, some time about the last of December. What that ensign was is not positively known, but it is thought to have been a device representing a pine-tree, with a rattlesnake, about to strike, coiled at its root, and bearing the motto, " Don t tread on me." It is certain that such a flag was used at the com mencement of the Revolution, and on board of some of the vessels of war, though whether this was the flag borne by the Alfred is not quite so clear. Most of the privateers of the period either wore the arms of the colony from which they sailed, and by which they were authorized to cruise, or they also showed devices of their own, according to the conceits of the different captains and owners. 1776. Commodore Hopkins was directed to proceed to the southward, with a view to act against the naval force, which was then ravaging the coast of Virginia, under Lord Dunmore. The squadron had gone into the bay and rendezvoused under Cape Henlopen early in February. It consisted of the Alfred, Columbus, Doria, Cabot, Providence, Hornet, Wasp, and Fly, despatch vessel. Commodore Hopkins sailed with this force on the i7th of February. Nothing of importance occurred, and in due time the squadron reached Abaco, in the Bahamas, the place of ren dezvous. Here Commodore Hopkins determined to make a descent on New Providence, where it was understood a considerable amount of mill- History of the United States Marine Corps. tary stores had been collected. A battalion of three hundred men, Ma rines and landsmen, under the command of Captain Nichols, the senior Marine officer of the service, was put into ten sloops with the hope of surprising the place. An alarm having been given, however, the Providence and Wasp were sent in to cover the landing. This duty was handsomely performed, and Captain Nichols captured the forts by assault and obtained complete command of the place in the course of the after noon and following morning. A hundred cannon and a large quantity of stores fell into the hands of the Americans, although the governor had succeeded in removing a large quantity of powder during the night. On this occasion, the first that ever occurred in the regular American Navy, " the Marines under Captain Nichols behaved with a spirit and steadiness that have distinguished the Corps from that hour down to the present moment." On as close an examination of this action as our means will allow, the following officers of the Corps appear to have been attached to the squadron : Alfred, Captains Nichols and Robert Mullin ; Columbus, Captain Andrew Porter ; Providence, First Lieutenant Peregrine Brown. On the 6th of April, in the action between the Alfred and Cabot and the British 2o-gun frigate Glasgow, the list of casualties on the two American vessels amounted to twelve seamen and eleven marines killed and wounded. On the i yth of April the Lexington, Captain Barry, encountered the Edward, an armed tender of the Liverpool, and, after a severe action of an hour, captured her. The Lexington had four of her crew killed and several wounded, among the latter being Sergeant Haslit of the Marines. Lieutenant Abel Morgan commanded the Marines. During the year 1776 the organization of the Corps was further per fected, and the following officers were appointed June 25 : Samuel Nichols Major. Andrew Porter Captain. Joseph Hardy Captain. Samuel Shaw Captain. Benjamin Deane Captain. Robert Mullin Captain. John Stuart Captain. Daniel Henderson . First Lieutenant. David Lowe . . . First Lieutenant. Franklin Read . Peregrine Brown Thomas Pownal James McClure . William Gilmore Abel Morgan Hugh Morgan . . First Lieutenant. . First Lieutenant. . First Lieutenant. Second Lieutenant. Second Lieutenant. Second Lieutenant. Second Lieutenant. Richard Harrison . Second Lieutenant. Other appointments during the same year succeeded as follows : July 22, Captains, George J. Osborn and Richard Palmer; First Lieutenant, Stephen Meade ; Second Lieutenants, Nathaniel Thwing and Benjamin Thompson ; July 24, First Lieutenant, Abraham Van Dyke ; August 24, First Lieutenant, Louis de la Valette ; September 6, Captain William Nicholson. That there were Marines in the squadron of Commodore Hopkins, is 26 History of the United States Marine Corps. known from the fact of their having been landed at New Providence, where they were the assailing force ; but even the greater portion of the sea officers employed on that occasion had merely letters of appoint ment, and it is to be presumed that such was also the case with Captains Nichols, Mullin, Porter, and Lieutenant Brown. Captain Nichols was undoubtedly the senior officer of the Corps at New Providence, although the first regular roster published by authority places him at the head of the Corps as major. But this, it will be observed, bears the date of June 25, and Captain Nichols was promoted for his gallantry. On the 6th of July, two days after the Declaration of Independence, the Sachem, ten guns, Captain Robinson, sailed from the Delaware. When a few days out she fell in with an English letter-of-marque and captured her, after a sharp contest. Both vessels suffered severely in killed and wounded. Some time in August, the Doria, while off the western end of Porto Rico, encountered an English vessel of war. The enemy commenced the action by firing a broadside, which was immedi ately returned by the Doria. After a severe engagement of two hours the Englishman surrendered. The prize proved to be the Racehorse, twelve guns, Lieutenant Jones, who was mortally wounded, together with a large number of his crew. The casualties on board the Doria amounted to twelve. Lieutenant Daniel Henderson commanded the Marines By this time the whole coast was alive with adventures, scarcely a week passing that did not give rise to some incident which exhibited great heroism. Whenever an enemy s cruiser appeared, or attempted to land, skirmishes ensued, and from contemporary accounts the informa tion obtained warrants the statement that the Corps was fully represented, and its officers and men shared in the affairs of personal gallantry dis played on the coast of New England, the Chesapeake, and the coast of the Carolinas. The following was the uniform for the officers of the Corps, by order of the "Marine Committee," dated Philadelphia, September 5, 1776: "A green coat faced with white, round cuff, slashed sleeves and pockets, with buttons round the cuff, silver epaulette on the right shoulder, skirts turned back, buttons to suit the facings ; white waistcoat and breeches edged with green, black gaiters and garters;" green shirts were ordered for the men, " if they can be procured." 1777. On the I4th of June of this year, Congress first adopted the stars and stripes as the national flag. On the 27th of June an action was fought off the banks of Newfound land between the British 32-gun frigate Fox and the American 32-gun frigate Hancock. After .an engagement of two hours, which resulted in great loss to the enemy, the Fox surrendered. The officers of the Corps attached to the Hancock were Captain Benjamin Deane, First-Lieu tenant Thomas Pownal. History of the United States Marine Corps. 27 CHAPTER II. 1777. Capture of Philadelphia The First Attack by the British Fleet on the Defences of the Delaware Success of Commodore Hazelwood in repulsing the Enemy The Advance Squadron of the Enemy succeeds in opening the Channel. IN July, General Howe, the commander of the British forces, occupied Staten Island, and preparations were made for an attack on Philadelphia. On the 23d of the same month a powerful armament, consisting of thirty-six battalions of infantry and a strong detachment of artillery, sailed from Sandy Hook and arrived off the entrance of the Delaware on the 3ist. Finding, however, that the Americans had obstructed the navigation of the river, the fleet abandoned the attempt, and proceeded up the Chesapeake on the i4th of August, and the enemy landed at Elk Ferry on the 25th. On the 3d of September the British began their march, but Washington, who had returned from New Jersey by forced marches with ten thousand men, lost no opportunity of harassing the enemy, without bringing on a general engagement. Several actions, however, took place, notably the battles of Brandywine and German- town, before the British entered Philadelphia, resulting in great loss to them, but their superiority of numbers prevailed, and General Howe entered the city on the 26th of September. The enemy immediately commenced the erection of batteries on the Delaware front, but so prompt and energetic were the officers of our little fleet, that before the batteries could be completed two frigates and some small galleys came up from Mud Island and attacked the lower battery of four guns, anchoring within five hundred yards of the enemy s position. At ten o clock on the morning of the loth of September our vessels com menced a heavy cannonade and soon silenced the battery. The tide ebbing, however, one of our frigates, the Delaware, took the ground and was soon in a defenceless condition. She was therefore obliged to strike her colors, and was taken possession of by a detachment of British Marines. The first effort of the brothers Howe, so soon as Philadelphia was cap tured, was to open the navigation of the Delaware River, so that the trans ports containing provisions, stores, and other necessaries for the British army might be carried by water to it. Both the British commanders and Washington looked to this matter with the same deep interest.* There were three fortifications below Philadelphia : First, Fort Mifflin, on Mud Island, upon the Pennsylvania side of the * " Without the free navigation of the Delaware, I am confident that General Howe will never remain in Philadelphia. Washington. 28 History of the United States Marine Corps. river, just below where the Schuylkill empties into it, seven miles below the city. Opposite to Fort Mifflin, and about nineteen hundred yards the width of the river here from it, on the Jersey shore, was Fort Mercer, at Red Bank. The third fortification was Billingsport, four or five miles lower down the river, on the Jersey side. Two rows of chevaux-de-frise were sunk opposite to Billingsport, and four rows between Fort Mifflin and Fort Mercer. In the narrow and difficult channel behind Fort Mifflin, and between it and Province Island, no obstructions had been placed. In the channel there, as up to that time generally known, no vessel of the draft of water made by even the smallest one of the British men-of-war could pass. Between the north end of Hog Island and the south end of Mud Island one ship was sunk. The moment that victory on the Brandywine opened the gates of Philadelphia to the enemy, the British fleet was in motion down the Chesapeake, around Cape Charles, and up the Delaware, in order that it might give, by opening that great watercourse, completeness to the capture. The admiral cast anchor off Chester, on the 6th of October, but Captain Hammond with an advance squadron the Roebuck, Pearl, Camilla, and Liverpool had moved up the river as the army advanced towards Philadelphia, and on the ist of October was off Billingsport. He had informed General Howe that if a sufficient land force could be sent to New Jersey to attack the fortifications at that point, he would take upon himself the task of removing the chevaux-de-frise which Bil lingsport covered. On the ist of October the general accordingly sent Colonel Sterling with two regiments of grenadiers from Chester. They landed about five miles below the fort, now garrisoned by one hundred and fifty men, and on the 2d began their march towards it. Colonel Bradford was there in time to bring off to Fort Mifflin the little garrison and the military stores, Bradford himself remaining until fired upon by the advancing army. Entered by the British on the 2d of October, it was evacuated by them on the 5th. It uncovered the chevaux-de-frise opposite to the place, and Captain Hammond went to work with his squadron in re demption of his pledge to remove these obstructions. He had hardly got his squadron at work before Commodore Hazelwood, who was in command of our fleet,* went at it, and attacked the ships so sharply that they were obliged to desist from their efforts and to fall down to Chester. * Commodore Hazelwood was born in England in 1726; died at Philadelphia, March I, 1800. He was promoted commodore in the Pennsylvania State Navy, September 6, 1777. At a later period he was appointed one of the " Commissioners of Purchase" in Philadelphia. History of the United States Marine Corps. 29 Captain Hammond, however, on the 25th of October, succeeded, not without much difficulty, being continually harassed by our galleys, fire- rafts, and other armed craft, in opening a sufficient channel for the larger ships. The plan of the brothers Howe was now developed. It was to attack simultaneously Forts Mifflin and Mercer by land and water; and, as re spected Fort Miffiin, to begin their attack by land from batteries previ ously erected on the few spots of hard ground at the junction of the Delaware and Schuylkill, and along the western banks of the narrow channel behind Fort Mifflin. CHAPTER III. Contemplated Capture by the Combined British Army and Navy of Forts Mercer and Mifflin The Attempt made October 22, 1777 Attack on that Day on Fort Mercer repulsed with Heavy Loss to the Assailants The Navy rendering Great Aid No Serious Attack on Fort Mifflin Two British Vessels run aground, and on the 23d are set on Fire Their Magazines explode. BY the 2oth of October, a passage for the British vessels being now opened through the lower chevaux-de-frise, the brothers Howe prepared to attempt the capture of the forts. The general had been able to erect on the hard grounds of the rear island a redoubt which enfiladed a principal battery of Fort Mifflin. General Howe ordered also a body of troops to be landed for " forcing the redoubt," as the British called Fort Mercer at Red Bank. In addition to the erection of the battery on Province Island intended to play on the rear of Fort Mifflin, and, as Admiral Howe tells us, on the galleys and other armed craft, the squadron from the British fleet had come up the river. It consisted of the Augusta, Roebuck, Liverpool, Pearl, Merlin, and Isis. The rest of the plan is thus disclosed in Lord Howe s official despatch : " It was intended tin&t the Vigilant should pass through a shallow and very confined channel on Hog Island and the Pennsylvania shore, to arrive and act upon the rear and less defensible part of the work ; and the circumstances of the navigation not admitting of a more serious attack, ... a diversion was proposed to be made at the same time by the Isis and Augusta in the eastern or main channel of the river, as well for engaging the attention of the enemy at Fort Island and the redoubt as to restrain the motion of the galleys and other armed crafts, which had retired under the works at Red Bank when they discovered the danger which they would be exposed to from our batteries on the western shore. 30 History of the United States Marine Corps. Such was the plan. It included, as will be seen, an attack by the Vigilant on the rear of Fort Mifflin. But even an attack could not be made on this fort. And while on Fort Mercer an attack was made, it was one which ended only in disaster. At five o clock on the afternoon of the 226. of October a force of Hessians under Count Dunop attacked the fort with great spirit. Having carried the outworks, his troops had now to storm the interior intrenchments. To reach these, the attacking force had to place itself where it would be exposed to the fire of our vessels. The opportunity was not missed by Commodore Hazelwood, the commander of the fleet. Coming as near as possible to the fort, he poured in a hot and incessant fire on the attacking party. The assailants retired, but only to find in their slower and disordered retreat a still more deadly fire from the fleet. The whole advance, attack, and retreat lasted but forty-five minutes ; the loss was estimated at not less than four hundred, including Count Dunop and many of the best officers. The loss in the garrison amounted to one captain, five sergeants, one fifer, and seven privates killed ; one ensign, two sergeants, and twenty privates wounded. As respected Fort Mifflin, the plan failed on the point by which success was expected to be accomplished, an attack by the Vigilant on the rear and less defensible part of the work. On the evening of the 226 the Augusta and Merlin grounded some dis tance below the second line of chevaux-de-frise. At an early hour the next morning empty transports were making their way up from the fleet, and other preparations made for lightening the grounded vessels. It was too late. The Navy and Fort Mifflin were upon them. A portion of the Navy could not at once be got into action. The British squadron lay below the stockades ; and while certain vessels of our fleet could pass through these to make an attack, care was required in bringing down others. However, twelve galleys and two floating batteries got into action at once. Soon all got in and the action became general. The Augusta, though grounded, had her broadside constantly playing on them; the Roebuck, the two frigates, and their galleys giving good sup port. After some hours fighting, a tremendous noise was heard. A volume of thick smoke was seen ascending to the heavens. The magazine of the Augusta exploded, and that of the Merlin soon followed. These succes sive explosions were so disastrous to the British fleet that only three boat-loads of men were saved from the two well-manned vessels. This conjoint success by sea and land was, with reason, regarded as an event of the time. It encouraged the friends of the Revolution everywhere, and discouraged the many, who were disposed to put themselves under the protection of the British troops enjoying themselves in Philadelphia. History of the United States Marine Corps. 3 1 CHAPTER IV. The Second Attack on Fort Mifflin Success of the British A Portion of the State Fleet saved The Continental Fleet burnt by its Commander The Treason of Captain Robert Whyte Marines attached to the Pennsylvania Navy. THE new attack on Fort Mifflin began on the 5th of November, from land batteries placed as follows : Two batteries on Province Island, having two 32-pounders, one i8-pounder, one 32-pounder. One battery on Carpenter s Island, having six 24-pounders, one 8-inch howitzer, one 8-inch mortar. One battery on Carpenter s Island, having one 8-inch howitzer, one 7-inch mortar. One battery on Carpenter s Island, having one 15-inch mortar. One battery on the mainland, having two 12-pounders, one i8-pounder. On the night of the I4th the Vigilant and Fury got under way, and at the break of day sailed in on the swelling tide behind Hog Island, and by the time that broad daylight of the i5th had arrived, anchored themselves within a hundred yards of the fort, and at such a point as enabled them to aid in the most effective manner the batteries on the two islands. The British squadron which sailed up on the morning of the i5th iVSj" "~" Somerset, five hundred men 64 guns. Isis, three hundred and fifty men 50 guns. Roebuck, two hundred and eighty men 44 guns. Pearl, two hundred and twenty-two men 32 guns. Liverpool 28 guns. Cornwallis, galley I gun. Vigilant, one hundred and fifty men 16 guns. Fury 3 guns. The other vessels of the British fleet which remained below were the flagship Eagle, sixty-four guns; Experiment, fifty guns; Renown, fifty guns ; Apollo, thirty-two guns ; Zebra, sixteen guns ; and the Camilla, twenty guns. Our own little Navy, which faced this mighty armament, was as follows : STATE FLEET. Galleys. Bulldog, Burke, Camden, Congress, Dickinson, Experiment, Effingham, Franklin, Hancock, Ranger, Warren, Washington, Witch. One carrying one 32-pounder. Two carrying each one 24-pounder. Ten carrying each . one i8-pounder. 32 History of the United States Marine Corps. Half-Galleys. Argus, Basilisk, Brimstone, Dragon, Eagle, Fame, Firebrand, Hawk, Hornet, Lion, Porcupine, Racehorse, Repulse, Reso lution, Salamander, Terror, Thunder, Tormentor, Viper, Vulture, Wasp. Twenty-one carrying each ............. one 4-pounder. Floating Batteries. Arnold and Putnam. One carrying . , ............... twelve i8-pounders. One carrying ................. ten i8-pounders. Provincial Ship. Montgomery. f fourteen i8-pounders, One carrying ............... -| sixteen cohorns, [ eight swivels. Armed Schooner. Delaware. Schooner Galley. Lydia. f in bow, two i8-pounders, One carrying ............. < I. in stern, two 9-pounders. Brig Galley. Convention. One carrying in bow, two i8-pounders; in stern, two 9-pounders. Fire-Ships. Hecla, Stromboli. fire-Brig. Volcano. Fire-Brigantine. Blast. Fire-Sloop. ^Etna. Accommodation Sloops. Defiance, Hetty, Industry. Ammunition Sloop. Sally. Sloops. Liberty, Speedwell. Duck. CONTINENTAL FLEET. Andria Doria, brig .............. Fourteen 6-pounders. Hornet, sloop ................ Twelve 9-pounders. Racehorse, sloop ............... Ten guns. Fly, sloop ... ............... Six guns. Wasp, schooner ............... Ten 9-pounders. Independence, sloop ............. Ten 9-pounders. Sachem, sloop ................ Ten 9-pounders. Mosquito, sloop ............... Four 9-pounders. The fleet at this period was never fully manned; besides, half of our larger vessels were short of cannon. With regard to half our fleet, there fore, at this critical moment, its vessels were no better than "painted ships upon a painted ocean." The Delaware fleet was under the command of Commodore Hazelwood. After twelve hours of uninterrupted fighting the garrison was evacuated at midnight of the i5th, but not until the blockhouses were reduced to ruins, the palisades beaten down, the barracks battered in every part, History of the United States Marine Corps. 33 most of the guns dismounted, and a large part of the garrison killed. On the fleet twenty-eight men were killed and twelve wounded ; while of the twelve galleys in action only one was not shattered by shot. The fire- rafts were almost all destroyed by the tempestuous weather. It now became necessary to determine in what manner the vessels of the fleet should be disposed of, in order to prevent their capture by the enemy. A council of war was accordingly held on board the Speedwell, on November iQth. It was concluded to endeavor to pass the city through the Jersey or Eastern channel. Commodore Hazelwood got thirteen galleys and nine armed boats under way at three o clock on the morning of the 2oth of November. Aided by the darkness and the fog, he was carried by the "morning flood" alone, in about an hour and a half, through the Jersey channel past the city, and by ten A.M. he was at anchor off Burlington. The Continental fleet, however, under Captain Robinson was not so fortunate. On the morning of the 2ist, Captain Robinson, being unable to escape up the river, set fire to the remaining vessels to prevent their capture by the enemy. As far as can be ascertained, the following officers of the corps were engaged in these operations : Captain Andrew Porter, Captain Richard Palmer, First Lieutenant Daniel Henderson, First Lieu tenant Stephen Meade. From the fact that the channel at the rear of Fort Mifflin, in the opinion of the British admiral, would float armed vessels, and that he from the beginning meant to operate by means of it, the question natu rally arises, "How came it that the channel at the rear of the fort was left open ? In raising this question it must be recollected that great pains were taken to obstruct the navigation of the channel of the Delaware vo. front of Fort Mifflin. Whence came this confidence of the British admiral and this purpose ? Is it possible that Fort Mifflin was betrayed ? In a letter from Wilmington, Delaware, dated November 10, 1777, and published in Rivington s Royal Gazette, at New York, then in pos session of the British, the writer refers to the successful opening, just then previously made by Captain Hammond, of the obstructions in the river at Billingsport ; he says, " The Roebuck has raised three parts of the first tier in the face of the Rebel s whole fire. The man who laid the same is now in His Majesty s service" The laying of the chevaux-de-frise at Billingsport was committed to Colonel Robert Smith, of Chester County, Pennsylvania, Captain Rob ert Whyte and Mr. Samuel Morris, of Philadelphia. Both Smith and Morris are well-known characters in the history of Pennsylvania, and the loyalty of both at all times to the cause of inde- 34 History of the United States Marine Corps. pendence is undeniable. The only person, therefore, to whom this imputation can apply is Captain Whyte. In the year 1787, ten years after the siege, an Englishman, George Grien, in a note to a translation which he made and then published in Lon don, of " Chastellux s Travels in North America," makes this statement : "The person principally employed in sinking the chevaux-de-frise, and in securing the passage of the river, was one Whyte, who is sup posed to have left the river open designedly, as he afterwards went over to the enemy and distinguished himself by every act of hostile virulence against his country." " Who, then, was this Whyte, a great actor in the events of America, if these British accounts are true ; not yet, indeed, equal in infamy with Arnold, but equal in baseness, and more than equal in success." " Public records show that prior to December 14, 1779, Captain Whyte was attainted of treason by the State of Pennsylvania ; that as early as April 23, 1782, he was in the British naval service, commanding a royal cutter." * Marines attached to the following vessels of the Pennsylvania State Navy 1776 and 1777: Arnold Battery. Captain Thomas Forest, two sergeants, one drum mer, and twenty-seven privates. Bull Dog. Two sergeants, two drummers, one fifer, and fifty-one privates. Burke. Two sergeants, one drummer, and twenty-six privates. Camden. Two sergeants, two drummers, one fifer, and thirty-five privates. Chatham. Two sergeants and thirty-four privates. Congress. First Lieutenant Hugh Montgomery, two sergeants, two corporals, two drummers, one fifer, and thirty-nine privates. Brig Convention. First Lieutenant Douglas Spencer, two sergeants, one drummer, and forty-one privates. Dickinson. Captain John Rice, two sergeants, two corporals, one drummer, two fifers, and sixty-nine privates. Effingham. First Lieutenant James Kirkpatrick, two sergeants, two corporals, two drummers, two fifers, and fifty-nine privates. Experiment. First Lieutenant James Glasgow, two sergeants, one drummer, one fifer and fifty-one privates. Franklin. Second Lieutenant Samuel Snowden, two sergeants, three drummers, one fifer, and fifty-six privates. General Greene. Captain Robert Caldwell, Lieutenants John Ham- bright, Jr., Jonas Mackey, three sergeants, two corporals, one drummer, one fifer, and thirty privates. *" Colonel William Bradford, the Patriot Printer of 1776." By John William Wallace. ARCHIBALD HENDERSON, BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERAL U. S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDANT FROM OCTOBER 17, 1820, TO JUNE 6, History of the United States Marine Corps. 3 5 Hancock. First Lieutenant William Martin, two sergeants, two drum mers, one fifer, and sixty privates. Flag-Ship Montgomery. Captain William Brown, First Lieutenant James Morrison, Second Lieutenant Thomas Caldwell, two sergeants, two corporals, two drummers, and fifty-eight privates. CHAPTER V. 1778-80. Second Descent on New Providence Ranger and the Drake Capture of a British Privateer Capture of the British Sloop Jason, Schooner Hibernia, and Five Transports The Expedition to Castine The Squadron under Commodore Paul Jones Trumbull and Watt Alliance Congress and Savage The Hyder Ally. THE naval operations of the year opened with a gallant exploit, achieved by the United States sloop Providence, Captain Rathburne. This vessel carried only 4-pounders and is said to have had a crew of but fifty sailors and a sergeant s guard of Marines on board. Notwith standing this trifling force, Captain Rathburne made a descent on the Island of New Providence, at the head of twenty-five Marines and sailors. He was joined by a few American prisoners, less than thirty, and, while a privateer of sixteen guns, with a crew of fifty men, lay in the harbor, he seized the forts, got possession of the stores, and ob tained command of the place. All the vessels in port, six in number, fell into his hands, and an attempt of the armed populace to overpower him was suppressed by a menace to burn the town. Captain Rathburne spiked the guns of the fort, removed all the ammunition and small-arms, burned two of his prizes^ and sailed with the remainder without leaving a man behind him. On the loth of April, Paul Jones sailed from Brest on a cruise in the Irish Channel. On the 24th he arrived off Carrick- fergus in the roads of which the Drake, sloop of war, Captain Burden, a vessel equal in force to the Ranger, lay anchored. The commander of the British vessel sent out an officer, in one of his boats, to ascertain the character of the stranger. By skilful handling, the officer in charge of the boat was decoyed alongside and taken. In a short time the English ship was seen under way. The Ranger now filled and stood off the land with a view to draw her enemy more into the channel, where she lay to, in waiting for her antagonist. The tide being un favorable, the Drake worked out of the roads slowly, and night was approaching before she drew near the Ranger. The Ranger gave the first broadside, and the battle was fought running free, under easy can vas. It lasted an hour and four minutes, when the Drake called for quarter, her ensign being already down. The loss on the English ship amounted to forty. Her captain and first lieutenant were both des perately wounded, and died shortly after the engagement. The Ranger 3 36 History of the United States Marine Corps. suffered much less, having Lieutenant Wallingford of the Marines and one man killed and six wounded. In the manuscript diary of William Jenison, Lieutenant of Marines on board the United States ship Boston, then just arrived on the coast of France, there is noted the following requisition under date ON BOARD THE BOSTON. A P ril IIth Wanted, for the use and service of the Marines belonging to this ship : 40 green coats faced with white, 40 white waistcoats, and 40 white breeches. The buttons of the whole to be a plain white. Coats to be open-sleeved, and a belt for every waistcoat. In behalf of the Captain of Marines, WILLIAM JENISON, Lieutenant of Marines. It appears from this that the buttons for the Marine uniform at that date were not gilt, but were covered with plain white, like the facings. Under date of May 13, we find "Regimentals for the Marines, an uniform ordered by Congress] was brought on board and distributed to officers and men. 1779. On the 1 8th of April the United States ships Warren, Captain J. B. Hopkins, Queen of France, Captain Olney, and Ranger, Captain Simpson, sailed from Boston on a cruise. This squadron captured a British privateer of fourteen guns, and later, off Cape Henry, the cruisers came up with nine sail, seven of which they captured. The vessels taken were the Jason, twenty guns, and the schooner Hibernia, eight guns. In addition to these vessels the brigs Patriot, Prince Fred erick, Bachelor John, and schooner Chance, all laden with stores, fell into the hands of the Americans. Among the prisoners were twenty- four British officers on their way to join their regiments at the South. The following officers of Marines served in this squadron : Warren, Captain William Nicholson ; Queen of France, First Lieutenant Abra ham Van Dyke; Ranger, Second Lieutenant Benjamin Thompson. Captain John Adams, of the Boston, states in his diary, that the uni form of the Marines at this period were changed from green to red, the facings being the same in both uniforms. Adams, who had no love for Paul Jones, writes in his diary, dating from Port Louis, L Orient, Thursday, May 13, 1799 : "After dinner walked out with Captain Jones and Landais to see Jones s Marines dressed in the English uniform, red and white ; a number of very active and clever sergeants and corporals are employed to teach them the exercises and manoeuvres and marches, etc. ; after which Jones came on board our ship. This is the most ambitious and intriguing officer in the American Navy. Jones has art and secrecy, and aspires very high. You see the character of the man in his uniform, and History of the United States Marine Corps. 37 that of his officers and Marines variant from the uniform established by Congress, golden buttons for himself, two epaulets ; Marines in red and white instead of green. Excentricities and irregularities are to be ex pected from him. They are in his character, they are visible in his eyes. His voice is soft and still and small ; his eye has keenness and mildness and softness in it." In the spring of 1779 tne British leaders conceived the idea that it was essential to their interests that a military post be established on the coast of Maine. With that object in view, an expedition was fitted out from Halifax, Nova Scotia, for the invasion of that district. About one thou sand men were detached from the Seventy-fourth and Eighty-second Regiments of Royal Artillery, and placed under the command of Briga dier-General McLane ; the ships North, Nautilus, and Albany, each of sixteen guns, were used as convoys, Captain Mowat in command. This was not the first time that Mowat had invaded the shores of Maine, for it was but a few years before that he had deliberately burned the town of Portland, then called Falmouth, to the ground. His name was still one of terror to the people of that vicinity, and it was a source of great sor row to them, on the i6th of June, that this officer again landed on their shores. Castine, near the entrance of the Penobscot River, was selected as the spot upon which to establish the post, and the erection of a fort was immediately begun. Batteries were erected upon the banks of the river, and the ships of war were advantageously disposed of in the harbor. These dispositions having been made, the invasion was con sidered accomplished. But the people of Massachusetts would not quietly submit to allow the enemy s foot to rest undisturbed on their territory, Maine being but a district of Massachusetts at that time. The spirit which led to the belief, since the evacuation of Boston, that the British dared not invade Massachusetts, still prevailed, and when the news of the landing at Castine was received at Boston, the excitement was intense. It was immediately resolved to send an armed fleet to the scene. The Legislature of Massachusetts was called upon, and, the appeal being favorably received by that body, orders were issued for detaching a force of fifteen hundred men from the State militia, and the Board of War was authorized to engage armed ships for the service. Application to Congress for aid was also successful, and the fleet was rapidly fitted out. The United States frigate Warren, of thirty-two guns, was loaned for the expedition ; she carried two hundred and fifty men, under the command of Captain Saltonstall, who was also made commander-in-chief. Congress also granted the use of two sloops-of- war, the Diligence and the Providence, of fourteen and twelve guns re spectively, then lying in Boston harbor ; the former vessel carried ninety men, and was under the command of Captain Brown, and the latter seventy men, Captain Hacker. 38 History of the United States Marine Corps. The government of Massachusetts furnished three vessels, as follows : the Tyrannicide, of fourteen guns, Captain Cathcart, ninety men ; the Active, sixteen guns, Captain Hallet, one hundred men ; the Hazard, fourteen guns, Captain Williams, ninety men. Thirteen vessels were also hired, by the government of Massachusetts, from citizens of Boston, Salem, and Newbury, and fitted up for the expedition. The Hampden, Captain Salter, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, carried twenty guns and one hundred and thirty men ; the Pallas, Captain Johnson, fourteen guns and eighty men ; the Sky-Rocket, Captain Burke, sixteen guns and one hundred and twenty men ; the Black Prince, eighteen guns, one hundred and sixty men ; the Nector, Captain Carnes, eighteen guns, one hundred and fifty men ; the Monmouth, Captain Ross, twenty guns, one hundred and sixty men ; the Hunter, Captain Brown, twenty guns, one hundred and eighty men ; the Putnam, Captain Waters, twenty guns, one hundred and seventy men ; the Vengeance, Captain Thomas, eighteen guns, one hundred and ninety men. The Revenge, of eighteen guns, and the Defence, of fourteen, carried one hundred and fifty and eighty men respectively, but the names of their captains are not known. There was also a schooner of eight guns, carrying forty men, whose cap tain s name has not been preserved. " A remarkable fact showing the enthusiasm which existed in the cause is that no less than thirty masters of merchant ships in Newburyport volunteered as common seamen on board the Vengeance, and, in deference to the superior age and experience of one of these, Captain Thomas, Captain Dennis relinquished the command of the ship, himself acting as lieutenant. The command of the land forces was given to Brigadier-General Lovell, an officer whose superior merit had gained him a great reputation for cour age and skill. Unfortunately, however, some delay had prevented a por tion of the militia from arriving at Townsend, the place of rendezvous in Maine, at the appointed time, and upon the arrival of the fleet of armed ships and transports punctually on the day named, the general found but nine hundred of the militia instead of the promised fifteen hundred. This was a great disappointment to all ; but for numerous reasons the greatest despatch was necessary, and delay would have chafed the spirits of the brave men who were ready for work, so that, after careful consideration of the subject, it was decided in a council of war to proceed at once. The militia therefore embarked on board the transports which had been provided for them, and, accompanied by the armed vessels with three hundred Marines under the command of Captain Osborn, sailed from Townsend, arriving at the place of destination on the 25th of July. So well, however, had the British defences been arranged that it was not until the 28th that a landing was effected. This was at last accom plished by the Marines and the militia, the place chosen for a land ing being at the foot of a precipitous height which rose abruptly and History of the United States Marine Corps. 39 almost perpendicularly from the river. The advance of the British force was stationed in a wood on the top of this very eminence. According to General Lovell s previous orders, the main body of the seamen put off from the ships immediately after the troops had landed. The word to advance was then given, and the intrepid body of Marines and militia, closely followed by the seamen, met their own number of Scotch regulars, and with such unabated ardor and zeal was the battle pushed that the enemy was driven back within their works. But this step was only gained at a great sacrifice to the patriots, for several officers of merit were slain and of the Marines and militia about one hundred were killed and wounded. Many acts of heroic courage on the part of the Marines, seamen, and militia signalized the affair, reflecting the highest credit upon all. Upon reconnoitring, however, General Lovell found that the enemy had intrenched themselves so securely, and their defences were of such strength, that it would be worse than useless to attack them in their strong hold until reinforcements could be obtained. Neither was Commodore Saltonstall willing to attempt the destruction of the British ships lying in the harbor, even after the batteries had been captured. A council of war was called, and it was decided to send for reinforcements and to suspend operations until they should arrive. Help, however, did not arrive as soon as it was expected, and in the mean time the British had also sent for assistance, which was despatched promptly ; and on the i4th of August a British fleet from New York, under the command of Sir George Collier, sailed into the harbor. This fleet comprised the Raisonnable, of sixty-four guns, and the frigates Blonde, Virginia, Greyhound, Galatea, and Camilla. This arrival was a great blow to the Americans, who saw at once that the project of driving out the British must be abandoned, flight being the only recourse left them. Captain Saltonstall immediately communicated with General Lovell, who was on shore with his troops, at one o clock in the morning, and prepara tions were at once made to evacuate the position which they held. Before dawn the little army was on board the transports and sailing up the river, the only direction open to them. But their flight was immediately dis covered by the enemy, who started in pursuit. The enemy soon got near enough to use their chase guns, and the fire was returned by the Ameri cans. It was undoubtedly the wish of Captain Saltonstall to reach the shallow waters before he was overtaken ; but finding this impracticable, he ran his ship on shore and set her on fire. Others followed his example, and most of the vessels were destroyed, though three or four fell into the hands of the enemy. The loss on the Warren was thirty killed and wounded, while the loss among the troops amounted to one hundred. The following officers of the Corps were engaged in this expedition : Captains Osborn, Palmer, and Nicholson ; Lieutenants Thuing, Mc- Clure, and Gilmore. 4O History of the United States Marine Corps. On the 1 4th of August the squadron under the command of Commo dore Paul Jones, consisting of the Bonhomme Richard, Alliance, Pallas, Cerf, and Vengeance, sailed from the anchorage under the Isle of Groix, off L Orient. On the 23d of September, in the combat between the Rich ard and the Serapis, an unusual number of lives were lost, though no reg ular authentic report appears to have been given on either side. In the action the Marines suffered out of proportion to the rest of the crew. Out of one hundred and thirty-seven Marines, forty-nine were killed or wounded. On board of the Richard the detachment was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Stack ; his subordinate officers were Lieutenants Ma- carty and O Kelly. On the Alliance were Captain Park, First Lieutenant Thomas Ellenwood, and Second Lieutenant James Warren. 1780. The first action of moment that occurred this year between any United States vessel and the enemy has the reputation of being one of the most hotly and obstinately contested combats of the war. On the 2d of June the Trumbull, twenty-eight guns, under the command of Captain James Nicholson, while cruising in latitude 35 54 , longitude 66 W., made a strange sail to windward. Making sail in pursuit, the Trumbull was soon within a hundred yards of her antagonist, which had in the mean time shown English colors. The English ship fired the first broad side and the action began in earnest. For two hours and a half the vessels lay nearly abeam of each other, giving and receiving broadsides without intermission. At no time were they half a cable s length asunder, and more than once the yards nearly interlaced. Twice was the Trumbull set on fire by the wads of her opponent, and once the enemy suffered in the same way. At last the fire of the Englishman slackened sensibly until it nearly ceased. At this juncture the main- and mizzen-top-masts of the Trumbull went over the side, and, in spite of every effort to secure them, spar after spar came down until nothing was left but the fore-mast. The enemy being in a crippled condition speedily made off on her proper course, but before she was out of sight her main-top-mast also was seen to fall. The enemy proved to be the Watt, a larger and stronger ship and carrying more men than her opponent. The Trumbull lost thirty-nine in killed and wounded, among the former of whom were two of her lieuten ants. Captain Andrew Porter of the Corps was attached to this vessel.* 1781. In February, Captain John Barry, in command of the Alliance, sailed from Boston for France. On the outward passage she captured the Alert. On her return, in company with the Marquis de Lafayette, she captured the Mars, twenty-six guns, and the Minerva, ten guns. After this success the Alliance parted company with her consort and the prizes, and continued to cruise until the 28th of May, when two vessels of the * Captain Porter, although at this time attached to the army as captain of artillery, was detailed at his own request for duty on the Trumbull. History of the United States Marine Corps. 41 enemy, a sloop of sixteen guns and a brig of fourteen, were encountered. After a severe action of several hours, during which Captain Barry was severely wounded, the British vessels hauled down their colors. Captain Park and Lieutenants Ellenwood and Warren were the officers of the Corps on board the Alliance. In the engagement on the 6th of September between the Congress and the British sloop-of-war Savage, which resulted in the capture of the lat ter vessel, the Marines were commanded by Second Lieutenant Richard Harrison. 1782. In March, 1782, Captain Barney, in command of the Hyder Ally, fitted out by the State of Pennsylvania, with a crew of one hundred and ten seamen and Marines, captured in Delaware Bay the British ship General Monk, eighteen guns, after a hotly-contested combat. This action has been justly deemed one of the most brilliant that ever occurred under the American flag. It was fought in the presence of a vastly superior force that was not engaged ; and the ship taken was, in every essential respect, superior to her conqueror. The termination of the first war in which America was engaged as a separate nation was proclaimed on the nth of April, after a struggle that had endured for seven years and ten months. At no period of the naval history of the world is it probable that Marines were more important than during the War of the Revolution. In many instances they preserved the vessels to the country by suppressing the turbulence of their ill-assorted crews, and the effect of their fire not only then, but in all the subsequent conflicts, under those circumstances in which it could be resorted to, has been singularly creditable to their steadiness and discipline. The history of the Navy, even at that early day, as well as in these later times, abounds with instances of the gallantry and self-devotion of this body of soldiers. The Marine incurs the same risks from disease and tempests, undergoes the same privations, suffers the same hardships, and sheds his blood in the same battles as the seamen, and the nation owes him the same rewards. Necessity makes him the subordinate, but nations ought never to overlook the important moral and political truth, that the brightest lessons they can teach are those of justice ; and no servant of the public should pass a youth of toil and danger, without the consciousness of possessing a claim to a certain and honorable reward, that is dependent only on himself. That this reward was as unwisely as it was unfairly withheld for many years, from rt// con nected with the Navy, is acknowledged, and in no instance was this in justice more signally denied than to the Marine Corps. It remains only to say that the Navy of the Revolution and, conse quently, the Corps of Marines, like the army, was disbanded at the termination of the struggle, literally leaving nothing behind it but the recollections of its services and sufferings. 42 History of the United States Marine Corps. CHAPTER VI. 1798-1800. Commencement of the New Navy The Organization of the Corps Marine Camp near Philadelphia The Quasi French War Death of Washington. ON the 30th of April, 1798, a regular Navy Department was formally created, and in June, Benjamin Stoddart, of Georgetown, D.C., was made the first secretary. Down to this moment the old treaty of alliance, formed between France and the United States, during the War of the Revolution, was legally in existence ; but Congress by law abrogated this treaty on the yth of July, 1798, on the plea that it had been repeatedly disregarded by France, and that the latter country continued, in the face of the most solemn remonstrances, to practise a system of predatory warfare on the commerce of the country. On the nth of July, 1798, an act was approved "for the establishing and organizing a Marine Corps. This act provided that, in addition to the military establishment, there should be raised and organized a Corps of Marines, to consist of one major, four captains, sixteen first lieutenants, twelve second lieutenants, forty-eight sergeants, forty-eight corporals, thirty-two drums and fifes, and seven hundred and twenty privates, including the marines already enlisted, or authorized to be raised for the naval armament. The corps was to be formed into as many companies or detachments as the Presi dent should direct, with a proper distribution of the commissioned and non-commissioned officers and musicians to each company or detachment. The pay and subsistence of the officers, non-commissioned officers, musi cians, and privates was fixed as follows : To a major, fifty dollars per month and four rations per day ; to a captain, forty dollars per month and three rations per day ; to a first lieutenant, thirty dollars per month and three rations per day; to a second lieutenant, twenty-five dollars per month and two rations per day; and to the non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates, conformably to the act entitled " An act pro viding a naval armament," as should be fixed by the President. The President was authorized to continue the enlistment of Marines, until the corps should be complete ; and to appoint the commissioned officers, whenever, in the recess of the Senate, an appointment should be necessary. The enlistments were to be for the term of three years, subject to dis charge by the President, or by the ceasing or repeal of the laws providing for the naval armament. If the Marine Corps, or any part of it, should be ordered by the President to do duty on shore, and it should become necessary to appoint an adjutant, paymaster, quartermaster, sergeant- History of the United States Marine Corps. 43 major, quartermaster-se:geant, and drum- and fife-major, or any of them, the major or commandant of the Corps was authorized to appoint such staff-officer or officers from the line of subalterns, sergeants, and musicians respectively, who should be entitled, during the time they should do such duty, to the same extra pay and emoluments which were allowed by law to officers acting in the same capacities in the infantry. It was further provided that the detachments of the Corps of Marines, thus authorized, should be made in lieu of the respective quotas of Marines, which had been established or authorized for the frigates and other armed vessels and galleys which should be employed in the service of the United States. The President was authorized to detach and appoint such of the officers of this Marine Corps to act on board the frigates and any of the armed vessels of the United States respectively as he should from time to time judge necessary, anything in the act " providing a naval armament" to the contrary notwithstanding. The officers, non-commissioned officers, privates and musicians were to take the same oath and be governed by the same rules and articles of war as were prescribed for the military establishment of the United States and by the rules for the regulation of the Navy, according to the nature of the service in which they should be employed, and should be entitled to the same allowance, in case of wounds or disabilities, according to their respective ranks, as were granted by the "Act to ascertain and fix the military establishment of the United States." It was provided that " the non-commissioned officers, musicians, seamen, and marines, who are or shall be enlisted into the service of the United States, and the non-commissioned officers and musicians who are or shall be enlisted into the army of the United States, shall be and they are hereby exempted, during the term of service, from all personal arrests for any debt or con tract." It was specially provided that the Marine Corps established by this act should, at any time, be liable to do duty in the forts and garri sons of the United States, on the sea-coast, or any other duty on shore, as the President, at his discretion, should direct. The following is a list of the officers of the Corps in 1798 : MAJOR COMMANDANT. Date. William W. Burrows 12 July, 1798. CAPTAINS. Daniel Carmick 3 August, 1798. Lemuel Clark 3 August, 1798. George Memminger 3 August, 1798. Franklin Wharton 3 August, 1798. FIRST LIEUTENANTS. Richard Harwood 10 July, 1798. S. W. Geddis 26 July, 1798. 44 History of the United States Marine Corps. Date. John Hall 2 August, 1798. Philip Edwards 3 August, 1798. James McKnight 3 August, 1798. James James 9 August, 1798. William Cammack I September, 1798. Jonathan Church 5 September, 1798. Bartholomew Clinch 5 September, 1798. Diamond Colton 5 September, 1798. James Tallman 5 September, 1798. Reuben Lilly . . . 9 September, 1798. H. A. Williams 28 September, 1798. David Stickney 23 October, 1798. Benjamin Strother 31 October, 1798. D. S. Wynkoop 16 November, 1798. SECOND LIEUTENANTS. William Amory 25 July, 1798. John L. Lewis 9 August, 1798. John Maine 12 August, 1798. Henry Caldwell 2 September, 1798. Anthony Gale 2 September, 1798. Robert Rankin 2 September, 1798. Josiah Reddick 5 September, 1798. John Darley 8 November, 1798. Newton Keene 22 December, 1798. The following letter from Major W. W. Burrows, Commandant, illus trates the condition of the Corps in 1798 : MARINE CAMP, NEAR PHILADELPHIA, September 9, 1798. LIEUTENANT JOHN HALL, Charleston : DEAR SIR, I hasten to answer yours of the I7th ult., having already answered your last of the 27th. You may enlist as many men as you can and as many drum mers and fifers as possible. I do not care what country the drummers and fifers are of, but you must be careful not to enlist more foreigners than as one to three natives. You can make use of blacks and mulattoes while you recruit, but you cannot enlist them. If you can get any smart lads you can have them taught and then enter them as drum mers and fifers, but we do not attend to the enlisting of them by companies, as they will never go, only by detachments. Marines will be wanted very shortly at Charleston, and I hope you will be successful in raising your men. In your instructions you are ordered not to enlist any men under 5 feet 6 inches, but I have thought proper to do away that order, as it is not so essential to have Marines of that size, so that if they are not too diminutive you may enlist of any size. I shall be very happy to hear of your success, and you must know, from the affection I bore your father, how dear you are to me. Your ob t sv t, W. W. B., M. C. No commissions are issued yet, but you will see your name in some of the Philadel phia papers of 3d or 4th September, 1798. History of the United States Marine Corps. 45 The first ship that ever got to sea since the present organization of the Navy was the Ganges, a purchased Indiaman. This vessel was armed and equipped as a twenty-four, and was put under the command of Captain Richard Dale, who was ordered to sail on the 2zd of May. On the I2th of June it was determined to instruct " such of the cruisers as might hereafter go to sea," to capture all French cruisers that were hovering on the coast with hostile views on the American commerce. In obedience to these instructions the Constitution captured the French privateer schooner Le Croyable, while the United States and the Dela ware early in the autumn captured the privateers Sans Pareil and Jaloux. First Lieutenant John Hall served on board the United States, and First Lieutenant Philip Edwards was attached to the Delaware. 1799. On the gth of February, the Constitution, Commodore Truxtun, captured the French frigate Insurgente after a close contest of an hour. The French vessel lost seventy men, killed and wounded, while the Constitution had only three men wounded. First Lieutenant Bartholomew Clinch of the corps was attached to the Constitution. GENERAL ORDERS TO THE OFFICERS OF THE NAVY AND MARINES. The President, with deep affliction, announces to the Navy and to the Marines, the death of our beloved fellow-citizen, George Washington, Commander of our armies, and late President of the United States, but rendered more illustrious by his eminent virtues, and a long series of most important services, than by the honors which his grateful country delighted to confer upon him. Desirous that the Navy and Marines should express, in common with every other de scription of American citizens, the high sense which all feel of the loss our country has sustained in the death of this great and good man, the President directs that the ves sels of the Navy, in our own and foreign ports, be put in mourning for one week, by wearing their colors half mast high ; and that the officers of the Navy and of Marines wear crape on the left arm, below the elbow, for six months. BEN. STODDART. NAVY DEPARTMENT, 20th December, 1799. 1800. In the close and hard-fought action between the Constitution and the French vessel La Vengeance on the ist of February, the detach ment of Marines suffered severely : out of fourteen men killed and twenty-five wounded, the detachment suffered a loss exceeding one- fourth. This engagement lasted five hours within pistol-shot. The Marines were commanded by Lieutenant Clinch. Commodore Talbot, in command of the West India Squadron, ascer tained that a valuable French letter of marque was lying in Port Platte, a small harbor on the Spanish side of the island of St. Domingo, he therefore determined to attempt cutting her out. An American sloop called the Sally was found on the coast, and the Commodore accordingly threw a party of seamen and Marines into the Sally, giving the com mand to the First Lieutenant of the Constitution, Mr. Hull, with Cap- 46 History of the United States Marine Corps. tain Daniel Carmick in command of the Marines. The Sally s move ments were so well timed as to permit her to arrive off the harbor s mouth at the proper hour. The Sandwich was lying with her broadside bearing on the approach, and there was a battery close by to protect her. Lieutenant Hull in the Sally ran the Sandwich aboard, and carried her without the loss of a man. At the same moment, Captain Carmick landed with the Marines, entered the battery, and spiked the guns. In the actions between the Enterprise and the Flambeau, the Experiment and La Diane, the detachments of Marines shared the honors and losses on those occasions. The short and irregular struggle with France ended by the treaty of peace which was ratified by the Senate on the 3d of February, 1801. CHAPTER VII. 1801-1805. War with Tripoli The Squadron under Commodore Dale Capture of the Tripoli by the Enterprise Commodore Preble assigned to the Command of the Squadron before Tripoli Loss of the Philadelphia Destruction of the Philadelphia by Decatur Actions before Tripoli The Expedition to Derne Assault and Capture of the City. As early as 1800, the Pacha of Tripoli, Jussuf Caramalli, who had deposed his brother Hamet, accused the American government of having bribed the subordinates of Tunis at a higher price than it had bribed him. He therefore demanded of the President, in unequivocal language, a substantial tribute, and informed the American consul that he would wait six months for a present in money, and that if it did not arrive within that time, he would formally declare war against the United States. No response having been made to this demand, the flag-staff of the American consulate was cut down on the i4th of May, 1801, and war was proclaimed. A squadron was fitted out and rendezvoused in Hampton Roads, con sisting of the President, Captain J. Barren ; Philadelphia, Captain S. Barren ; Essex, Captain Bainbridge ; and Enterprise, Lieutenant-Com mandant Sterrett. Captain Dale was ordered to the command, who selected the President as his flag-ship. The following officers of the Corps were attached to the squadron : President, First Lieutenant John Heath ; Philadelphia, Lieutenant William Osborne ; Essex, Lieu tenant Gamble; Enterprise, Lieutenant E. S. Lane. The squadron arrived at Gibraltar on the ist of July. On the ist of August the Enter prise, while running for Malta, encountered the polacre-rigged ship Tripoli, of fourteen guns, and after an action of three hours, within History of the United States Marine Corps. 47 pistol-shot, the Tripolitan surrendered, having suffered a loss of fifty killed and wounded. 1803. The war was carried on, in a desultory way, with success during 1802, by the squadron under Commodore Morris, but it was not until 1803, when Commodore Morris was recalled, that the government realized the necessity of sending out a formidable squadron. Commodore Preble was therefore assigned to the command of the squadron, consist ing of the following ships : The Constitution, Philadelphia, Argus, Siren, Nautilus, Vixen, and Enterprise. On the 3ist of October, the Philadelphia, while near Tripoli, dis covered a sail in-shore and to windward, standing for Tripoli. Sail was made to cut her off. The Philadelphia, however, unfortunately struck a reef about the distance of a league from the shore. The Tripolitan vessel doubled the edge of the shoal and reached Tripoli in safety. The firing had brought out nine gunboats, which now appeared turning to windward. Every endeavor was made to lighten the ship, but without avail, as the vessel remained perfectly immovable. After a consultation with his officers, Captain Bainbridge lowered his colors. Before this was done, however, the magazine was drowned, and holes were bo*ed in the ship s bottom. Everything was taken from the officers and men, many of them being stripped half naked. At ten o clock at night the prisoners were landed and conducted to the presence of the pacha. The entire crew of the Philadelphia, including officers and Marines, numbered three hundred and fifteen. The ship was finally partially repaired, her guns remounted, and she was moored off the town near the castle of the Pacha. 1804. The subsequent fate of the Philadelphia is familiar to all. Contemporaneous history relates in what manner, on the i6th of Feb ruary, the gallant Decatur with a few chosen companions, in the ketch Intrepid, with the harbor filled with light cruisers, gunboats, and galleys, and surrounded by forts and batteries of the enemy, assaulted and burned the Philadelphia. The following Marines volunteered on this occasion : Sergeant Solomon Wren, Corporal Duncan Mansfield, Privates James Noble, John Quinn, Isaac Campfield, Reuben O Brian, William Pepper, and J. Wolsfrandoff. When the commander of the American forces had assembled his force before Tripoli, on the 25th of July, it consisted of the Constitution, Siren, Argus, Scourge, Vixen, Nautilus, Enterprise, two bomb-vessels, and six gunboats. The American force numbered one thousand seamen and Marines, exclusive of the officers, while the enemy numbered twenty- five thousand. At half-past one, on the 3d of August, the bombardment of Tripoli began. In the desperate hand-to-hand fighting which occurred between our small gunboats and those of the enemy, one notable instance deserves 48 History of the United States Marine Corps. to be mentioned. Decatur having boarded one of the enemy s gunboats, encountered the captain of the Tripolitan vessel. While the two leaders were engaged in a desperate struggle, an enemy raised his sword to cleave the skull of Mr. Decatur while he was occupied by his antagonist. A Marine of the Enterprise interposed an arm to save him. The blow was intercepted, but the limb was severed to a bit of skin. Lieutenant Trippe, of the Vixen, in gunboat No. 6, boarded his enemy concealed by the smoke. The boats, however, separated by the shock of collision, leaving Lieutenant Trippe, Mr. J. D. Henley, and nine Marines on board the Tripolitan. Here, also, the commanders singled each other out, and a severe personal combat occurred while the work of death was going on around them. The Tripolitan officer, however, was killed, and the boat surrendered. While Mr. Trippe was hard pressed by his antagonist, a Turk aimed a blow at him from behind ; but just before the latter struck, Sergeant Meredith, of the Marines, passed a bayonet through his body. The blockade of Tripoli was maintained by different vessels during 1804-5. It has been related that Jussuf Caramelli, the reigning pacha, was a usurper, having deposed his elder brother Hamet. The latter had escaped from the regency, and, after passing a wandering life, he had taken refuge among the Mamelukes of Egypt. It had often been suggested that the deposed prince might be made useful in carrying on the war against the usurper. Mr. Eaton, the consul at Tunis, who had been a captain in the army, came to America and prevailed upon the government to sup port his views. Commodore Barren, therefore, sent the Argus, with General Eaton to Alexandria, where he arrived on the 26th of November. On the 29th General Eaton, accompanied by Lieutenant O Bannon of the Marines, proceeded to Cairo. The Viceroy of Egypt granted per mission for the Prince of Tripoli to pass out of the country unmolested. 1805. The Marines in the expedition were from the Argus, and con sisted of Lieutenant O Bannon, one sergeant, and six privates, who were relied upon to preserve discipline, and by their example animate the hearts of the mercenaries employed. In a letter to Mr. Smith, Secretary of the Navy, dated at Alexandria, February 13, 1805, General Eaton wrote: " Those provinces in our possession will cut off from the enemy and turn into our own channel a source of provisions, and will open a free inter course with the interior of the country. I have requested of the commo dore for this purpose one hundred stand of arms, with cartridges and two field-pieces, with trains and ammunition ; and also a detachment of one hundred Marines, if necessary, to lead a coup de main" From General Eaton s journal it appears that on Sunday, March 3, 1805, the force under his command left Alexandria on its march to Derne, taking the route across the Desert of Barca. Included in the force were History of the United States Marine Corps. 49 but nine Americans, Lieutentant O Bannon, Mr. Peck, one sergeant, and six privates of the Marine Corps. Including the footmen and camel- drivers, the whole force numbered about four hundred. This caravan consisted of one hundred and seven camels and a few asses. After marching two hundred miles, eighty mounted warriors joined the pacha. Provisions had been reduced to hard bread and rice. From Alexandria to that point there was not a living stream or rivulet or spring of water. A few days later, forty-seven tents of Arabs joined them, with their families and movables. In this detachment were one hundred and fifty warriors on foot. On March 30, General Eaton wrote : " From Alexandria to this place, we have experienced continual altercations, contentions, and delays among the Arabs. They have no sense of patriotism, truth, or honor ; and no attachment where they have no prospect of gain, except to their religion, to which they are enthusiasts. Poverty makes them thieves, and practice renders them adroit in stealing." April 9 he wrote : "Advanced ten miles. Good water. In the cis tern were two dead men ; probably murdered by Arabs. Obliged to drink the water, however." On the following day a courier arrived from Derne. April 14, at 4 o clock P.M., they reached Bonda. But their astonishment was great to find at this port "not the foot-trace of a human being, nor a drop of water." The next morning the Argus, Captain Hull, arrived, and on the lyth the sloop Hornet arrived with provisions. At this point the remainder of the detachment of Marines now landed and joined Lieutenant O Bannon. On the i8th the march was resumed. On the 24th they marched fifteen miles over mountainous and broken ground, covered with herbage and beautiful red cedars, " the first resem blance of a forest tree," wrote General Eaton, "we have seen during a march of nearly six hundred miles." Arriving before Derne, on the morning of the 26th, terms of amity were offered the Bey, on condition of allegiance and fidelity. The flag of truce was sent back with this laconic answer, " My head or yours." On the ayth the assault, so novel for Americans to be engaged in, in the other hemisphere, was commenced. The Hornet, Lieutenant Com mandant Evans, having run close in, and anchored with springs on her cables, within pistol-shot of a battery of eight guns, opened her fire. The Nautilus lay at a little distance to the eastward, and the Argus still far ther in the same direction, the two latter firing on the town and battery. In about an hour the enemy were driven from the work, when all the vessels directed their guns at the beach, to clear the way for the advance of the party on shore. The enemy made an irregular but spirited de fence, keeping up a heavy fire of musketry, as the assailants advanced, from behind houses and walls. At half-past three, however, Lieutenant O Bannon and Mr. Mann, midshipman, stormed the principal work, hauling down the Tripolitan ensign, and, for the first time in the history 5<D History of the United States Marine Corps. of the country, hoisting that of the republic on a fortress of the Old World. The enemy were driven out of the work with so much precipitation that he left his guns loaded and even primed. The guns were immediately turned upon the town, and Hamet Caramelli, having made a lodgement on the other side, so as to bring the enemy between two fires, the place submitted. In this affair only fourteen of the assailants were killed and wounded, General Eaton being among the latter. A detachment, consisting of the Marines from the Argus, twenty-four cannoniers, and twenty-six Greeks, including their proper officers, were under the immediate command of Lieutenant O Bannon. It was with this force that the brave O Bannon passed through a shower of musketry from the walls of the houses, took possession of the battery, planted the American flag upon its ramparts, and turned its guns upon the enemy. The attack was made by about twelve hundred men, while the place was supposed to be defended by three or four thousand. In his official report of the affair, General Eaton said, "The details I have given of Mr. O Bannon s conduct need no encomium, and it is believed the disposition of our government to en courage merit will be extended to this intrepid, judicious, and enter prising officer." Lieutenant O Bannon resigned two years afterwards, without having ever received a brevet for his gallant conduct. A treaty of peace was signed on the 3d of June, 1805, and the war with Tripoli terminated after an existence of four years. The following officers of the Corps were attached to the squadron, in the several attacks on the city and harbor of Tripoli in July, August, and September, 1804: Captain John Hall, Lieutenant Robert Greenleaf, Lieutenant John Johnson. The casualties before Tripoli were: killed, Sergeant John Meredith, Private Nathaniel Holmes. CHAPTER VIII. 1809-13 Increase of the Corps The War of 1812 President and Belvidere The Constitution and Guerriere United States and Macedonian Wasp and Frolic Constitution and Java Hornet and Peacock The Essex Lieutenant Gamble Attack on the Batteries of Craney Island Actions on the Lakes. 1809. Early in 1809, the Corps was augmented by an addition of nearly seven hundred men, which probably put this important branch of the Navy on a footing equal to the rest of the service, as it then existed j the entire Corps containing about thirteen hundred men when full. 1812. Owing to grievances that had long been drawing to a head, History of the United States Marine Corps. 5 1 Congress formally declared war against Great Britain on the i8th of June, 1812. On the 23d of June, in the engagement between the frigate President and the British frigate Belvidere, Lieutenant Heath of the Marines was severely wounded. On the ipth of August, at 2 P.M., the Constitution, Captain Hull, en countered the British frigate Guerriere. After a desperate action of two hours, during which time both vessels were within pistol-shot, great damage was done on both sides. Finally the vessels touched and both parties prepared to board. Mr. Aylwyn, the master, and Mr. Bush, the Lieutenant of Marines, were upon the taffrail of the Constitution, to be ready to spring. Mr. Morris, the first lieutenant, was shot through the body, Mr. Aylwyn wounded in the shoulder, and Mr. Bush fell by a bullet through the head. At 7 P.M. the Guerriere surrendered. At 3 P.M. on the next day the Guerriere blew up. The British ship had seventy- nine killed and wounded, while the loss of the Constitution amounted to seven killed and seven wounded, among which were First Lieutenant Bush killed, and private Francis Mullin wounded. After the fall of Lieutenant Bush, Lieutenant Contee became the commanding officer of the detachment, and was commended for his bravery. Captain Hull in his report to the Secretary of the Navy, says of Lieutenant Bush : "In him our country has lost a valuable and brave officer. This action was the first serious conflict of the war, and was charac terized by features which, though novel at the time, became identified with nearly all the subsequent engagements of the contest, showing that they were intimately connected with the discipline and system of the Navy. In the assault and capture of the British vessels Detroit and Caledonia, on the 8th of October, on Lake Ontario, by Lieutenant Elliott of the Navy, the following officers commanded the Marines : First Lieutenant William H. Truman, Second Lieutenant John Contee. In the action between the United States and the Macedonian, on Oc tober 25, in latitude 29 north, longtitude 29 30 west, which resulted in the surrender of the latter, the Marines of the United States were commended for good conduct and utmost steadiness under the example of their gallant commanders, Lieutenants William Anderson and J. L. Edwards, the weight of the enemy s fire passing a short distance above their heads. The Marines loss in this action were : killed, Privates Michael O Donnell and John Roberts; wounded, mortally, Private John Laton. The action between the Wasp and the British sloop Frolic resulted in the capture of the latter after a combat of forty-three minutes. The loss on board the Frolic amounted to nearly one hundred, while the Ameri can vessel had five men killed and five wounded, two of the latter being Marines. 4 5 2 History of the United States Marine Corps. On the 26th of December the Constitution, Commodore Bainbridge, encountered the British frigate Java, and after a combat which lasted two hours the Java surrendered. The Java was literally picked to pieces by shot, spar following spar, until she had not one left. Her hull was also greatly injured, and her loss in men was twenty-two killed and one hundred and two wounded. Of the Constitution s crew nine were killed, and twenty-five wounded, the Marines, as usual, suffering greatly. Captain Archibald Henderson, Lieutenants W. H. Truman and John Contee, were the officers of the corps attached to the Constitution. On the 24th of February the Hornet, Captain Lawrence, engaged the Peacock, and in thirty minutes from the time the first shot was fired the British vessel surrendered. In this short encounter, which resulted in the sinking of the Peacock, this vessel had her captain and four men killed, and thirty-three wounded. The detachment of Marines on board the Hornet was commanded by Lieutenant Brownlow. 1813. The Essex, Captain Porter, reached the Marquesas at the close of October, and in the early part of December she was again ready for sea. Shortly after, a fort was constructed on a small conical hill, near the water, where the Seringapatam, Sir Andrew Hammond, and Greenwich were warped close in and moored under its guns. The command of this fort was given to Lieutenant John M. Gamble, of the Marines, a spirited and intelligent young officer, who also had command of the three prizes above named. The Essex had no sooner disappeared from Nooaheevah than the savages began to pilfer, and to betray a turbulent disposition. Lieutenant Gamble was compelled to land a detachment, in order to bring the natives to terms by a show of force. Fortunately this object was effected without firing a musket. On the 1 2th of April, Mr. Gamble began to rig the Seringapatam and the Sir Andrew Hammond, with the intention of quitting the islands, the long absence of the Essex inducing him to despair of her return. Symptoms of a mutiny showed themselves, and he had all the arms and ammunition carried on board the Greenwich, in which vessel he lived. The mutineers, however, took the Seringapatam on the yth of May. Mr. Gamble was badly wounded in the foot by a pistol ball during the fight. He made every exertion to get to sea with the Sir Andrew Ham mond, but on the Qth the natives made an attack, and one officer and three men were killed, and one other was severely wounded. The situ ation of those remaining became exceedingly critical, the whole party consisting of only eight individuals, of whom two were badly wounded, one was crippled, and another was just recovering from a serious attack of scurvy. In fact, there were but four men on board the Sir Andrew Hammond fit for duty. With this small force the vessel was put to sea, and, without a chart, Lieutenant Gamble made his way to the Sandwich Islands, which he reached in seventeen days, only, however, to fall into History of the United States Marine Corps. 5 3 the hands of the enemy. He and his crew were carried on board the Cherub, where they learned of the fate of the Essex. He was carried to Rio Janeiro, whence, in the following August, he was allowed to return to New York. His services won the highest praises of his superiors. Subsequently, Commodore Porter wrote as follows to Lieutenant Gamble: Allow me to return to you my thanks for your handsome conduct in bringing the Seringapatam to action, which greatly facilitated her capture, while it prevented the possibility of her escape. Be assured, sir, I shall make a suitable representation of the affair to the Hon. Secretary of the Navy." Accordingly, Commodore Porter sent the following communication to the department : " Captain Gamble at all times greatly distinguished himself by his activity in every enterprise engaged in by the force under my command, and in many critical encounters by the natives of Madi son s Island rendered essential services, and at all times distinguished himself by his coolness and bravery. I therefore do, with pleasure, recommend him to the department as an officer deserving of its patron age. I now avail myself of the opportunity of assuring you that no Marine officer in the service ever had such strong claims as Captain Gamble, and that none have been placed in such conspicuous and critical situations, and that none could have extricated themselves from them more to their honor." In the action between the British frigate Shannon and the American frigate Chesapeake, which resulted in the capture of the latter vessel, Lieutenant Broom was mortally wounded. Of his detachment eleven were killed and twenty wounded. On the 1 4th of Tune a large force of the enemy, consisting of fourteen sail, came into Hampton Roads, and an attack was expected. On the 2oth the enemy s ships weighed, and ascended the tide to the mouth of the James River, where, in the afternoon, they were seen making prepara tions to send up a large force in boats. As so much depended on the de fence of the batteries of Craney Island, Captain Cassin, who commanded the naval force at Norfolk, sent three of the lieutenants of the Constitu tion, Messrs. Neall, Shubrick, and Sanders, on shore with one hundred seamen and fifty Marines, under the command of Lieutenant Breckin- ridge. The enemy, on the 22d, attempted to land in front of Craney Island with a large force in barges. Fire was opened on the enemy with great coolness and precision, which resulted in the sinking of three of the barges. Forty prisoners were taken, and the loss in killed and wounded must have been great, as Captain Cassin described the fire from the battery to have been precise. The officers, seamen, and Marines of the Constitution gained great credit for their steadiness, discipline, and spirit. 54 History of the United States Marine Corps. On the 4th of September, in the action between the Enterprise and the Boxer, five Marines of the former were wounded. In the attack on Fort George the Marines of the squadron were em bodied with the regiment of Colonel Macomb. In this handsome affair the commanding general and the commanding naval officer spoke in the highest terms of the conduct of the seamen and Marines. This occupa tion of Fort George brought with it an evacuation by the British of the whole Niagara frontier. In the battle of Lake Erie the following officers and non-commissioned officers served in the vessels named : Lawrence. Lieutenant John Brooks, Sergeant James Tull, Sergeant W. S. Johnson, Corporal Philip Starpley. Caledonia. Sergeant Joseph Beckay, Sergeant James Artis. Scorpion. Corporal Joseph Berry. Ariel. Lieutenant Robert Anderson. Trippe. Lieutenant James Blair, Corporal John Brown. Tigress. Corporal William Webster. Niagara. Captain H. B. Brevoort, Lieutenant John Heddleson, Lieutenant John R. Edwards, Sergeant Jonathan Curtis, Sergeant San- ford A. Mason. The following are the casualties in the squadron : Lawrence. Killed: Lieutenant John Brooks, Corporal Philip Starpley, Privates Jesse Harland and Abner Williams. Wounded : Privates James Bird, William Burnet, William Baggs, David Christie, Henry Vanpool. Niagara. Wounded : Lieutenant J. R. Edwards, Sergeant Mason, Corporal Scott, Privates Joshua Traphill, Thomas Miller, John Rumas, George McManomy, George Schofield, Samuel Cochran. In the action on Lake Champlain with the British fleet on the nth of September, the following casualties occurred in the Corps : Saratoga. Killed: Private James Carlisle. Wounded: Privates Ben jamin Jackson, Jesse Vanhorn, Joseph Ketter, and Samuel Pearson. Eagle. Killed : Privates John Wallace, Joseph Heaton, and Robert Stratton. Wounded : Privates John McKinney, Matthew Scriver, George Mannering, Henry Jones, and John McCarty. Ticonderoga. Killed: Privates Deodrick Think and John Sharp. Wounded : Private John Condon. Borer. Killed : Private James Day. Wounded : Corporal Ebenezer Cobb. During the operations on the lakes, the army co-operating with the Navy, a detachment of Marines under Captain Samuel E. Watson, served with great efficiencey with the troops under Colonel Scott. A careful resume of the service on the lakes may be found in Cooper s "Naval History," who states that "in thislinland contest, while the enemy had been active, bold, and full of resources, impartial judges must award the palm to the Americans." History of the United States Marine Corps. 5 5 CHAPTER IX. 1814-15 The War of 1812 Continued The Chesapeake Flotilla under Captain Barney The Loss of the Adams in the Penobscot The Advance upon Washington The Battle of Bladensburg Capture of the City of Washington Unsuccessful attack by the British on Baltimore Battle of New Orleans Capture of the Cyane and Levant by the Constitution The President and Endymion Hornet and Penguin. THE government having equipped a large flotilla to protect the waters of the Chesapeake, the command was given to Captain Joshua Barney, the officer who had so much distinguished himself by the capture of the Monk during the War of the Revolution. On the ist of June this officer left the Patuxent with the Scorpion, two gunboats, and several large barges, in chase of two schooners. He was closing fast by means of sweeps, when a large two-decker was discovered to the southward, neces sitating the retreat of our flotilla up the river to the mouth of St. Leonard s Creek. Captain Barney repulsed three distinct attacks of the enemy on the 8th, Qth and nth of June, the last repulse being very severe, the English suffering materially. Some small works were now thrown up on the shore to protect the American flotilla, and the blockade by the British continued. In the mean time, Captain Miller, of the Marine Corps, joined the flotilla with a strong detachment of Marines, and a considerable force of militia was collected under Colonel Wadsworth. The enemy was also reinforced. On the 26th an attempt was made by the united force of the Americans to raise the blockade. The cannonade lasted two hours. In this affair the flotilla lost thirteen men in killed and wounded ; but it effectually raised the blockade and induced the enemy to be more cautious. On the i yth of August, in very thick weather, the Adams ran ashore on the Isle of Haute, but was got off by lightening. Captain Morris succeeded in getting her into the Penobscot, in Maine, as high up as Hampden, which is several miles above Castine. While the Adams lay ready to be hove out, with nothing in her, a strong expedition of the enemy, consisting of troops and vessels of war, entered the river and ascended as high as Hampden. A small force of militia was assembled, and a battery was mounted with the guns of the ship in order to protect her; but the irregular troops giving way and leaving the seamen and Marines exposed in the rear, nothing remained but to set the vessel on fire and to make a retreat. After a fatiguing march of two hundred miles the Marines under Captain Samuel E. Watson reached Portland, where they were ordered to report. It is a fact worthy of record that, although the force of the ship was broken up into small 56 History of the United States Marine Corps. detachments, with orders to make the best of their way to Portland, there were no stragglers, and every squad or detachment reported intact. On the 1 6th of August the enemy in the Chesapeake commenced that series of movements, which terminated in his advance upon Washington. Captain Barney having received intelligence that the British were coming up the Patuxent in force, sent an express to the Navy Department for instructions. The answer was to land the men and join the army that was hurriedly assembling for defence of the coast under General Winder, and, if pressed, to burn the flotilla. On the 2ist the news was received that the enemy had landed a force of four or five thousand men at Benedict, and that he was marching in the direction of the Capitol. Captain Barney immediately landed four hundred men, leaving the vessels in charge of Lieutenant Frazier, with orders to set fire to them if attacked, and to join the main body with as little delay as possible. The next day this order was executed, a strong detachment of the enemy s seamen and Marines approaching the flotilla to attack it. On the 22d, Captain Barney joined an assemblage of armed citizens that was called an army at the wood-yard. The next day he marched into Washington and took up his quarters at the Marine Barracks. After a good deal of uncertainty concerning the movements of the enemy, it was ascertained he was marching directly on Washington, and that it was intended to fight him at Bladensburg. The Marines and flotilla-men left the yard on the morning of the 24th ; they arrived on the battle-ground, and were immediately formed about a mile to the west of Bladensburg, holding the centre of General Winder s posi tion. The actual force of General Winder amounted to three thou sand, of whom fourteen hundred were regulars, including the Marines and flotilla-men. The force of the enemy numbered seven thousand, composed of the elite of his forces in America, as follows : Eighty-fifth Foot, Fourth and Forty-fourth Regiments, Twenty-first Fusileers, two battalions of Royal Marines, two hundred seamen, and a detachment of guns and rockets with a detachment of marine artillery. At 11.30 A.M., after a short skirmish, when the enemy suffered severely in crossing abridge, the militia fell back, and the British columns appeared, following the line of the public road. Captain Barney took command of the artillery in person, while Captain Miller, of the Marines, was assigned to the command of the remainder of the two detachments, who were armed as infantry. The Marines no\v formed in line On the right of the artillery, while the seamen were drawn up a little in the rear and on the right flank of the Marines, that permitted them to fire over the heads of the latter. Although the troops that were falling back did not halt, Captain Barney held his position ; and as soon as the enemy began to throw rockets, he opened upon him with a heavy and sharp discharge History of tJic United States Marine Corps. 5 7 of round shot and grape. The column of the enemy was staggered, and it immediately gave ground. A second attempt to advance was repulsed in the same manner, when the enemy, who, as yet, had been able to overcome resistance by advancing steadily in column, was obliged to make an oblique movement to his left into some open fields, and to deploy forward. Here he threw out a brigade of light troops, consist ing of the Eighty-fifth Regiment, the light companies of the Fourth and Forty-fourth, and the First Battalion of Marines, in open order, and advanced in beautiful style upon the command of Captain Barney, five hundred strong, while the head of a strong column was seen in reserve in a copse in its rear. Captain Miller, with the Marines and that por tion of the seamen who acted as infantry, met the charge in the most steady and gallant manner, and after a short conflict drove the British light troops back upon their supporting column. The Marines and sea men manifested the utmost steadiness, and there can be no question, had they been properly supported, the Americans would have gained the day. No troops, however, remained in line except those under Captain Barney and Captain Miller. Having been so roughly handled, the enemy made no new attempt to advance directly in front of the Marines and seamen,, but, after forcing the troops on their right from the field by a demon stration in that direction, they prepared to turn the rear of Captain Barney. While these movements were going on in front and on the right of the Americans, a party of light troops had been thrown out on the enemy s right, and the militia having abandoned the ground, they were also beginning to close upon the Americans that stood. By this time Captain Barney, Captain Miller, and several other officers were wounded, and victory being impossible against odds so great, an order was given to retreat. The defence had been too obstinate to admit of carrying off the guns, amounting to ten pieces, which were necessarily abandoned. All of the men retired with the exception of the badly wounded ; among the latter, however, were Captain Barney and Captain Miller, who both fell into the enemy s hands. The loss of the enemy in front of the Marines and seamen amounted to one captain, two lieu tenants, five sergeants, and fifty-six men killed ; two lieutenant-colonels, one major, one captain, fourteen lieutenants, two ensigns, ten sergeants, and one hundred and fifty-five men wounded. Of the Marines under Captain Miller, nearly one-third were among the casualties; and the flotilla-men suffered considerably, though in a smaller proportion. The Marines and flotilla-men were justly applauded for their excellent con duct on this occasion. No troops could have stood better; and the fire of both artillery and musketry has been described to the last degree severe. Captain Miller, of the Marine Corps, in particular, gained much additional reputation ; his gallantry was conspicuous. The follow ing officers of the Corps participated in this battle: Captain Samuel 58 History of the United States Marine Corps. Miller, wounded and taken prisoner; Captain Alexander Sevier, wounded; Captain Anthony Gale, Captain Samuel Bacon, First Lieutenant William Hall, First Lieutenant Joseph L. Kuhn. The major-general command ing the British forces moved forward his left brigade, and as this force entered the city the American army quitted it on the opposite side. Then commenced those acts of vandalism, of which to this day the British are ashamed and endeavor to palliate. The Capitol and the Secretary of State s office were burned, together with the valuable library containing many thousand volumes relating to our early history, which can never be replaced ; and the great bridge across the Potomac was also demolished. An estimate from British sources places the amount of property destroyed at one million eight hundred and twenty- seven thousand dollars. It is therefore reasonable to conclude that the amount really reached double that sum. On the 25th of August the enemy left Washington by the way of Bladensburg, and on the 3oth the whole force re-embarked. The next object of attack by the enemy was the city of Baltimore, situated at the head of a narrow bay or inlet of the Patapsco River, distant from its confluence with the Chesapeake about fourteen miles, and contain ing fifty thousand inhabitants. On the river it was, and is still defended by the fortification of Fort McHenry, upon the point of the peninsula that forms the south side of the bay, which, at its entrance, is about a quarter of a mile in width. Upon the hills to the eastward and north ward of the city, a chain of palisadoed redoubts was constructed, con nected by breastworks, with ditches in front, and supplied with artillery. The Java and two corvettes were equipping in the port, in which there were several gunboats. The remnants of the army, under General Winder, were reinforced by volunteers from Pennsylvania, and the sea men and Marines present were under the command of Commodore Rogers. On the i2th of September the enemy landed at North Point. The troops of the enemy were reinforced by the Marines and six hundred seamen from their fleet. With this party Rear-Admiral Cockburn landed in person. The troops, as at Washington, were led by Major-General Ross. The whole force of the enemy immediately advanced towards Baltimore, and on arriving at the advanced post of the American^, about five miles from the place of landing, were momentarily checked by the local militia, who fell back, agreeably to orders, when it found itself about to be surrounded. In the skirmish that occurred at this spot, Major-General Ross was killed. The main body of the enemy now advanced, under the command of Colonel Brooke, of the Forty-fourth Regiment, and soon encountered a larger force of the Americans, numbering fifteen hundred men. After a sharp engagement the English retreated to the place of debarkation, and abandoned the enterprise. The loss of the enemy amounted to two hundred and ninety in killed History of the United States Marine Corps. 5 9 and wounded, while the American loss was twenty-four killed and one hundred and twenty-nine wounded. The attack by water was equally unsuccessful. On the i3th, at day light, the bombardment commenced upon the forts McHenry, the star and the water batteries on both sides of the entrance, and the fire was replied to vigorously from all points. During the night of the i3th a strong division of twenty boats pushed into the Ferry Branch, but was received by a warm fire from Forts Covington and Babcock, as well as from the barges of the flotilla. The defence was found to be too obstinate, and the enemy retreated. The bombardment of Fort McHenry con tinued for twenty-four hours, without making any serious impression upon it. A small battery in advance, manned by Marines and seamen from the flotilla, although much exposed, returned the fire to the last. On the morning of the i5th the whole force of the enemy retired. The detachment of Marines serving with the army rendered valuable service, which was gratefully acknowledged by the commanding general in his official report to the Secretary of War. The following officers of the Corps were engaged : Captain Anthony Gale, Lieutenant H. B. Breckinridge. This failure virtually terminated the warfare in the Chesapeake, the enemy shortly after collecting most of his forces at the south, with a view to make a still more serious attempt at New Orleans. The command of the naval force at New Orleans had been given to Captain Patterson, one of the young officers who had been a prisoner at Tripoli with Captain Bainbridge. After a series of successes, the enemy finding himself in command of Lake Borgne, sent up a brigade of troops, under Major-General Keane, which succeeded in entering a bayou, and in landing but a few miles below New Orleans. Here he encamped, after advancing to some hard ground, on the night of the 23d of December, with his left flank resting on the Mississippi. No sooner was the position of the British known to the Americans, than General Jackson marched against them, with all the dis posable force he could assemble, making a total of about fifteen hundred men, including a detachment of Marines under Major Carmick, and by a prompt and spirited night attack he saved New Orleans. The movements of the troops on this occasion were preceded by Captain Patterson, who, dropping down abreast of the English bivouac, in the schooner Carolina, opened a most galling fire. Eight Marines were killed and eight wounded on this occasion. 1815. On the 8th of January the whole force of the British army, under Major-General Sir Edward Packenham, was formed for a general attack on the American works. The enemy attacked at daylight, and were defeated with dreadful slaughter. Their loss was Major-Generals Packenham and Gibbs, two thousand men killed and wounded, and nearly one thousand taken prisoners. On the night of the i8th the Eng- 6o History of the United States Marine Corps. lish retreated to their boats and embarked, abandoning their attempt altogether. The Marine Corps had its share in this glorious campaign, and it acted with its usual good conduct under Major Carmick, who was wounded. In his report of the battle of New Orleans, dated 2yth January, 1815, Commodore Patterson says, "To Major Daniel Carmick, commanding the Marines of this station, I am indebted for the promptness with which my requisitions on him have been complied with, and the strong desire he has always maintained to further, as far as was in his power, my views. In the glorious action between the Constitution, Captain Stewart, and the British ships Cyane and Levant, on the 2oth of February, which re sulted in the capture of the enemy s vessels, the Marines were commanded by Captain Archibald Henderson, who was specially mentioned in the official report of that action. On the morning of the i5th of January, the President, Commodore Decatur, while near Long Island, fell in with the enemy s ships Majestic, Endymion, Pomona, and Tenedos. All sail was made by the British squadron in chase, which continued throughout the forenoon, the wind becoming lighter and baffling. The Endymion being the nearest ship, closed, and a spirited engagement began between the two vessels which lasted two hours and a half, the greater part of the time in a parallel line of sailing. Both ships kept up a smart fire of musketry by their Marines in the tops. The enemy s vessel was now so far injured that she fell astern, most of her sails having been cut from the yards. At n P.M. the Pomona got on the weather bow of the American ship, and poured in a broadside; and as the Tenedos was fast closing on the quarter, and the Majestic was within gun-shot astern, further resistance was useless and the President surrendered. In this long and close cannonade, the President lost twenty-four men killed, and fifty-six wounded. The Endymion had eleven killed and fourteen wounded. Lieutenant Levi Twiggs com manded the Marines of the President, and Commodore Decatur, in his official report says, "Lieutenant Twiggs displayed great zeal, his men were well supplied, and their fire was incomparable." On the 23d of March the Hornet, Captain Biddle, encountered the British brig Penguin, eighteen guns, and after a hot engagement of twenty-two minutes, the enemy surrendered. The English loss was four teen killed and twenty-eight wounded, while that of the Hornet was one killed and ten wounded. First Lieutenant W. L. Brownlow was in com mand of the detachment of Marines. Among the incidents of the fight, it is related that Private Michael Smith, who had served under the gallant Porter, in the Essex when she was captured by the British, re ceived a shot through the upper part of the thigh, which fractured the bone, and nearly at the same moment had the same leg broken immedi- History of the United States Marine Corps. 6 1 ately above the knee by the spanker-boom of the Hornet, which was carried away by the enemy s bowsprit while afoul of her. In this situa tion, while bleeding upon the deck, and unable to rise, he was seen to make- frequent exertions to discharge his musket at the enemy on the top gallant forecastle of the Penguin. This, however, the gallant fellow was unable to accomplish, and was compelled to submit to be carried below. The combat between the Hornet and the Penguin was the last regular action of the war. CHAPTER X. 1824. The Mutiny in the Massachusetts State Prison. THE account of the mutiny in the Massachusetts State Prfson, in 1824, has been familiar to the school-boys of the last fifty years. It was given in authentic form in the New England Galaxy in 1828, and has since formed one of the standard 1 selections for school readers. The follow ing account is taken from the original story, omitting such portions as do not have bearing on the action of the Marines who were called in to suppress the outbreak: "Three convicts had been sentenced, under the rules of the prison, to be publicly whipped in the yard, and were con fined in the solitary cells, waiting punishment. An officer, whose duty it was to attend to such cases, entered one of the cells to see that every thing was right, when the inmate sprang past him, closed the door, and locked him in. He then opened the doors of the cells in which were the other two, and the three, after deliberation, released the officer, and ordered him to approach the door leading into the guard-room, and give the necessary signal that all was right, while they stood ready, on its being opened, to rush through and secure the guard and the arms in the room. The officer resolutely refused. They threatened to kill him ; and one of them raised a file, sharpened to a point, with the intent of carrying the threat into execution ; but the officer remained firm, telling them that they might take his life, but he would not betray his trust. The other two finally interfered and saved his life, forcing him back into the cell, and locking him in. They then passed into the large dining- hall, a long, dark, and damp room. The alarm had already been given, and the prisoners rushed from the workshops, arming themselves with clubs, knives, hammers, chisels, and every variety of weapon within their reach, forming a band whose strength, vileness, and reckless daring could hardly be equalled. Men of all ages and characters, guilty of every variety of infamous crimes, dressed in the motley and peculiar garb of the institution at that period, and displaying the wild and de- 62 History of the United States Marine Corps. moniac appearance that always pertains to imprisoned wretches, were gathered together for the single purpose of preventing the punishment which was to be inflicted on the morrow upon their comrades. "The acting warden and some other officers of the prison were there at the time, and were, naturally, greatly alarmed at the consequences likely to ensue from the conflict necessary to restore order. They huddled together, but could scarcely be said to consult, as the stoutest of them lost all presence of mind in overwhelming fear. The news spread rapidly through the town, and a subordinate officer, of mild and kind disposition, hurried to the scene, and, calm and collected, went into the midst of the officers. The most equably-tempered and the mildest man in the government, as is usually the case, was, in this hour of peril, the firmest. He instantly, upon his own responsibility, de spatched a request to Major Wainwright, commander of the Marines stationed at the Navy-Yard, for assistance, and declared his purpose to enter the hall, and try the force of firm demeanor and persuasion upon the enraged multitude. The other officers exclaimed against an attempt so full of hazard, but in vain. They offered him arms, a sword and pistol ; but he refused them, and said that he had no fear, and in case of danger, arms would be of no service; and alone, with only a little rattan, which was his usual walking-stick, he advanced into the hall to hold parley with the enraged and desperate villains. "He demanded their purpose in thus coming together with arms, in violation of the prison laws. They replied that they were determined to obtain the remission of the punishment of their three comrades. He said that was impossible ; the rules of the prison must be enforced, and they must submit. At the hint of submission, they drew a little nearer together, prepared their -weapons for service, and as they were dimly seen in the farther end of the hall by those who observed them from the grating that opened to the day, it was difficult to conceive of a more appalling sight, or one of more moral grandeur, than that of a single man standing within their grasp, and exposed to instant death, if a word or look should add to the already intense excitement. " The excitement, too, was of the most dangerous kind ; it did not break forth in noise and imprecation, but was seen only in the dark looks and the strained nerves, that showed a deep determination. They stated that they expected some would be killed, but that death would be better than such imprisonment ; and with look and tone which evinced an in domitable purpose, they declared that not a man should leave the hall alive till the sentence of flogging was remitted. At this period of the discussion their evil passions seemed to be more inflamed, and one or two proposed to kill the officer, who still stood firm, and with more temper ate pulse than did his friends, who saw from above but could not avert the danger that threatened him. Just at this moment the officer saw the History of the United States Marine Corps. 63 feet of the Marines filing by the small lights. He knew that it was his only time of escape before a conflict for life should begin. He stepped backward, still urging the prisoners to depart before the officers were driven to the use of fire-arms as a last resort. When within three or four feet of the door it was opened, and closed instantly again as he sprang through, and so was unexpectedly restored to his friends. " Major Wainwright was requested to order his men to fire down upon the convicts through the little windows, first with powder and then with ball, till they were willing to retreat; but he took a wiser as well as bolder course. Relying upon the effect which firm determination would have upon men so critically situated, he ordered the door to be again thrown open, and marched in at the head of thirty men, who filed through the passage and formed at the end of the hall, opposite the crowd of criminals grouped together at the other end. He stated that he was empowered to quell the rebellion ; that he should not quit that hall alive till every con vict had returned to his duty. The latter seemed balancing the strength of the two parties, and replied that some of them were ready to die, and only waited for the attack to see which was the more powerful, swearing that they would fight to the last unless the sentence of flogging was remitted, for they would not submit to any such punishment in the prison. " Major Wainwright now ordered his Marines to load their pieces, and that they might not be suspected of trifling, each man was told to hold up to view the bullet which he afterwards put into his gun. This only caused a growl of determination, and no one blanched, or seemed dis posed to shrink from the foremost exposure. They knew that their numbers would enable them to bear down and destroy the handful of Marines, after the first discharge. "The Marines were ordered to take aim; their guns were presented; but not a prisoner stirred, except to grasp more firmly his weapon. Still desirous, if possible, to avoid such a slaughter as must follow the discharge of the guns, the major advanced a step or two, and spoke even more firmly than before, urging them to depart. Again, and while looking directly into the muzzles of the guns, which they had seen loaded with ball, they declared their intention of fighting it out. The intrepid officer then took out his watch and told his men to hold their pieces aimed at the prisoners, but not to fire till they had orders. Then, turning to the convicts, he said, You must leave this hall. I give you three minutes to decide. If at the end of that time a man remains, he shall be shot dead. I speak no more. No more tragic situation than this can be conceived : at one end of the hall a fearless multitude of desperate and powerful men waiting for the assault; at the other a little band of well-disciplined Marines, waiting with levelled muskets, and ready on the least motion or sign to begin the carnage, and their 64 History of the United States Marine Corps. tall commander holding up his watch to count the lapse of the three allotted minutes. For two minutes not a person nor a muscle was moved ; not a sound was heard in the unwonted stillness of the prison, except the labored breathings of the infuriated wretches as they began to pant between fear and revenge. At the expiration of two minutes, during which they had faced the ministers of death with unfaltering eyes, two or three of those in the rear, and nearest to the further entrance, went slowly out ; a few more followed the example, dropping out quietly and deliberately ; and before half the last minute was gone, every man was struck by the panic, and crowded for exit, and the hall was cleared as if by magic. Thus the steady firmness of moral force, and the strong effect of deliberate determination, cowed the most daring men, and pre vented a scene of carnage which would have instantly followed the least precipitancy or exertion of physical force by the officers or their sub ordinates." CHAPTER XI. 1824-35 Operations against Pirates Quallah Batoo Services in New York. "THE series of revolutions which wrested from Spain her colonial pos sessions in Mexico and South America caused serious interference with the commerce of the United States. Vessels were plundered, then sent adrift, burnt, or taken possession of, as fancy or interest dictated ; the officers, crews, and passengers were always treated with indignity and vio lence, very frequently murdered in cold blood, and, in some instances, their bodies after death were abused with disgusting barbarity, after cruelty had exhausted ingenuity in contrivances of insupportable torture." In the fall of 1821 the government took measures to capture and bring to punishment the offenders. Although the Marines attached to Commodore Porter s squadron par ticipated in all of the expeditions against pirates off Porto Rico, San Domingo, and Cuba, yet as these resulted in the easy capture and destruc tion of their strongholds, but slight mention is made of their services during this period. The next hostile occupation of any of the national vessels was in the expedition against the pirates of Quallah Batoo, undertaken by Commo dore John Downes in the frigate Potomac in the year 1832. The cause of this expedition originated during the year 1831, in the capture of the American ship Friendship, which was lying in the harbor of Quallah Batoo, taking in a load of pepper. The capture was unprovoked by any acts on the part of the Americans, and was accomplished in a treacherous History of the United States Marine Corps. 65 manner, and by the murder of the mate and two seamen of the ship. By the assistance of other American merchantmen, the captain ultimately recovered his vessel, but she was completely rifled of all valuables, and the object of the voyage was broken up. Commodore Downes was in structed to obtain redress for this special and aggravated wrong. Quallah Batoo is situated on the western shore of the island of Sumatra. It lies entirely open to the sea. The navigation in the vicinity is exceedingly difficult and dangerous ; reefs and shoals lining the shore. At the time of the expedition the town including the neighboring plantations is said to have had a population of four thousand. It was defended by several small forts, mounted with three or four guns each. On the 5th of February, 1832, the Potomac arrived on the coast of Sumatra. Commodore Downes disguised the frigate as a merchantman, and then stood in and anchored about three miles from the town. Being convinced that any mere verbal demand for satisfaction would be entirely useless, and only give time for the Malays to prepare better for their de fence, he determined to make an attack as soon as possible, in hopes of taking them by surprise, and securing the persons of some of the rajahs, holding whom as hostages he might gain higher terms of satisfaction. Preparations to land the same night were therefore made. Two hundred and fifty seamen and Marines were detailed for the duty, and the whole placed under the command of Lieutenant Irwin Shubrick, the first lieu tenant of the ship. The Marines were commanded by Lieutenant Alvin Edson and Lieutenant George H. Terrett. At a sufficient time before daylight, to be unobserved, the boats were hoisted out, and the men stowed away in them, when they quietly and swiftly pulled towards shore. They went in through a heavy surf, but were all safely landed, and in fifteen minutes were formed in their line of march. Lieutenant Edson led the van with the Marines. The first division of seamen was commanded by Lieutenant Pinkham, the second by Lieutenant Hoff, and the third by Lieutenant Ingersoll. A 6-pounder was in charge of Sailing-Master Totten. When the day dawned the march commenced along the beach. The Malays were anticipating an attack, for their scouts were seen. Lieu tenant Hoff was ordered to surround the first fort, which was the most northern one. He left the main body with his division, and soon came to the outworks, consisting of a strong stockade of timber. Within this there was still a citadel, armed with small cannon. As soon as the divi sion approached, the Malays commenced the action by a sharp fire from all arms. They fought with great bravery and steadiness, and were found to be no mean adversaries. Lieutenant Hoff succeeded in breaking through the gate-way of the stockade, but the Malays still stood the attack for two hours within their citadel. Finding it impossible to dislodge them by a distant fire, preparations were made to take the citadel by 66 History of the United States Marine Corps. storm. It was necessary to tear up some of the palisades and to form a bridge of them, over which the eager seamen rushed, carrying the work which had so long held them in check, by assault, which the Malays could not withstand. Lieutenant Edson, with the Marines, attacked the next fort, situated in the rear of the town. There the same scenes were repeated, the Malays behaving with the same spirit, and made a long and obstinate re sistance. But they could not face the Marines, as with steady discipline they stormed the fort and forced their way into it. Lieutenant Shu- brick attacked the principal fort with the first and third divisions, aided by the 6-pounder situated at the southern point of the town, near the beach. Here the fight was long and gallantly maintained on both sides. The gate of the outer defences was soon forced, and the men rushed in, anxious to come to closer quarters with their foes. The stronghold, consisting of an elevated platform mounted with several cannon, still held out, and our men had to stand the fire from it without protection. The ladder to the platform had been removed, and in the attempt to climb up to it one man was killed and several were wounded. At this critical moment, Lieutenant Hoff, with the second division, and Lieutenant Edson, with the Marines, having secured their victories, came up with detachments, and took a position between the fort and the water, from which they poured in a very effective cross-fire. The battle now raged against the devoted Malays with exterminating se verity. Although thus closely invested, and numbers falling under so well-conducted a fire, they yet fought with desperation, and it was not till almost all were killed that their position could be carried. The town was now fired and much of it was reduced to ashes. The last fort was now revealed by opening its fire. A detachment of Marines and seamen was ordered to capture it. The Malays, as usual, fought fiercely. But success had animated the Americans with even unwonted zeal and impetuosity, and after a short conflict they carried this work by assault. The action had continued for two hours and a half, and with success on our part at every point attacked. This success was purchased at some cost, though it was comparatively small. Two men were killed, two officers and nine men were wounded. The loss of the enemy must have been very severe, for it was known that at least one hundred and fifty were killed. Among those killed was the rajah who was principally concerned in the capture and plunder of the Friendship. The casualties among the Marines were as follows : Killed. Private Benjamin J. Brown. Wounded. Lieutenant Alvin Edson, Privates Daniel H. Cole (mor tally), James A. Huster. 1835. During the great fire of 1835 in New York City, it was found History of the United States Marine Corps. 67 necessary to ask for military aid ; a requisition was therefore made for as many Marines as could be spared from the barracks in Brooklyn. First Lieutenant J. G. Reynolds was ordered to report with a detachment to the city authorities for such duty as might be assigned. A strong line of sentinels was posted so as to efficiently guard public and private property, and with such signal success that the gratitude of the city was conse quently expressed in a vote of thanks to Lieutenant Reynolds and the Marines under his command. CHAPTER XII. 1836-42. Potomac at Port Mahon The Services of the Corps during the Campaigns against the Indians in Florida The United States Exploring Expedition The mutiny on board the brig Somers. IN 1836, on board of the United States ship Potomac, at Port Mahon, a serious outbreak of the crew occurred, which, but for the promptness of the Marines in quelling it, might have resulted in very serious mutiny, and the action of the Marines was a subject of commendation by the officers of the ship. Upon the breaking out of Indian hostilities in Georgia, in 1836, at a moment when the Indians were ravaging the country, and the disposable force of the army was inadequate to the emergency, Colonel-Commandant Archibald Henderson of the Marines volunteered his services, together with that portion of the Corps stationed at the different Navy-Yards. In this he was seconded most cheerfully by the officers under his command. Their services were accepted, and their places at the Yards temporarily filled by watchmen from civil life. Before leaving Washington, Colonel Henderson was the recipient of a cane, presented by the officers of the Corps. It was made of a piece of the original timber of the Corvette Cyane, captured in 1815 by the frigate Constitution, under Commodore Stewart. The cane had a gold head and silver ferrule, and a sword about nine inches in length. On one side of the blade was the following in scription : To Colonel Archibald Henderson, Commandant of Marines, commander of the guard on board the United States frigate Constitution in the capture of H. B. M. Corvettes Cyane and Levant. On the reverse side : This cane, being a piece of the original timber of the Cyane, is presented by the officers of the Corps, January I, 1836. On the head were the words : Col. A. Henderson, U. S. Marine Corps. 68 History of the United States Marine Corps. The National Intelligencer of June 2, 1836, says, "The detachment of Marines under the command of Colonel Henderson, which so promptly and handsomely volunteered to go against the Creek Indians, will, we understand, leave here this morning in the Columbia for Norfolk, where they will take passage to Charleston, South Carolina, on their route to the scene of savage warfare. This is another striking evi dence of the great value of this arm of the national defence ; it has shown itself as prompt to defend its country on the land as on the water, the element on which it was designed, originally, exclusively to act. Upon several occasions during the late war with England, detachments from this brave and highly disciplined Corps covered themselves with unfading laurels by their conduct while serving on land ; and in every instance of conflict on the water its bravery and efficiency were attested by the official reports of the actions in which it bore a part. In the present emergency it did not wait even an intimation that its services would be acceptable, but promptly came forth, through its commanding officer, in the first hour of danger, and voluntarily offered to leave its comfortable quarters, and within one week from the offer we see a strong and well-appointed detachment of fine-looking men bidding farewell to families and friends, and taking up the line of march to seek a savage and treacherous foe in a distant land and in an inhospitable climate, to stay the ravages of war, and to protect the innocent, the helpless, and the unoffending. They will carry with them the best and warmest wishes of all, that their success may be commensurate with their bravery and zeal." The Columbus, Georgia, Sentinel of July i contained the following: " The first battalion of United States Marines, under the command of Colonel Henderson, is now stationed at Camp Henderson, fifteen miles below Columbus, on the western bank of the Chattahoochee. The bat talion arrived at this place on the 23d instant, having left Washington on the ist, and Augusta on the loth, marching from Augusta to this place in fourteen days, a distance of two hundred and twenty-four miles. On their arrival here, orders were received from General Scott to proceed to their present station with all possible despatch, and there erect a strong picket work, as a place of deposit for provisions, etc., for the eastern wing of the army. Since their arrival there the officers and men have all enjoyed good health and spirits, and pursue their work with vigilance and promptness. Their location being in the most exposed part of the enemy s country, it is a great privation for them to be confined to the monotonous duties of the camp, though well convinced of the importance of their present work. Their camp has been for two successive nights roused by Indians lurking about, and approaching the picket sentinels within a few yards, when they were fired on and pursuit immediately given, but no traces of them could be found. Last night, after the roll of the drum had ceased, a whoop was distinctly heard up the river, which BRIGADIER-GENERAL J, ZEILIN, Commandant June 10, 1864, to Nov. i, 1876. MAJOR DANIEL CARMICK. Died from wound received in defence of New Orleans, at the battle of Dec. 23, 1814. COLONEL-COMMANDANT JOHN HARRIS. Commandant Jan. 7, 1859. Died May 12, 1864. History of the United States Marine Corps. 69 no doubt was a signal to a party above. On Friday morning last a negro boy who had escaped from the Indians that morning, and who had been a prisoner some five or six weeks, was brought into the camp by Captain Love, of the Georgia volunteers. He stated that a party of twenty or thirty had camped the night before within six or seven miles, and had left that morning for a large swamp not far off, no doubt Cowagee Swamp, and that he saw Jim Henry that day, who advised them to go as soon as possible, and that he had been badly wounded in the shoulder. Captains Twiggs s and Dulany s companies, together with a company of Georgia volunteers, under Captain Love, the whole under the command of Captain Tvviggs, were immediately despatched in hopes of overtaking them, but without success. They soon came upon their abandoned camp, found their fires burning and meat cooking, and everything about indicating a sudden departure. A negro man was taken in the vicinity of the camp, who, with great reluctance, gave himself up. He was armed with a mus ket, twenty balls, and a pocket full of power. He was much frightened, but seemed determined to communicate as little as possible ; but as far as he did tell, he corroborated the statements of the boy. The party took a number of horses belonging to the Indians, and a variety of ornaments, which they in their hurry had left behind. There is but little doubt that the Indians are concentrating somewhere in that vicinity, and will make a desperate effort to cross the river ; if they do they may be assured the troops now there will give them warm work." On Friday, the 24th of June, the second battalion of Marines, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Freeman, consisting of one hundred and sixty men, reached Milledgeville, and immediately proceeded to their destination, Fort Mitchell. Orders were almost immediately given to proceed to Florida. On the 1 6th of October the two battalions, consolidated into one regiment of six companies, arrived at Apalachicola, Florida, from Fort Mitchell, Alabama, on their way to Tampa Bay. The following is a list of the officers of the battalion, which was attached to the army under the command of General Jessup : Colonel-Commandant : Archibald Henderson. Major and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel : Samuel Miller. Major and Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel : W. H. Freeman. Staff: Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Charles R. Broom, Paymaster; Captain Parke G. Howie, Adjutant and Inspec tor; Captain E. J. Weed, Quartermaster; First Lieutenant George F. Lindsay, Assistant Quartermaster; First Lieutenant F. C. Hall, As sistant Commissary; Surgeon, John A. Kearney, U.S.N. ; Passed As sistant Surgeon, George B. McKnight, U.S.A. ; Sergeant, Major James Gatchell. Captains : Levi Twiggs, John Harris, James Edelin, William Dulany, T. S. English, and George W. Walker. First Lieutenants : Brevet Captain James McCawley, Brevet Captain Benjamin Macomber; First 70 History of the United States Marine Corps. Lieutenants, Alvin Edson, H. B. Tyler, L. N. Carter, John G. Rey nolds, T. L. C. Watkins, F. N. Armistead, George H. Terrett, W. E. Starke, W. E. Lang, and A. H. Ross. Second Lieutenants: D. D. Baker, L. F. Whitney, E. L. West, Robert C. Caldwell, W. L. Young, Josiah Watson, W. McArdle, and John T. Sprague. The Marines participated in the arduous campaigns under General Jessup, and received from him the highest commendations. At the battle of the Wahoo Swamp, Colonel B. K. Pierce, commanding the right division, mentions in his official report the gallant conduct of First Lieu tenant Andrew Ross of the Marines, who was wounded. This officer subsequently died of his wounds. 1837. The Marines bore an honorable and highly important part in the battle of Hatchee-Lustee, which began on the 226. of January, 1837. The main body of the army, under command of Major-General Jessup, was put in motion on that day, to attack the Indians and negroes in the strongholds which they were said to occupy on the head-waters of the Ocklawaha. On the 23d, Lieutenant-Colonel Caulfield was detached with his battalion of mounted Alabama volunteers, Captain Harris s company of Marines, and Major Morris s Indian warriors, accompanied by General Jessup s aid, Lieutenant Chambers, to attack Osuchee, a chief of some note, who was reported to have a large Indian force under his command in a swamp on the borders of Ahpopka Lake. The chief was surprised, himself and three warriors killed, and nine Indians and eight negroes captured. On the 27th the enemy was found on the Hatchee- Lustee, in and near the "Great Cypress Swamp," and promptly and gallantly attacked. Lieutenant Chambers, with Price s company of Alabama volunteers, by a rapid charge, succeeded in capturing the horses and baggage of the enemy, with twenty-five Indians and negroes, principally women and children, the men having mostly fled into the swamp. Colonel Henderson, leaving one company with the prisoners and horses, entered the swamp with the remainder of his command, drove the enemy across the Hatchee-Lustee, passed that river under their fire, and drove them into a more dense and difficult swamp, in which they dispersed. A considerable force was ordered to support Colonel Henderson. When the troops reached the point where the colonel had entered the swamp, it was ascertained that he was in rapid pursuit of the enemy, and was believed to be fully able to overcome the force opposed to him. The result of the day s operations was the capture by Colonel Henderson s force of two Indian women and three children, and twenty- three negroes, young and old, and over a hundred ponies, with packs on about fifty of them. All their clothes, blankets, and other baggage were abandoned by the enemy, and either taken or destroyed by Colonel Henderson. In his report of the affair Colonel Henderson says, "The regular troops, both artillery and Marines, displayed great bravery and History of the United States Marine Corps. 7 1 the most untiring and determined perseverance. The Marines, however, I cannot -refrain from mentioning in a particular manner. The killed and wounded show where they were, and render any further comment from me unnecessary." The Army and Navy Chronicle of June 15 contained the following: " The Marine Corps has been so much separated for a year or more past that we have not had it in our power to make any report of the changes that have occurred in the stations of its officers. We are rejoiced to perceive that this Corps has been earning a harvest of fame in Florida, by the alacrity, zeal, and ability with which the duties assigned to it have been discharged ; and we welcome back to their homes, and to comparative repose, those members of it who have been so long actively engaged in combating the savages." The following order, signed by General Jessup, was issued from the Head-quarters Army of the South, Tampa Bay, May 22d : " The presence of Colonel Henderson being required at the head quarters of his Corps, he will proceed to Washington City and report to the adjutant-general of the army. The major-general commanding would be forgetful of what is due to merit, and would do injustice to his own feelings, were he to omit on the present occasion the expression of the high sense he entertains of the distinguished and valuable services rendered by the colonel. He tenders him his warmest thanks for the able, zealous, and cheerful support he has on every occasion received from him, both in Florida and Alabama; and begs him to accept his best wishes for his future fame and happiness. Captain Howie, adjutant and inspector of the Marine Corps, and Surgeon Kearney, of the Navy, medical director of the army, will accompany Colonel Henderson. The major-general thanks them for the zeal, efficiency, and ability with which they have performed every duty which has devolved upon them since they have been attached to this army, and he assures them that they carry with them his best wishes and kindest regards. Lieutenant- Colonel Miller will command, with his brevet rank, the troops south of the Hillsborough." Colonel Henderson arrived in Washington about the middle of June, accompanied by Captain Howie, of the Corps, and by Surgeon Kearney, of the Navy. The National Intelligencer, in announcing their arrival, said, " We are glad to learn that Colonel Henderson, and the officers who accompanied him, have returned to their families in good health. They have suffered much in common with all with whom they have served, not less from the climate, and the peculiar nature of the country which has been the theatre of the war, than from the necessary hardships of service in so wild and destitute a region. The gallant Corps, which it is the good fortune of Colonel Henderson to command, has always been distinguished wheresoever duty has called it. In the present case the Corps deserves peculiar commendation, from having volunteered in 72 History of the United States Marine Corps. the war in Florida, and having repaired to its theatre, a thousand miles distant, to share in its perils and privations. Its commander deserves the praise of having proven himself worthy of his post, both by his gallantry in the field, and by patience and good example under all difficulties ; and he, his officers, and men have most honorably main tained the pledge which they gave to the government and to their country when they first tendered their services. The Corps remains in Florida under the veteran and gallant Colonel Miller, to make further sacrifices and endure fresh hardships, should the obstinacy of the Indians, as now appears too probable, unhappily prolong the war." The uniform of the Marines for a long time, and until 1839, was a green coat with white or buff facings, an undress frock-coat of the same color, a sword with white ivory cross hilt and brass scabbard, and white leather belts. In 1839 it was changed, to take effect from July 4, 1840, to blue with red facings. The following list exhibits the character and strength of the naval force employed in the Mosquito Fleet from June, 1838, until August, 1842: Lieutenant John T. McLaughlin, commanding in chief. The squadron consisted of the Wave, Panther, revenue-cutters Campbell and Otsego, with a force of one hundred and sixty men, from June, 1838, until Novem ber, 1839; from this date until June, 1841, of the Flirt, Wave, Otsego, and barges Mayo and Harney, and two companies of Marines, in all five hundred and forty-one men ; from June, 1841, until August, 1842, of the Flirt, Wave, Otsego, Phoenix, Jefferson, Madison, Van Bnren, and barges Mayo and Harney, with one hundred and thirty Marines, making an aggregate force of six hundred and twenty-two men, of whom sixty- eight were officers ; one hundred and forty canoes were employed by the squadron during its service. From 1839 to 1840 the Marines on the ships were commanded by First Lieutenant George H. Terrett, with Lieutenant I. R. Wilson and Robert D. Taylor as his subordinates. From 1840 to 1842 they were commanded by First Lieutenant Thomas T. Sloan, with Lieutenants I. R. Wilson and Robert D. Taylor as his subordinates. In addition to the garrison at Indian Key, in 1842 the Marines garrisoned Fort Dallas. On the 3d of November, 1841, a detachment of one hundred and fifty Marines and seamen, under command of Lieutenant J. T. Mc Laughlin, commanding the Mosquito Fleet, made a scout through the everglades. The scout lasted twenty-two days, and although the Indians fled before them in all directions, allowing no opportunity for fighting, the result of the arduous trip was to gain information of an ex tensive country which had never before been explored, and to exhibit an imposing force in the heart of a country hitherto deemed impenetrable ; the tendency of which was to strengthen the wavering and doubtful History of the United States Marine Corps. 73 Indians in their inclinations to submit. The depot for the Florida squadron, commanded by Lieutenant McLaughlin, was at Indian Key, on the eastern coast. For several weeks Lieutenant Sloan of the Marines was employed with his command on the coonti grounds between the Miami and New Rivers, with instructions to explore every acre of them. During the exploration, Lieutenant Sloan came upon five distinct settlements of Indians, the first of them within five miles of Fort Dallas, between Little River and Arch Creek. The instant he was discovered signal fires sprang up in every direction, as if by magic, and fields and settlements were as suddenly deserted. Large quantities of ripe corn were gathered and destroyed, and many fields laid waste. A second scout of Marines, under Lieu tenant Taylor, in co-operation with Lieutenant-Commanders Marchand and Rodgers, was compelled to return abruptly to their post for want of water. The fatigue and privation undergone by this detachment was so great that Private Kingsbury fell in his trail and died from sheer ex haustion. Their patient endurance and cheerful alacrity in the dis charge of every duty proved the high state of discipline, both of Marines and seamen. On the 9th of June, Lieutenant McLaughlin received orders to return to Norfolk with the vessels under his command. Congress, by a law of the i8th of May, 1836, authorized the equip ment and employment of a portion of the national Marine for the pur pose of exploring those seas in which the whale fisheries, as well as other branches of commercial enterprise were pursued. On the 20th of March, 1838, Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, U.S.N., was directed to assume the command of the expedition. The instructions issued to him by the Navy Department, dated the nth of August, 1838, indicated the following objects to be aimed at: "To explore and survey the Southern Ocean, having in view the im portant interest of our commerce embarked in the whale-fisheries, as well as to determine the existence of all doubtful islands and shoals; and to discover and accurately fix the position of those which lie in or near the track pursued by our merchant vessels in that quarter, and which may have hitherto escaped the observation of scientific navigators. "Although the primary object of the expedition is the promotion of the great interests of commerce and navigation, yet all occasions will be taken, not incompatible with the great purpose of the undertaking, to ex tend the bounds of science, and to promote the acquisition of knowledge. For the more successful attainment of these objects, a corps of scientific gentlemen for the departments of philology, zoology, conchology, geology, mineralogy, and botany, with artists and a horticulturist, will accompany the expedition, and are placed under your direction. The hydrography and geography of the various seas and countries you may 74 History of the United States Marine Corps. visit in the route pointed out to you will occupy your special attention ; and all the researches connected with them, as well as with astronomy, terrestrial magnetism, and meteorology are confided exclusively to the officers of the Navy, on whose zeal and talents the department confidently relies for such results as will enable future navigators to pass over the track traversed by your vessels without fear and without danger." The track marked out in the instructions required a circumnavigation of the globe, with a divergence quite towards the Southern Pole, and so far towards the north as the westward possessions of the United States extended, with frequent crossings of the Pacific Ocean, and extensive cruisings among its countless islands. This course was very fully and faithfully pursued through a space of three years and ten months. The vessels composing the squadron were the sloop Vincennes, Lieu tenant Wilkes, commanding the expedition ; the sloop Peacock, Lieu tenant-Commanding W. L. Hudson ; the brig Porpoise, Lieutenant- Commanding Cadwalader Ringgold ; store-ship Relief, Lieutenant-Com manding A. K. Long ; tenders Sea-Gull and Flying-Fish, commanded by Passed-Midshipmen Reid and Knox. The squadron sailed from Hampton Roads on the ipth of August for Madeira ; then it took a southerly course, touched at the Cape de Verde Islands, and arrived at Rio on the 24th of November. On the 6th of January they left Rio ; stopped at the Rio Negro, doubled Cape Horn, and entered Orange Harbor. In the latter part of May the squadron rendezvoused in the harbor of Valparaiso, with the exception of the Sea-Gull, which was lost at sea. Passed-Midshipmen Reid and Bacon, with a crew of fifteen men, were lost by this disaster. The squadron next stopped at Callao. They left Callao on the i2th of July, and arrived at Sydney, New South Wales, on the 28th of November. On the 26th of December the expedition once more turned towards the extreme south, and the vessels were ordered to act independently of each other when arrived in the regions of the designed explorations. The squadron found constant occupation during the ensuing summer in surveying and exploring duties amid the numerous islands of the Southern Archipelago. New Zealand, the Friendly Islands, and the Feejee group were visited for these purposes. Though prosecuting a work of peace, and especially desirous of establishing permanent relations of amity with the barbarous tribes of the Pacific, in order to the greater security of commerce, still, during its stay in the Feejee group, the expedition was under the necessity of twice putting in exercise its military power. In July a surveying party, under Lieutenant Perry, in a launch, and Mr. Knox in a first cutter, ran into Sualib Bay for shelter during a storm. In endeavoring to beat out again the cutter ran on a reef at low tide, and it was found impossible to History of the United States Marine Corps. 75 get her off. The natives in great numbers, and well armed, soon col lected near, and commenced a serious attack. The ammunition in the cutter being all wet, and the launch being unable to render any effective assistance in repelling the savages, the crew abandoned the boat and went on board the launch. On the i2th the launch rejoined the Vincennes and Peacock. Immediately the schooner and eight boats from the ships, with an extra complement of seamen and Marines, under the immediate command of Lieutenants Wilkes and Hudson, proceeded to inflict merited punishment upon the natives. They entered the bay, and cautiously marched to the principal village, meeting with no resistance. The town, consisting of sixty huts, was burned, and the savages were taught a salutary lesson. A tragical affair occurred during the latter part of July, at Malolo, an island of the same group. Lieutenant Underwood, with a party, landed on this island during a survey carried on in two of the boats of the squadron, under the command of Lieutenant Alden, for the purpose of ascending a height to look for the Porpoise. He was soon recalled, in consequence of some suspicious movements among the natives, bringing with him a young native, who was retained as a hostage. The next morning the same officer landed for the purpose of procuring provisions. The natives manifested considerable reluctance to trading, and Lieu tenant Underwood and party remained some length of time on shore in unsuccessful attempts at negotiation. In the mean time Midshipman Henry was sent to join those on shore. The natives now began to col lect in greater numbers, and evidently were not in a friendly mood. The symptoms of an attack became so manifest that Lieutenant Under wood called his party together and ordered a retreat to the boat. At the same time the hostage suddenly jumped out of Lieutenant Alden s boat and commenced running towards the shore. The report of fire-arms was heard on shore, and it became evident to those in the boats that their companions were engaged in a serious conflict with an overpower ing number of savages. They pushed for the land, and as soon as their fire-arms were effective, the savages disappeared in a hasty retreat. On landing they found one seaman badly wounded, and Lieutenant Under wood and Midshipman Henry lying prostrate on the beach. The officers in a few moments expired ; and their bodies, rescued from cannibalism, were borne off to the Flying-Fish, which was a few miles distant. This unprovoked massacre called for stern retribution. Lieutenant- Commandant Wilkes was himself at this time on board the Flying-Fish, and the brig Porpoise was also now in company. There were two towns, Sualib and Arro, situated upon opposite sides of the island. The party which was to attack and destroy these consisted of seventy officers, sea men, and Marines, under the command of Lieutenant-Commanding Ringgold. The party in the boats, intended to cut off escape from the 76 History of the United States Marine Corps. island and to co-operate with the former party, was led by Lieutenant- Commandant Wilkes. The first party landed without opposition on the southeast point of the island, destroyed the plantations in their course, and crossing over the high land, came in sight of Sualib, situated on the southern shore. Here it was found that the natives were mostly assembled with the intention of defending themselves by all means possible to them ; and their prep arations and position were not to be despised, even by disciplined troops. The village was surrounded entirely by a strong stockade of cocoa-nut trees, placed a few feet apart, and filled between with close and substantial wicker-work. On the outside of this was a wide ditch, filled with water; and on the inside a dry ditch, in which the defenders were intrenched, while they shot through the loop-holes in the palisade. The savages were very confident in the impregnability of their fortress, for they received the advancing Americans with shouts and expressions of defiance. They possessed quite a number of muskets, as well as their ordinary weapons. Almost the entire population were within the en closure, and the women and children were as defiant and active in defence as the men. Knowing that an assault must be attended with some loss, even though conducted against undisciplined troops, the commander wisely attacked from such a distance as his means would permit. A sharp contest of about fifteen minutes was maintained, during which a chief and six of the savages were killed, and the houses within were fired by a rocket. The natives fled, escaping through a gate leading towards the sea. They were allowed to retreat without further attack. A few of the Americans were wounded, but only one severely. The town was entirely consumed. The party now marched northward across the island to co-operate with the boat party against Arro. The latter reached Arro first, and without resistance set fire to and destroyed it. While these operations were going on, Lieutenant Emmons chased five canoes, containing about forty native warriors. When overtaken they offered fight and made a resolute resistance. But four of them were finally captured, the other escaping. The next day the whole force from the vessels assembled on a hill, and received the population of the island, who sued for pardon. On the nth of August the expedition left the Fejee Islands, and in October was at Honolulu. The Porpoise and Vincennes left Honolulu on the 5th of April, 1841. In twenty-two days these vessels were off the bar at the mouth of the Columbia River. In the summer of 1841 the Peacock, Lieutenant-Commandant Hudson, while at Drummond s Island, one of the Kingsmill group, engaged in a conflict with the natives. A large party, under Lieutenant-Commandant Hudson, was on shore for purposes of curiosity. The natives sought to separate and entice the men in different directions. They also pilfered loose articles, and finally History of the United States Marine Corps. 77 made actual hostile demonstrations. Wishing to avoid a collision, the men were called together and returned to the boats. It was then found that one man was missing. Having waited two days for news of the missing man, it was concluded that he had been treacherously murdered, and Lieutenant-Commandant Hudson determined to inflict severe punishment on the islanders. Eighty seamen and Marines in seven boats under the command of Lieutenant Walker were landed. The savages, to the number of five hundred and upward, fearlessly awaited their approach on the beach, brandishing their weapons and showing a determination to stand their ground. A parley, with a renewed offer of ransom, was unavailing. A few shots were then fired, bringing down some of the chiefs, and a rocket was discharged into the crowd, immediately followed by a general discharge of musketry, which caused a rapid retreat of the enemy. The council-house and town were reduced to ashes and twelve of the natives were killed. On the i8th of July the Peacock was lost while endeavoring to enter the Columbia River. During the month of June, 1842, the squadron arrived at New York. The Marines attached to this expedition were as follows : Vin- cennes Quartermaster s Sergeant Marion A. Stearns; Corporals Joseph Clark, Christian Dobleman, Alexander Ogle; Privates Allshouse, Camp bell, Disbrow, Dunbar, Richardson, Roberts, Mackenzie, Nebhert, Rogers, Taylor, and Ward. Peacock Sergeant Joseph Forbes ; Corpo rals Joseph Carey, Thomas Dewees ; Privates Hughes, Riley, Harman, Smith, Marsh, Allman, Pottle, and Crook. Brig Porpoise Corporal W. H. King; Privates Cavanagh, Bateman, Lewellen. On the first day of December, 1842, Commander Alexander Slidell Mackenzie, U.S.N., in command of the brig Somers, in 17 34 28" north latitude and 57 57 45" west longitude, executed, by hanging, Philip Spencer, acting midshipman ; Samuel Cromwell, boatswain s mate ; and Elisha Small, seaman, for attempted mutiny on the high seas. At the close of the proceedings of the court-martial Commander Mackenzie stated in his defence that "the Somers had no Marines, a body of men distinct from the crew in organization and feeling, on whom, in ordinary ships of war, the police and discipline greatly de pend, and who form a counterpoise and check to the turbulent spirits of common seamen." In a letter addressed to the Hon. A. P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy, Commander Mackenzie also made the following statement in rela tion to Sergeant Michael H. Garty, who was a passenger, invalided home : " Of the conduct of Sergeant Michael H. Garty I will only say that it was worthy of the noble Corps to which he has the honor to belong ; confined to his hammock by a malady which threatened to be dangerous, 78 History of the United States Marine Corps. at the moment when the conspiracy was discovered, he rose upon his feet a well man. "Throughout the whole period, from the day of Mr. Spencer s arrest to the day after our arrival, and until the removal of the mutineers, his conduct was calm, steady, and soldier-like. But when his duty was clone and health was no longer indispensable to its performance, his malady returned upon him, and he is still in his hammock. In view of this fine conduct, I respectfully recommend that Sergeant Garty be promoted to a second lieutenancy in the Marine Corps. Should I pass without dis honor through the ordeal that probably awaits me, and attain in due time to the command of a vessel entitled to a marine officer, I ask no better fortune than to have the services of Sergeant Garty in that capacity." History oj Marine Corps. 79 00 ^ Os Ox 5 0, to o 00 ^ Os u, 4>- OJ (0 o . Thomas Walsh ^ .F P c O P a p p" 3 1 1 C/3 o . Stephen Schoolcn . John Nicholson . Robert Gray . . . Thomas Ennis . - i M 3 en i c i i s. 5. i n :y.- J CD i 3 ? K P . Frederick Dunn . David Cannon . . Thomas T. Starke 1 ^p M g " j J hd J " r . g hd hd j -r J J a n z ? P P p P 5 p P P P P P y P P P ~ ^ 1 n s r - n c n b n S c r. 3 3 I g- c c j r, ; p pu p p D- p a, pi p Hi PL, p ^ ^ ?D 1 p rt . ^ a P" V) g 1 cr p P c x P p p p X p p ^ p p rt < p - c < _ p 7^ v < P p x p 3 f8 < P P c X p p rt 1 X s ft ^ p n v < B n o t Place of I " jg r? M i to -_ n 4- KS < i P P to J3 ?- i p M F December 16, ] . December 6, i n n 3^ n CO December 23, i . November 20, . November 25, November II, . October 6, 1841 O O . September 24, p Orq s /. to CO November 4, iJ . September 4, i< . December, 183 u f s, f M to t 4- 4- t CO t t t t 4- J P . Drowned Drowned Remarks. ng tabular oo 4^ I &> 8o History of the United States Marine Corps, History of the United States Marine Corps. 8 1 CHAPTER XIII. 1846-48. War with Mexico, I. Operations on the Pacific Coast. AT no time in our national history has the Marine Corps borne a more conspicuous or more honorable part than during the Mexican War. Even before the news of the formal declaration of war reached the American forces on the frontier, the officers and men of the corps under the orders of their naval superiors, made a record for themselves and for the nation, of brave, unfaltering courage. General Scott stated, at the close of the contest, that he had placed the Marines where the hard est work was to be accomplished, and that he had never found his con fidence misplaced. The annexation of Texas required the defence of that boundary-line which she and the government of the United States claimed as her own. Collisions with the Mexican troops soon occurred, and the formal declaration of war was made on the part of the United States on the 1 2th of May, 1846, and on the part of Mexico on the 23d of the same month. Commodore Sloat lay at Mazatlan, in the Savannah, in company with different smaller vessels, closely watching the course of events in the Gulf of Mexico. He had a line of active communication across the continent, by means of different mercantile houses, and on the yth of June he received, through that channel, the information of the battles of Palo-Alto and Resaca-de-la-Palma. Instantly he came to a prompt and wise determination. He sailed on the 8th for the norjthward, leaving the Warren at Mazatlan to wait for further intelligence. The Savannah reached Monterey on the 2d of July. Here the commodore found the Cyane and Levant, and ascertained that the Portsmouth was at San Francisco. Two hundred and fifty seamen and Marines landed under the immediate command of Captain William Mervine. This force raised the standard of the United States, under a salute of twenty-one guns. Commodore Sloat took the necessary measures to secure his bloodless conquest by garrisoning the town with a force of Marines under Lieutenant W. A. T. Maddox. The officers of the corps engaged on this occasion were Captain Ward Marston, Second Lieutenant W. A. T. Maddox, and Second Lieutenant Henry W. Queen. Military possession was on July 9 taken of Yerba Buena, and the flag of the United States displayed. A proclamation was issued, calling upon all the residents of that district, agreeably to the laws of the United States regulating the militia, to enroll themselves into a military 82 History of the United States Marine Corps. company, appoint their own officers, and observe such rules and regula tions as should be issued for the maintenance of order, and for the pro tection of property in Yerba Buena and its immediate neighborhood. A military guard was stationed in possession of the custom-house, under Second Lieutenant Henry B. Watson of the Marines, who was appointed the military commandant pro tern, of all the Marines and militia. He was ordered to remain in military possession as the commander of the Marines and local militia, subject to orders from his superior officers. All the militia organized for the protection of the place were required to repair to the appointed rendezvous, upon such signal as he should desig nate, properly armed and equipped, and he was directed to make requi sition for such arms and ammunition as might be required. Commodore Stockton sailed in the Congress on the ist of August for San Pedro. As the ship proceeded south, a landing was made at Santa Barbara, where the flag was shifted and a small force of Marines was left in possession. The Congress arrived off San Pedro *on the 6th of August. On the i3th the commodore made a junction with the battalion of volunteers under Major Fremont, a brigade of Marines and seamen were landed, and the whole force entered Los Angeles without opposition in the course of that day. Commodore Stockton now determined to organize a civil government for the entire State. At the head of this government he placed Major Fremont, and appointed Lieutenant A. H. Gillespie of the Marines military governor and commandant of the "troops. Having effected these arrangements, he returned to the coast on the 26. of September, and proceeded to Monterey, where everything was found tranquil, though rumors were in circulation of an intended rising among the Indians at the north. The Savannah was immediately sent up the coast, where she was soon joined by the Congress off San Francisco. About the close of the month the Mexicans in the neighborhood, finding that the main force of the Americans was at a considerable dis tance, laid siege to Los Angeles. The situation became critical, and Lieutenant Gillespie despatched a courier to Monterey to notify the naval forces there of the danger in which his command was placed. Leaving Lieutenant Maddox of the Marines in command at Monterey, the main portion of the naval force started for San Pedro to raise the siege at Los Angeles. Scarcely had they left Monterey when that place was also threatened with assault. Lieutenant Maddox sent a messenger to bring back, if possible, a portion of the force then on its way to San Pedro. By a fortunate combination of circumstances the messenger reached the Congress, then accompanying a transport of troops under Fremont from San Francisco, also ordered to the assistance of Lieutenant Gillespie. A sufficient force to strengthen the position of Lieutenant Maddox and hold it against the Mexicans was sent to Monterey, and the History of the United States Marine Corps. 83 remainder of the command proceeded on the way towards Los Angeles. It proved impossible, however, to reach that place in season to be of any assistance to Lieutenant Gillespie, who was forced to capitulate. He made excellent terms with the Mexican commander, nevertheless, and was soon allowed to join the main force. It was not, however, until after a brave and determined, though unsuccessful effort, had been made by a force of Marines and seamen under Captain Mervine of the Navy to raise the siege. Lieutenant Gillespie shortly afterwards commanded the Marines, who, in connection with the force of seamen under Lieu tenant Minor of the Navy, made a gallant charge on the Mexicans at San Diego, where the enemy was driven back in confusion. About this time the bravery and good conduct of Lieutenant Gillespie were recognized by the Department, and he received a captain s commission. He was shortly afterwards placed in command of an expedition to sur prise the enemy in camp at San Bernardo. Important events at this period followed each other in rapid and almost confusing succession. Before Captain Gillespie s expedition was prepared to start on its arduous work, Brigadier-General Kearney ar rived in California to take command of the land forces. Captain Gil lespie s force was immediately ordered to make a junction with Kearney s dragoons. Before the junction could be made, Kearney made an attack on the enemy at San Pasqual, and received a crushing defeat, the Americans losing heavily in killed and wounded, Kearney himself being among the latter. The rapid march of Commodore Stockton s force to San Gabriel and the overwhelming defeat of the enemy at that point followed. The officers of the Marine Corps who participated in these operations were Captain Gillespie, Lieutenant J. Zeilin, Lieutenant J. C. Cash, Lieutenant W. A. T. Maddox, and Lieutenant James Wiley. On the 2Qth of December, in consequence of a number of Californians having taken up arms against the United States, and taken Lieutenant Bartlett, United States Navy, six seamen, and others, prisoners, an ex pedition, consisting of a detachment of Marines, under Lieutenant Tansill, a field-piece in charge of Passed-Midshipman D. Jones, the San Jos mounted volunteers, under Captain Weber, and the San Francisco mounted volunteers, under Captain William M. Smith, and Assistant Surgeon M. Duvall, acting surgeon and aid, the whole under the com mand of Captain Ward Marston, United States Marine Corps, amounting in all to one hundred and one officers and men, left San Francisco in pursuit of the enemy. On the 2d of January, 1847, when within about seven miles of the mission of Santa Clara, and distant some fifty miles from San Francisco, the enemy were discovered, at first few in number, but increasing to about one hundred and thirty men, all mounted on the best horses. This force was driven back about two miles, when the Americans found their advance impeded by a deep marsh, and in attempt- 6 84 History of the United States Marine Corps. ing to cross it, the Marines and those in front were over their knees in mud. While in this position, the enemy attemped to drive down about five hundred wild cattle to break the ranks, and some twenty-five Cali- fornians came within range of the gun and opened fire on the Americans. At this time Captains Smith and Marston distinguished themselves by securing the spare horses of the enemy which became frightened. Cap tain Marston ordered the Marines to open on the cattle, and the gun to open on the Californians, and Lieutenant Tansill and Passed-Midshipman D. Jones displayed great activity in executing this order, which resulted in driving the Californians and their auxiliaries from the field. That evening a flag of truce was sent in by the Californians, asking, on the part of Colonel Sanches, their commander, an interview with the com manding officer of the Americans, each to be accompanied by two officers. Accordingly, the next morning Captain Marston, accompanied by Cap tain Smith and Surgeon Duvall, proceeded to the appointed place of meeting. Colonel Sanches then laid before Captain Marston a series of complaints of abuses which the Californians had experienced, and also professed a perfect willingness on their part to surrender and retire to their homes, if they could be assured of future protection. As Captain Marston had no authority to treat with him, he proposed an armistice till he could communicate with the commander of the district and re ceive his instructions, which was readily agreed to, and a messenger de spatched to San Francisco. On the afternoon of the armistice, the Americans were reinforced by the arrival of Captain Maddox s company of Monterey mounted volunteers. An answer was received on the 6th of January, saying the only conditions with which the Californians could be treated were for them to lay down their arms, surrender their prison ers and horses, and retire to their homes, all of which were complied with on the following day. In the action of the 2cl of January, the Americans had two wounded, a Marine and one of Captain Weber s men. The Californians admitted that eleven of their men were hit in their clothing, but were uninjured, which they attributed to the justice of their cause and the interposition of the Virgin Mary, and for which they celebrated mass in the church of Santa Clara. It was ascertained afterwards that their loss was four killed and five wounded. 1847. In a general order, issued February i, 1847, Commodore Shu- brick said. "For disinterested conduct, the company of mounted vol unteers, under Lieutenant Maddox of the Marine Corps, acting as captain, is tendered the thanks of the commander-in-chief, and will without doubt receive applause and due recompense from the general government." In September, 1847, Lieutenant Maddox was appointed military com mandant of the Middle Department by Commodore Stockton. Subse quently, in a letter to General Henderson, Commodore Stockton wrote : "It is my duty as well as pleasure to inform you that Lieutenant Maddox History of the United States Marine Corps. 85 was in command of the Middle Department in California and at Mon terey when the insurrection broke out in that country, and that his zeal and gallantry were conspicuous in his efforts to suppress it. It would be no more than justice if his services there should be acknowledged by a brevet." In November, 1847, tne Dale, Commander Selfridge, was sent to Guaymas to relieve Commander Montgomery, in the Portsmouth, the latter vessel joining the main squadron. The flag was now flying at La Paz, in the province of Lower California, protected by a detachment of one hundred and ten men of a regiment of New York volunteers, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Burton. In the month of Novem ber it was also hoisted at San Jose, in the same province, while the flag ship was off that place, and Lieutenant Charles Heywood, with four passed midshipmen and twenty Marines, was placed in command of this post. He was also furnished with a 9-pounder carronade, and some fire arms to be loaned in an emergency to friendly Californians. He posted his force in an old mission-house, situated on the higher portion of the town. Commodore Shubrick on the loth of November appeared off Mazatlan, a town of about eleven thousand inhabitants, occupied by Colonel Telles, with a force of twelve hundred men. On the morning of the nth a force of six hundred seamen and Marines landed and captured the place, Colonel Telles with his whole force retreating on the approach of the Americans. The following officers of the Corps were present : Inde pendence, Lieutenant W. W. Russell; Congress, First Lieutenant J. Zeilin ; and a detachment from the Cyane under Sergeant Forrest (the remainder of the guard being on duty at San Jose"). The Dale arrived at Guaymas on the 8th of November, and relieved the Portsmouth from the duty of guarding that post. The enemy s forces in this vicinity had now increased to a considerable amount, being prob ably not less than a thousand men. Commander Selfridge had not men enough to garrison the town, so that the flag was kept flying on an island under the guns of his ship. On the lyth of November, Commander Selfridge, supposing that there were none of the enemy in the immediate neighborhood, landed at the head of a party of sixty-five Marines and seamen. They had not proceeded far when they were assailed with a volley of musketry from a house. A ball wounded Commander Selfridge severely in the foot, and the command was relinquished to Lieutenant Smith. The latter officer found himself engaged with three hundred of the enemy. The fire of the little force of Marines and seamen was, how ever, delivered with such rapidity and precision that the enemy soon began to retreat precipitately. The Mexicans evacuated the town in all possible haste. In this creditable action the Americans suffered no injury, with the exception of the wound of the commander; while the loss of 86 History of the United States Marine Corps. the enemy was not less than thirty killed and wounded. The Marines were commanded by Second Lieutenant Robert Tansill. The Mexicans who had landed at Muleje, and whom Commander Sel- fridge had so gallantly driven into the interior, passed through the coun try, exciting hostility to the American rule, and drawing the disaffected to their ranks. On the I9th of November a large body of the enemy came within a league of the post established at San Jose, which was occu pied by Lieutenant Heywood, with four officers and twenty Marines. He had also organized and armed about twenty volunteers. The position occupied consisted of two houses, the one an old mission-house, which had to be strengthened and repaired to make it defensible, and the other a private house, so closely adjoining that it was necessary to occupy it lest it might fall into the hands of the enemy. In the latter Mr. McLana- han was stationed with twelve volunteers. At the mission a Q-pounder was mounted, and loop-holes left for musketry. The main body of the enemy took up a position on an eminence about a quarter of a mile distant. It consisted of one hundred and fifty mounted men, and commenced the attack late in the day by a fire from a 6-pounder. About ten o clock at night, the whole body of the enemy commenced an attack upon the front and rear of both houses. Their fire was vigorous, but was returned as vigorously by the little gar rison. Their cannon was posted in front of the main building, where it was replied to by the 9-pounder. The defence was so effectual that the enemy were glad to cover themselves behind the neighboring build ings, and thus the combat was continued throughout the night ; and by the morning the enemy retired to their camp. The next night the Mexicans were again in motion. They now concluded to undertake the capture of the mission-house by assault. In executing this movement, a strong party rushed up towards the front of the house, with the intention of forcing their way in and capturing the gun. But a destructive dis charge of musketry brought down their leader and several of their num ber, when they broke and fled. This repulse in front intimidate d the party in the rear, who were approaching with ladders to scale the walls, and they were thus easily driven back. The Mexican loss amounted to eight killed and twenty wounded, while the casualties of the garrison amounted to three wounded. 1848. In the early part of the year 1848 San Jose became the scene of very active military operations. On the 22d of January a small de- tachment of Lieutenant Heywood s command, consisting of two officers and six men, were captured on the beach by a large party of the enemy s cavalry. The enemy had concentrated his forces, amounting to three or four hundred men, around the position held at San Jose. The defence of this position rested with a garrison of twenty-seven marines, ten sea men, and twenty California volunteers. The town was deserted by the History of the United States Marine Corps. 87 inhabitants, and about fifty women and children sought protection in the imperfect fort, and were supported from its scanty supplies. In the latter part of January the Mexicans appeared in force. On the 4th of February they drew their lines quite closely around the fort and fired upon all who showed themselves. From this day until the i4th of the month this large force kept up a constant, harassing fire upon the little garrison. Several sorties were made, but, notwithstanding, the invest ment of the post became closer and closer, until on the i4th the supply of water began to fail. The garrison also suffered the loss of Mr. McLanahan, who was wounded and died in a few hours. In the after noon of the 1 4th the Cyane anchored off the town, and the interest of the battle now turned in this direction. At the dawn of day, on the i5th, the boats of the Cyane were seen moving towards the shore. They contained one hundred and two officers, seamen, and Marines under Commander Du Pont. As the Mexicans possessed the advantage of the covers along the road, they were able to keep up an annoying flank and rear fire upon the advancing Americans. Still the latter moved steadily on, driving their opponents back at every point, or giving them volleys of musketry to the right and left. Those in the ship were unable to render any assistance, as it was impossible to separate friend from foe. But the garrison could not curb their impa tience, and soon sallied out to form a junction with their companions. A party of the enemy were still firing upon the fort, but the charge led by Lieutenant Heywood drove them from the street they occupied and opened the way for the union of the two detachments. Just before this union was effected, the enemy made a final stand and sought by great exertions to maintain his ground. But it was all in vain, and the shout of victory was raised just as Lieutenant Heywood joined the party of his welcome friends. The enemy lost thirty killed and fifteen wounded. The casualties to Lieutenant Heywood s command during the siege were three killed and four wounded. On the 1 4th, Lieutenant Stanley of the Dale landed at Guaymas with a force of Marines and seamen, and marched to the attack of the post of Bacochi Vampa. The barracks were situated on a spur of the mountain facing the west, stony and bushy, which rendered a near approach with out discovery impossible. As soon as the sentinel hailed them, according to previous arrangement, they charged in double-quick time. But duty and ambition could not take them up to the barracks as fast as fear carried the flying enemy away. They made but one prisoner; several of the others left their arms, ammunition, accoutrements, and stores, and one officer the best part of his uniform. On the receipt of the information of a provisional suspension of hostilities on the part of the main army in Mexico, Commodore Shubrick entered into a similar arrangement, and withdrew the garrison from Mazatlan, 88 History of the United States Marine Corps. leaving a few Marines to guard the works until the establishment of a definitive treaty of peace. Until the close of the war, therefore, the duty of the naval force was confined to the maintenance of the positions already held. The following is an extract from the report of Commodore Shubrick, commanding Pacific Squadron, dated on board the Independence, Ma- zatlan, February 21 : " The Marines have behaved with the fidelity and constancy which characterizes that valuable Corps, and I embrace this opportunity respectfully to recommend that ships coming to this station be allowed as large a complement of these valuable men as possible. The service would be greatly benefited by doubling the number allowed to each ship, and reducing to the same extent, if necessary, the comple ment of landsmen and ordinary seamen. The want of Marines is strongly felt in all operations on shore." The following is a list of the officers of the Corps attached to the squadron on the Pacific coast in 1 846-48. Frigate Savannah, Captain Ward Marston, Second Lieutenant Henry W. Queen ; frigate Constitution, Second Lieutenant Joseph W. Curtis ; frigate Congress, First Lieutenant J. Zeilin ; sloop Portsmouth, Second Lieutenant Henry B. Watson ; sloop Cyane, Second Lieutenant W. A. T. Maddox; Independence, Captain James Edelin, Second Lieutenant William W. Russell ; sloop Dale, Second Lieutenant Robert Tansill ; First Lieutenant A. H. Gillespie, on special service ; Columbus, Captain Henry B tf Tyler, First Lieutenant W. A. T. Maddox, Second Lieutenant John C. Cash ; Ohio, Captain J. L. C. Hardy, Second Lieutenant James A. Buchanan, Second Lieutenant James Wiley. CHAPTER XIV. 1846-48. War with Mexico, II. Naval Operations on the East Coast of Mexico. WHEN hostilities commenced, Commodore Conner was in command of the Gulf Squadron. Instructions were at once issued to him to em ploy his command in the blockade of the Mexican ports. These orders were issued on the i3th of May, 1846. While the Marines connected with the naval force on the west coast were doing such excellent service, the officers and men belonging to the Corps and attached to this squadron were also aiding materially in the work going on in that section. The following is a list of the officers of the Corps attached to the Gulf Squadron, in 1846, Commodore David Conner, commander-in-chief : Frigate Cumberland, First Lieutenant D. History of the United Stales Marine Corps. 89 D. Baker; frigate Raritan, First Lieutenant William Lang; frigate Potomac, First Lieutenant Addison Garland ; sloop John Adams, First Lieutenant R. C. Caldwell ; sloop St. Mary s, Second Lieutenant John D. Simms. In 1847, tne list f officers attached to the squadron was as follows: Frigate Raritan, Captain Alvin Edson, Second Lieutenant George Adams; frigate Potomac, First Lieutenant Addison Garland; sloop Albany, Second Lieutenant William B. Black; sloop John Adams, First Lieutenant Robert C. Caldwell, Second Lieutenant Felix G. Mayson ; sloop St. Mary s, Second Lieutenant John D. Simms. The following were the officers attached to the same squadron, Commo dore M. C. Perry, commander-in-chief, in 1848: Frigate Cumberland, First Lieutenant Isaac T. Doughty, Second Lieutenant Jacob Read ; sloop Albany, Second Lieutenant William Butterfield; steamer Missis sippi, First Lieutenant William B. Slack, Second Lieutenant William F. Perry., On the 1 8th of May a detachment of two hundred Marines and sea men from the" Cumberland and Potomac, under the orders of Captain Aulick, sailed up the Rio Grande in the boats of the ships, and effected a junction with a detachment of the army at Barita, on the right bank of the river, and about fifteen miles from its mouth. At this point they established a post without any opposition, and on the same day the army under General Taylor crossed the river and entered Matamoras. The officers of the Corps engaged in this expedition were First Lieutenant D. D. Baker and First Lieutenant Addison Garland. The first work of importance in which the Marines of the home squadron were engaged was in October, in connection with Commodore M. C. Perry s expedition up the Tobasco River, which resulted in the capture of Frontera and Tobasco. The expedition sailed on the i6th of October, and arrived off the mouth of the Tobasco on the 23d. The town of Frontera was taken without serious resistance, with several sailing vessels and two steamers. On the 25th, Tobasco was reached, and the squadron anchored in order of battle, abreast of the town, with in half-musket range. A messenger was sent on shore with a summons to the governor to surrender. An insolent answer was returned, and an invitation sent back to the commander to fire as soon as he pleased. Commodore Perry was extremely reluctant to destroy the town and to subject the inhabitants to the miseries of a bombardment. It was neces sary, however, to make some demonstration of his power, and he con sequently began a bombardment, which was kept up till the bravado of the official was thoroughly punished, after which Commodore Perry took his departure. The Mississippi, with a detachment of one hundred seamen and Marines from the Cumberland and the Princeton, put to sea on the i2th of Novem ber. At daylight on the morning of the I4th the force reached the bar 90 History of the United States Marine Corps. of Tampico. A detachment of three hundred officers, Marines, and sea-* men in boats were carried over the bar safely, and passed into the river without opposition, the fort at the entrance having been abandoned. On approaching the town it surrendered. The Marines and seamen were not landed. The officers of the corps engaged in this expedition were First Lieutenant D. D. Baker, First Lieutenant William Lang, First Lieutenant Addison Garland, and Second Lieutenant J. D. Simms. 1847. During the autumn a plan was marked out which contemplated the reduction of Vera Cruz and the march of a large army to the capital. Accordingly, the following year opened with very extensive and active preparations for the attack. On the coast of Mexico was soon assembled what was up to that time the largest force ever under the command of a single American naval officer. The debarkation was appointed to take place on the 8th of March. General orders ware therefore issued on the 7th, by the commodore and the commanding-general, prescribing the necessary arrangements. The officers of the Marine Corps who were attached to the battalion in the operations before Vera Cruz were Cap tain Alvin Edson, First Lieuteant Addison Garland, First Lieutenant Robert C. Caldwell, Second Lieutenant W. B. Slack, Second Lieutenant J. D. Simms, Second Lieutenant George Adams, and Second Lieutenant Felix G. Mayson. During the siege, a detachment of officers and sailors were assigned a place in the trenches, and did noble service. The Marines behaved with their accustomed gallantry, and shared the honors with their gallant brethren of the army and Navy. On the 2pth of March the combined forces of the army and Navy took possession of the city and castle, while the American fhg floated over both, amid a grand salute from the squadron and the batteries. The following is an extract from Commodore Conner s report, dated on board the Raritan, off Sacrificios, March 10, 1874: General Scott has now with him upward of eleven thousand men. At his request, I permitted the Marines of the squadron, under Captain Edson, to join him, as a part of the Third Regiment of artillery." On the 28th of March, Brigadier-General Worth issued the following: "The general of brigade avails himself of the occasion on separating from Captain Edson, his officers, and men to express his high appreciation of the energy, zeal, and thorough soldiership which, marked their effective co-operation during our association, and also to tender his cordial thanks and respects." Commodore Perry relieved Commodore Conner on the 2ist of March, and turned his attention to a movement against Tuspan. On the morning of the i8th of April, after all due preparations had been made, the whole force was detached from the ship, forming the landing party, and carried in barges, numbering one thousand four hundred and ninety officers, sea men, and Marines, with four pieces of light artillery. The whole was led by Commodore Perry. The Mexicans made but a feeble defence. They History of tlie United States Marine Corps. 91 rapidly fell back, deserting the batteries before the landing party could get near enough to storm them. The attack proved entirely successful, and the capture was effected, with a loss to the Americans of only three seamen killed and five officers and six men wounded. The following are the names of the officers of the Marine Corps engaged in this expedition : Captain Alvin Edson, First Lieutenant Addison Garland, First Lieu tenant Robert C. Caldwell, First Lieutenant W. B. Slack, Second Lieu tenant M. R. Kintzing, Second Lieutenant George Adams, and Second Lieutenant Felix G. Mayson. Some six months had elapsed since the affair at Tobasco, when news reached Commodore Perry that matters at that town had assumed such a phase that the presence of an American force was needed to compel a proper respect for the authority of the United States. Early in June, he started with a formidable- force. The officers of the Corps engaged in this expedition were Captain Alvin Edson, Lieutenant W. B. Slack, Lieutenant M. R. Kintzing, Lieutenant Robert C. Caldwell, Second Lieutenant George Adams, and Second Lieutenant Felix G. Mayson. The expedition arrived at the mouth of the Tobasco River, and, after various adventures, reached a point below Tobasco, when a landing was made. The force on shore marched to attack the town by land, while the vessels advanced to lay siege from the river. The Scorpion pushed on up the stream, and, upon arriving off the town, Captain Bigelow demanded a surrender of the place from the authorities, which was acceded to. The officer sent to hoist the American colors, while in the act of unfurling it to the breeze from the top of the govern ment house, was fired upon several times, one ball passing through the flag, but he escaped untouched. About three hours after the stars and stripes had floated over the town and port, the land expedition, which it had been supposed would have the chief part of the honor and glory of taking the place, came in sight of the fort, when to their surprise they beheld the flag waving over it, which told them they were too late, the work having been done by their more fortunate friends attached to the flotilla. The commodore remained until the 22d inst., and then left to rejoin the squadron outside the bar, leaving as the garrison of the place two officers of Marines and sixty-nine men under Lieutenant Slack, besides the bomb brig ytna and steamers Spitfire and Scourge, anchored off the town. Captain Van Brunt of the ^Etna was left as governor, and Lieutenant Slack as military commandant. On the 24th inst. two field-pieces were landed, which, with the one already ashore, were placed in battery in the main plaza commanding the various entrances to it ; the guard, twenty-eight men, were quartered there, and the balance of the sixty- nine Marines, under Lieutenant Adams, were ordered to march directly to the square in the event of an alarm. Two of the pieces were manned by eight sailors, each under their respective officers ; the third piece was 92 History of the United States Marine Corps. manned with seven Marines, under charge of a corporal, they having formerly served in the artillery. On that very night, between ten and eleven o clock, an effort was made to drive them in from the plaza by about two hundred Mexicans divided in two parties, the one large, the other small, the latter to be the feint and the former the real attack, led on by Colonel Garcia, an officer of some talent and considerable courage. The sentries, being fired upon by the small body, retired and joined the guard, the large body in the mean time pressing on in another direction to gain an old dilapidated building facing the square, from which they evidently expected to do. some telling work. The guard was under arms in front of the guard-house, and as every man stood thus at his post, a volley of musketry from the old building was fired at them ; instantly the three pieces opened fire on the building. The enemy was silenced in a few minutes. From that time forward troops could be seen every day outside the city limits moving from one point to another, and at night the sentinels were sure to be fired upon from various points, thus causing all hands to be continually under arms. On the night of July 26, Captain Bigelow of the Scorpion arrived from the squadron, intending to return almost immediately, but upon being informed by Captain Van Brunt of the state of affairs ashore, he de termined to remain and despatch a boat to the commodore, advising him of the necessity of a reinforcement. On the 2pth the Vixen re turned, bringing an increase in force of fifty-five Marines and fifty sailors. Captain Bigelow now determined to fit out an expedition and beat up the enemy s quarters wherever he could be found. Accordingly, on the 3oth, he left Tobasco with about one hundred and twenty-five sailors as small-arm men, one hundred and fifteen Marines, under Lieu tenant Slack, and two field-pieces (6-pounders), and, from information in his possession of the enemy s whereabouts, moved for an Indian village about four miles distant called Tamulte. Just before arriving at the village, and while ascending a gentle acclivity, a fire of musketry was opened by a body of troops occupying the summit, and mostly covered from view by a growth of underwood. This fire was handsomely returned by the Marines, and the two pieces of artillery were soon brought into position. For about twenty minutes a constant and general firing was maintained on both sides, until finally the Mexicans began to give way, at first slowly, but soon rapidly retreated. Throughout the fight Captain Bigelow and Lieutenant Slack acted with a courage and judgment worthy of all praise. During the action the Americans lost two men killed and two wounded, one severely and the other slightly. Lieutenant Kintzing was also slightly wounded by a spent ball, and two men were badly burned by the accidental explosion of powder in a building. The loss of the enemy was not ascertained. History of the United States Marine Corps. 93 After the above fight, for a day or two they were relieved from all annoyances from the enemy, but the latter soon again began the old system -of night attacks, and finally, on the i4th and i5th of July, during the day, went into camp, and from a hill within range of the plaza fired upon the Americans. The latter drove them out, and en deavored to pursue them, but their better knowledge of the country en abled them to escape easily. Among the Americans the sick-list began to increase very rapidly, and soon one-half the men were down. The commodore, being informed of the extent of sickness prevailing, deter mined finally to abandon the place. Accordingly, on the morning of the 22d of July, the colors were hauled down, the Marines paying the proper salute upon the occasion. The Americans then left the plaza, marching in column to the air of " Hail Columbia," and embarked on board the vessels bound down the river. In a communication to the Department, dated on board the Mississippi, July 28, Commodore Perry wrote: "In transmitting the accompanying correspondence, I feel myself called upon to invite the attention of the Department to the zeal and gallantry with which Commander Bigelow, Commander Van Brunt, and all the officers, seamen, and Marines of the detachment left by me at Tobasco performed their arduous duties in defending the city against a most active enemy." The following is an extract from the report of Commodore Perry, dated United States flag-ship Mississippi, Anton Lizardo, July 4, 1847 : " Since the receipt of your despatch of the 2ist of May, received on the ist inst., I have had an interview with Brigadier-General Pierce, whose brigade the Marines ordered to be detached from the squadron are to join. General Pierce has fully agreed with me that the small force of Marines in the squadron, about one hundred and ninety effective men, will be of little advantage to him, and that the consequences of with drawing them, and the necessity of the immediate evacuation of Tobasco, and of weakening other posts in our possession (measures that will be rendered indispensable by the detachment of the Marines from the squadron), will produce a most pernicious influence with the enemy, who always claim as a triumph any retrograde movement of ours. I beg to be understood that the order of the 2ist of May will be obeyed in part immediately, however it may inconvenience the ships of the squad ron ; and the withdrawal of the Marines from Tobasco, Laguna, Fron- tera, and Alvarado will be postponed only till I can receive a reply to this communication or hear sooner from the Department on the subject. This arrangement can produce very little delay, as it will require con siderable time to collect together the Marines, dispersed as they are along the coast, at points the extremes of which embrace a distance of nearly six hundred miles in extent. I shall await with much interest your communications, and hope that you .will not only soon be able to 94 History of the United States Marine Corps. replace the Marines withdrawn from the squadron, but add to their number." It is stated that General Pierce urged the commodore to "take the responsibility" of retaining his Marines and holding his captured places, and offered a letter expressive of his conclusion and judgment to this end, which the commodore said was unnecessary. CHAPTER XV. 1847-48. War with Mexico, III. Operations of the Marines attached to the Army under General Scott. IN June, 1847, a battalion of Marines, under the command of Lieu tenant-Colonel Watson, sailed from Fort Hamilton, New York harbor, to join the army under General Scott. The battalion debarked at Vera Cruz and joined the main army at Puebla, August 6. Lieutenant-Colonel Watson s command was assigned as follows: Fourth Division. Major-General Quitman. First Brigade. General Shields : New York Regiment, South Caro lina Regiment, Steptoe s Battery. Second Brigade. Lieutenant-Colonel Watson. Battalion of Marines. Second Pennsylvania Volunteers. Leaving a competent garrison in Puebla, the army under Scott marched towards the Mexican capital. The brilliant victories of Contreras, Chu- rubusco, and Molino del Rey reflected additional lustre upon the veterans of Vera Cruz. Writing under date of August 27, General Scott said, "I regret having been obliged, on the 2Oth, to leave Major-General Quitman, an able commander, with a part of his division, the fine Second Pennsylvania volunteers, and the veteran detachment of United States Marines, at our important depot, San Augustine. It was there that I had placed our sick and wounded, the siege-, supply-, and baggage- trains. If these had been lost, the army would have been driven almost to despair ; and, considering the enemy s very great excess of numbers, and the many approaches to the depot, it might well have become, emphatically, the post of honor " On the i3th of September the volunteer division, under command of Major Levi Twiggs, of the Marines, accompanied by a pioneer party of seventy men, under Captain J. G. Reynolds, also of the Marines, bearing ladders, crows, and pickaxes, were placed at the head of the column of attack upon the fortress of Chapultepec. These storming parties were supported by the battalion of Marines under command of Lieutenant- Colonel Watson. The brave and lamented Major Twiggs was killed while leading the assault. Immediately after the capture of the fortress, History of the United States Marine Corps. 95 the whole column, under General Quitman, moved directly on the city of Mexico by the Tacubaya Causeway, leading through the Garita Belen into the city. Soiled with dust and smoke, and begrimed with blood, the field-officers on foot with the men, they moved on to the charge with banners furled, and no music but the roar of cannon and the rattling roll of small arms. The Garita was taken in a charge at full run at twenty minutes past one o clock P.M. At break of day of the 1/j.th, a white flag announced the surrender of the enemy s stronghold, the citadel. The division of General Quitman, therefore, was the first to enter the city. The honor of first entering the palace, also, and of hoisting upon it the national flag, was accorded to this division, with which the battalion of Marines was connected, thus explaining and justifying the motto after wards inscribed upon the colors of the Corps: "From Tripoli to the Halls of the Montezumas." The palace was overrun with escaped convicts, and other desperate characters, bent on plunder. Lieutenant-Colonel Watson, with his bat talion of Marines, was ordered to clear it of these intruders and protect it from spoliation. Lieutenant A. S. Nicholson was accordingly detailed, with a detach ment of forty men, to perform this duty, which he promptly and success fully accomplished. The following is a roster of officers of the battalion uncfer the com mand of Lieutenant-Colonel Watson : Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel E. Watson, Major Levi Twiggs, and Major William Dulany. Staff: First Lieutenant and Adjutant D. D. Baker; First Lieutenant and Acting Quartermaster J. S. Develin. Captains: John G. Reynolds, George H. Terrett, and William Lang. First Lieutenants: Jabez C. Rich, Robert C. Caldwell, William L. Young, Thomas A. Brady, John D. Simms, and Daniel J. Sutherland. Second Lieutenants : George Adams, Ed. McD. Reynolds, Thomas Y. Field, Charles G. McCawley, Freeman Norvell, Charles A. Henderson, John S. Nicholson, Augustus S. Nicholson, and Henry Welsh. The following is a list of the killed and wounded of the Marine bat talion under the command of Colonel Watson, incident to the capture of Chapultepec and the City of Mexico, on the i3th and i4th of Sep tember: Wounded at Chapultepec Staff: First Lieutenant and Adju tant D. D. Baker, slightly ; First Lieutenant and Acting Quartermaster J. S. Develin, slightly; Sergeant-Major James Montgomery, slightly; Commissary-Sergeant James Orr, severely. Killed : Major Levi Twiggs, at Chapultepec ; Corporal Hugh Graham and Privates Anthony A. Eg bert, Andrew McLaughlin, John Herbert, Matthew Banks, and Thomas Kelly, all at the gate of the city. Wounded Company A : Privates Seebeck and Milburn, at the City of Mexico. Company B : Sergeant John Roach and Privates Hugh Rooney, Martin Fogg, John McGihen, g6 History of the United States Marine Corps. P. Phoenix, and S. Williamson, all at Chapultepec. Company C : Pri vates Briggs and Connor, at Chapultepec. Company D : Sergeants J. Curran, G. Tansill, and W. J. Wilson, and Private Thomas Quinn, at Chapultepec. Company E : Privates Thomas B. Smith and E. Stevens, at Chapultepec. Company F : Second Lieutenant Charles A. Henderson, Musician McDonald, and Privates E. Cooper and James Linns, all at Chapultepec. The following extract from the report of Major-General Quitman, dated at the National Palace, Mexico, September 29, gives a vivid idea of the work accomplished by the Marines : " During the day I succeeded, under cover of our batteries, in making an important reconnoissance of the grounds and works immediately at the base of the castle. The sup porting party on this reconnoissance was commanded by the late Major Twiggs, of the Marines and sustained during the observation a brisk fire from the batteries and small arms of the enemy, who, when the party were retiring, came out of the works in large numbers; and, although repeatedly checked by the fire of our troops, continued to advance, as the supporting party retired, until they were dispersed, with considerable loss, by several discharges of canister from the guns of Captain Drum s battery, and a well-directed fire from the right of the Second Pennsylvania Regiment, posted on the flank of the battery for its support. During the day my command was reinforced by a select battalion from General Twiggs s division, intended as a storming party, consisting of thirteen officers and two hundred and fifty men and non commissioned officers and privates, chosen for this service out of the Rifles, First and Fourth Regiments of artillery, Second, Third, and Seventh Regiments of infantry, all under the command of Captain Silas Casey, Second Infantry. At dawn, on the morning of the i3th, the batteries again opened an active and effective fire upon the castle, which was returned by the enemy with spirit and some execution, disabling for a time the i8-pounder in battery No. i, and killing one of the men at the guns. " During this cannonade, active preparations were made for the assault on the castle. Ladders, pickaxes, and crows were placed in the hands of a pioneer storming party of select men from the volunteer division, under command of Captain Reynolds of the Marine Corps, to accom pany the storming party of one hundred and twenty men, which had been selected from all Corps of the same division, and placed under the command of Major Twiggs of the Marines. Perceiving that all the preliminary dispositions were made, Major Gladden, with his regiment, having passed the wall by breaching it, the New York and Pennsylvania regiments having entered over an abandoned battery on their left, and the battalion of Marines being posted to support the storming parties, I ordered the assault at all points. The storming parties, led by the History of the United States Marine Corps. 97 gallant officers who had volunteered for this desperate service, rushed forward like a resistless tide. The Mexicans behind their batteries and breastworks stood with more than usual firmness. For a short time the contest was hand-to-hand ; swords and bayonets were crossed, and rifles clubbed. Resistance, however, was vain against the desperate valor of our brave troops. The batteries and strong works were carried and the ascent of Chapultepec on that side laid open to an easy conquest. In these works were taken seven pieces of artillery, one thousand muskets, and five hundred and fifty prisoners, of whom one hundred were officers, among them one general and ten colonels. . . . The command of the storming party from the volunteer division devolved on Captain James Miller, of the Second Pennsylvania Regiment, by the death of its chief, the brave and lamented Twiggs of the Marine Corps, who fell on the first advance at the head of his command. " Captain Roberts, of the rifle regiment, who had led the advance company of the storming party at Chapultepec, and had greatly dis tinguished himself during the preceding day, was detailed by me to plant the star-spangled banner of our country upon the national palace. The flag, the first strange banner which had ever waved over that palace since the conquest of Cortez, was displayed and saluted with enthusiasm by the whole command. The palace, already crowded with Mexican thieves and robbers, was placed in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Watson, with his battalion of Marines. By his active exertions, it was soon cleared and guarded from further spoliation." Adjutant Baker is men tioned by the general " as conspicuous for his bravery and efficiency." Lieutenant Robert C. Caldwell was attached to the division of Major- General Pillow as senior officer of the commissary department. A second battalion of Marines, under the command of Major John Harris, sailed from New York in March, 1848, to co-operate on shore with the squadron, on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Upon their arrival, however, at Vera Cruz, the armistice had been concluded, and they were prevented from proceeding there. Major Harris, therefore, was ordered to garrison Alvarado with his battalion. The following is a roster of the battalion under the command of Major John Harris : John Harris, Major, commanding; Algernon S. Taylor, First Lieutenant and Ad jutant ; W. L. Shuttleworth, First Lieutenant and Assistant Quarter master. Company A, ninety men : N. S. Waldron, Captain ; J. R. F. Tatnall, Second Lieutenant. Company B, ninety men : Josiah Watson, First Lieutenant, commanding; George R. Graham, Second Lieutenant. Company C, ninety men : James H. Jones, Second Lieutenant, com manding; John H. Broome, Second Lieutenant. Company D, ninety men : George F. Lindsay, Second Lieutenant, commanding ; W. S. Boyd, Second Lieutenant. Two drummers and two fifers. 98 History of the United States Marine Corps. CHAPTER XVI. 1852-55. The Expedition to Japan Combined attack of English and Americans on the Chinese Monument in Happy Valley, Hong-Kong. IN the year 1852, Commodore M. C. Perry was ordered to the com mand of the naval squadron cruising in the East Indies. Besides dis charging his ordinary duties he was empowered to make a display of his force in the waters of the empire of Japan, and to endeavor to contract with that government a treaty of amity and commerce. The govern ment of the United States felt itself obliged to make an effort to secure from the Japanese the better treatment of American seamen cast upon their shores, and friendly intercourse with American vessels seeking supplies in their ports. A squadron was therefore placed at the disposal of Commodore Perry, comprising the frigates Mississippi, Susquehanna, Powhatan, the corvette Macedonian, the sloops-of-war Plymouth, Sara toga, Vandalia, and the store-ships Supply, Southampton, and Lexington. This squadron anchored off the city of Uraga, in the bay of Jeddo, Japan, on the 8th of July, 1853. Commodore Perry had resolved not to submit to those restrictions and annoyances to which the Japanese government had been accustomed to subject all foreign vessels. He therefore ordered away the guard boats which began to collect around the ships, and intimated that he would employ force if they were not withdrawn. He also refused to confer with any but officers of the highest rank in the empire, keeping himself very secluded, and receiving communications from ordinary officials through his own subordinate officers. All this independence, exactness, and etiquette served well the purpose intended. The commodore carried his squadron nearer to the capitol than was allowable by Japanese custom. He insisted that a special commissioner of the highest rank should be appointed to receive the letter from the president of the United States, and convey it to the Tycoon ; and this demand, after delay and discussion, was agreed to. A suitable building was prepared by the Japanese for the reception of the American com mander, and for the delivery of his credentials and communications. To guard against treachery, the steamers moved to an anchorage where their guns would cover the landing-place ; and on the morning of the 1 4th a large escort, composed of four hundred officers, seamen, and Marines from the respective ships, was landed and formed in the midst of from five thousand to seven thousand Japanese troops under arms. In order to give the government suitable time to consider the propo sitions of which he had been the bearer, Commodore Perry communi- C. G. MCCAWLEY, COLONEL-COMMANDANT U.S. MARINE CORPS. History of the United States Marine Corps. 99 cated to the Tycoon his purpose to return for an answer the ensuing spring, and then sailed with his squadron for the Loo-Choo Islands and the coast of China. In February, 1854, the squadron was once more in the bay of Jeddo, to receive the answer from the government of Japan. On this visit Commodore Perry anchored his squadron permanently above Uraga, where the conferences had been held on his previous visit ; and insisted that he should be met near the capital, though a place twenty miles below Uraga had been appointed for the meeting, and the Japanese officials were waiting to receive him. His persistence brought the Japanese authorities to his terms, especially as he took advantage of the delay, and moved his vessels still higher, to within eight miles of Tokio. The build ing for the negotiations was finally erected on the shore directly opposite the ships, and under their guns. On the 8th of March, Commodore Perry landed in twenty-seven barges, with an escort of five hundred officers, seamen, and Marines. Five commissioners were in readiness to receive him. The conferences were continued for three weeks, and on the 3ist of March a treaty was duly signed, and despatched immediately in the hands of Commander Adams to Washington. The treaty embraced an agreement to be in peace and amity ; to open two ports where the American vessels could be supplied with such stores as the Japanese could furnish; to treat shipwrecked Americans with kindness; to allow them freedom, and convey them to the two ports in order to their return home ; to allow temporary residents at the open ports ; being Americans, to go to certain proscribed limits into the surrounding country ; to permit ships of the United States to trade under Japanese regulations at the two ports ; to grant to the United States, at any future time, such privileges as may be granted to any other nation, and this without consultation or de lay ; to allow American ships to enter other ports when in distress; to permit consuls or agents of the United States to reside in one of the open ports. During the conferences the presents sent by the government of the United States to the Tycoon were landed, and received by the repre sentatives of the sovereign. A magnetic telegraph, with a wire one mile in length, was erected and put in operation, and a circular railroad was constructed. Presents were also sent in return to the American govern ment. The Marines serving in this squadron were formed into one bat talion, under Brevet Major J. Zeilin, with the following company officers : Brevet Captain Robert Tansill, Brevet Captain W. B. Slack, First Lieu tenant J. H. Jones, and First Lieutenant Jacob Read. The sloop-of-war Plymouth, Commander Kelly, had been left at Shanghai during the second visit of the squadron to Japan. The Chinese imperial and revolutionary troops were in collision at and above this place ; and the treatment, on the part of the Imperialists, of the American and English residents compelled the interference of the naval com- 7 ioo History of the United States Marine Corps. manders of both nations. An imperial vessel of war captured an Ameri can pilot-boat in the harbor. This boat was retaken in a gallant manner, from the midst of the Chinese fleet, by Lieutenant Guest and a boat s crew from the Plymouth. The aggressions of the imperial troops on shore continuing, and the authorities leaving the foreigners to protect them selves, an action, on the 4th of April, was brought on between the aggressors and the forces of the English and American ships of war, which had been landed for the protection of their countrymen. These forces consisted of one hundred and fifty English sailors and Marines, besides English volunteers, and sixty sailors and Marines from the Plymouth, with thirty men from the American merchant-ships. The English occu pied the right of the line of attack, and the Americans, under Commander Kelly, the left ; the latter strengthened by two field-pieces, worked by American citizens, and by a 1 2-pound boat-howitzer. At four in the afternoon the attacking party began throwing shells into the encampment of the Imperialists. A charge was checked by the discovery of a wide and deep creek in front of the camp; but after sustaining a sharp fire of musketry for about ten minutes the flank of the Chinese was turned, when they retreated in great disorder, leaving a number of dead and wounded. The Americans had two men killed and four wounded ; the English suffered to about the same extent. Sergeant Hamilton commanded the Marines of the Plymouth on this occasion. Piracy in the China seas had been practised by the Chinese for many years previous to 1850, and although condign punishment had more than once been administered by the English and American forces in those waters, yet the pirates were still bold, strong, and indefatigable ; vessels were plundered, and the most imaginable scenes connected with the idea of piracy were realities in the career of those lawless bands. Some of the freebooters seemed intent only on plunder, but the majority delighted in the opportunity to gratify more bloody and cruel dispositions, and when rapacity had been satisfied, or hindered in its desires, they gave way to the demands of fiercer passions. Merchant-ships were armed to some extent, and in some instances successfully repelled the attacks of the pirates. In the year 1855 a combined boat attack from the United States ship Powhatan and the English sloop Rattler was made off Khulan against a fleet of piratical junks. The attack was successful, the junks were destroyed, and many prisoners taken. To commemorate this event a monument was erected in the cemetery at Happy Valley, Hong-Kong, a silent but eloquent tribute to those who fell in the attack. This monument is built of granite, in the form of a pyramid, about eight feet in height from the base to the apex, and contains on one of the sides the following inscription : History of the United States Marine Co;$t s ; \:iat ERECTED by the officers and crews of the U. S. Steam Frigate Powhatan and H. B. M. Steam Sloop Rattler in memory of their shipmates who fell in a combined boat attack on a fleet of piratical Junks off Khulan, August 4, 1855. On the opposite side are the names, as follows : George Mitchell, A.B. James Silvers, Carpenters Crew. John Maroney, R.M.A. M. Oliff, R.M.A. John Pepper, Seaman. J. A. Halsey, Landsman. S. Milliard, Private U.S.M.C. B. F. Adamson, Private U.S.M.C. CHAPTER XVII. 1855-60. Insurrection at Montevideo Engagement with Savages in Washington Ter ritory The Barrier Forts in China The Riot in Washington Savages at Waya Montevideo Expedition to Paraguay Services on Staten Island John Brown Insurrection Services at Kisembo Panama. DURING the month of November, 1855, an insurrection occurred in Montevideo, which was so sanguinary and disastrous in its character that the foreign residents were in great danger, their lives and property being imperilled. The United States ship Germantown, Captain W. F. Lynch, together with English, French, and Spanish men-of-war, was then lying at anchor in the harbor. Captain Lynch, who was the senior officer, deemed that this emergency demanded the presence of an armed force on shore. Accordingly, a detachment of Marines, under the command of First Lieutenant A. S. Nicholson, was landed and occupied the custom-house and consulate. Subsequently the insurrection became so formidable that the com mander of the Germantown decided to reinforce Lieutenant Nicholson, and a force of sailors, composed of detachments from the several vessels, amounting to one hundred men, were landed and placed under the command of Lieutenant Nicholson. The following order will explain the situation, and the subsequent letter to the National Intelligencer shows that the Marines under their commanding officer prevented a dreadful massacre : U. S. S. GERMANTOWN, OFF MONTEVIDEO, November 27, 1855. SIR, When you see our boats shove off prepare to take a position to cover our land ing at the custom-house stairs. After we have landed, our left will be protected by the high wall on the east. You will then advance so as to have in full view the tri angular building at the S. E. front of the custom-house, and there await further -\\QZ^l ;, * j L ; History of^ the United States Marine Corps. orders. Be particular in not permitting an act of hostility unless it becomes necessary in self-defence. Should the men posted on the roof of the triangular building fire upon you, dislodge them either by musketry or by assault. Respectfully, (Sg d) W. P. LYNCH, AUG. S. NICHOLSON, First Lieut. Commander. U. S. SHIP GERMAN-TOWN, AT SEA, May 6, 1856. To THE EDITORS OF THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, WASHINGTON, D.C. : GENTLEMEN, I have recently seen in a New York journal a paragraph copied from your paper of Feb. 21, or thereabouts, wherein it is stated that at the close of the late sanguinary insurrection in Montevideo, when the government troops charged upon the insurgents who had capitulated, I threw myself between them and thus preserved the latter from destruction. A sense of justice impels me to say I was not present on the occasion referred to, and that it was Lt. A. S. Nicholson, with the Marine guard of this ship, who very properly interfered to prevent the massacre. I approved his course and thereby became responsible for the consequences, but the generous act was his own, and all the credit is due to him. Be pleased to make this known in any manner you like, provided the reparation be ample. Your obd t servant, (Sg d) W. F. LYNCH, Capt. U. S. Navy. 1856. The sloop-of-war Decatur, Commander Gansevoort, was stationed off the town of Seattle, Washington Territory, for the purpose of protecting the inhabitants from the savages. On the morning of the 26th of January, 1856, Commander Gansevoort, being satisfied that the Indians were posted in large force in the woods surrounding the town, landed the crew and Marines of the ship in four divisions, with a howitzer to protect the inhabitants. The action was promptly opened by a shot from the howitzer, and a shell from the ship s battery. The Indians returned the fire with spirit from the edge of the woods. A steady fire of small arms, shot, and shell, for half an hour, drove them from their first position to the northward of the town, whence they renewed the attack, and maintained it with bravery for six hours. They finally retired in the night. They numbered several hundreds, and suffered severely. " One of the most gallant actions in the history of the Navy took place in Chinese waters in the month of November, 1856. It consisted in the storming and destruction of the Canton Barrier Forts by a portion of the squadron under Flag-Officer James Armstrong. Difficulties had arisen in the autumn of that year between the authorities of the city of Canton and the English officials in that region, which caused the British admiral to station a portion of his fleet off that city. Commander A. H. Foote of the United States sloop-of-war Portsmouth, fearing injury to American interests, took his ship up to the island of Whampoa. Soon afterwards, with several armed boats, he ascended the river to Canton, History of the United States Marine Corps. 103 and established an armed neutrality ; the forces from the Levant, Com mander William Smith, being added to those of the Portsmouth. In an attack by the British upon the governor s palace several Americans joined, and planted their flag beside the British on the walls of the city. By proclamation Commander Foote disavowed this proceeding, as com promising American neutrality. On consultation with the flag-officer at Whampoa, it was determined to withdraw the American forces from the shore, place them on board the Levant, and anchor her off the city. When Commander Foote was returning from this interview in his un armed boat, a round shot was fired from the first fort, and, though the American flag was displayed, several more shots were fired, together with grape and canister, from the second fort, compelling the return of the boat to Whampoa. On the following day, the Portsmouth, bearing the flag of Commodore Armstrong for the occasion, and the Levant, their complement of men on duty at Canton being supplied from the officers and men of the flag-steamer San Jacinto, proceeded to the Barrier Forts for the purpose of resenting the insult. "The Levant grounded before coming within range of the forts, but the Portsmouth, proceeding under a sharp fire till within four hundred and eighty yards of the nearest fort, opened her fire, and maintained it so effectually that, at the end of three hours, during which time she threw over two hundred shells, the enemy ceased firing. The Portsmouth was struck nineteen times ; still not a man was wounded. "Four days of unsatisfactory negotiations with Yeh, the governor of Canton, ensued, when Commodore Armstrong, having on account of ill ness withdrawn from the Portsmouth, gave permission to Commander Foote to renew the attack. The Levant having joined the Portsmouth on the morning of the 20th, both ships commenced a brisk fire, which was returned with great spirit by the forts for an hour, when two hundred and eighty officers, seamen, and Marines were landed in ten boats, four of which had boat-howitzers. The men from the San Jacinto and Levant were under the command of Commanders Smith and Bell, and the whole force was led by Commander Foote. A safe landing was effected opposite the ships, and the nearest fort was stormed in the rear and taken, with the loss, according to their own report, of more than three hundred Chinese. They endeavored with five thousand troops to retake the fort, but were successfully repulsed. "On the following morning, after another hour s cannonading, the second .fort was stormed and carried in a similar manner, but one man of the Americans being killed. One of the launches, however, when advancing towards the fort, was struck by a 68-pound shot, which killed two and wounded six men. In the afternoon of the same day, the third fort, on an island in mid-river, was captured with little opposition. At daylight on the 22d the boats were manned on the lee of the island, IO4 History of the United States Marine Corps. whence they were rowed round the point, and crossed the river in the face of a heavy fire from the farther fort and a large supporting force of troops ; but this fort was captured by a rapid assault, the Chinese retreating beyond the reach of musketry or guns. "All these forts were constructed by European engineers, with granite walls seven feet in thickness, and mounted one hundred and sixty-eight guns of large and small calibre. Though defended by five thousand men, they were taken by two ships and a force of two hundred and eighty officers, seamen, and Marines ; the Portsmouth alone, in the first day s attack, silencing them all, and breaking the walls sufficiently to allow the storming party to enter without difficulty. Their capture settled the difficulty with the Chinese, led to the formation of a treaty of amity and commerce, and caused the American name to be respected by that people. The Secretary of the Navy, in a general order, commended the officers and men in the following words : The prompt and decisive course pursued by Commodore Armstrong, his officers and men, caused the flag of the United States to be respected by the Chinese, contributed largely to the security of our citizens in China, and, during the troubles which followed, was probably the means of saving many lives and much property. The following officers of the Corps were in this engagement and in the assault upon the forts : San Jacinto, Brevet Captain John D. Simms ; Portsmouth, Second Lieutenant William A. Kirkland ; Levant, Second Lieutenant Henry B. Tyler, Jr. In the latter part of this year, during the efforts to subdue the Indians at Puget Sound, the Marines were engaged. In the fight also at Port Gamble, with Northern Russian Indians, a detachment of Marines in charge of a sergeant behaved with great gallantry. 1857. The following description of the riot in the city of Washing ton, June i, 1857, is taken from the Washington Star : " A gang of hired roughs and bullies, Plug Uglies, and other worthies, arrived from Baltimore, having been imported by the Know-Nothings to take full possession of the polls, and, armed with revolvers, billies, and slung- shots, to prevent our own citizens from depositing their votes. ... At the first precinct of the Fourth Ward Jhe officers did all in their power to prevent a riot, placing themselves between the belligerents and the voters in the line, with Captain Goddard at the head, who demanded peace, when they rushed on en masse, with an impetuosity which nothing short of military force could have withstood ; and, although the police fought like heroes, they were forced to abandon the field to the possession of these hired miscreants. Such an exhibition of murderous instruments as the party carried was sufficient to cause the peaceably disposed to keep as far as possible from them. One man was armed with a huge black smith sledge, another with a horse-pistol, a third carried a miscellaneous History of the United States Marine Corps. 105 assortment of revolvers, bowie-knives, billies, and an iron bar, while a fourth carried, besides a sack filled with stones, brickbats, etc., a large maul of sufficient strength to fell an ox. The parties brandished them about in a menacing manner, to the terror of all those who were not like themselves participants in these disgraceful scenes. "Mayor Magruder accordingly sent a despatch to the President of the United States, asking that a company of Marines should be ordered out for the purpose of preserving the peace. ... At one o clock a crowd of men ami boys passed up Pennsylvania Avenue from the direc tion of the Fifth Ward, dragging after them a small brass cannon. Im mediately after, two companies of United States Marines, commanded by Captain Tyler, went up to the City Hall and reported tHeir services to the mayor. "The battalion was under command of Captain Tyler, with Lieuten ant Henderson, adjutant. The first company was commanded by Brevet- Major Zeilin, the second by Captain Maddox and Lieutenant Turner. They formed in line, and marched towards the City Hall, the crowd of rioters hooting, yelling, threatening, and insulting them at every step. They were passed in their way up by a crowd of Plug Uglies and others who were hauling the brass cannon, and threatening that none of the Marines should return to the Navy-Yard alive. Arrived at the City Hall, Captain Tyler reported services to the mayor. The Marines then moved to the scene of action, subjected all the while to the most abusive and insulting epithets from the lawless gang who followed. When they arrived opposite the polls, which had been closed for some time, they halted in the middle of the street and ordered arms. " The cannon was hauled out, and a large crowd of rioters surrounded it, while a delegation was sent to inform the commanding officer that unless the Marines were instantly withdrawn the piece would be dis charged into their ranks. Captain Tyler, upon receiving this threaten ing message, gave the order to move towards the gun, and, when the right of the line was nearly opposite it, General Henderson deliberately went up to the piece and placed his body against the muzzle, thereby preventing it from being aimed at the Marines, just at the moment it was about to be discharged. The general was dressed in citizens clothes. " He addressed the rioters, saying, Men, you had better think twice before you fire this piece at the Marines. He informed the crowd that the pieces were loaded with ball cartridge, and warned them repeatedly; warned the citizens to leave the spot. The general, finding that the piece would be fired unless captured instantly, crossed over to Captain Tyler, and gave the order for ten or fifteen of the Marines to take it. During this time a number of pistol-shots were fired at General Hender son, some of the parties standing within a few feet of him. One platoon charged the piece on the run. Those in charge of the piece instantly 1 06 History of the United States Marine Corps. retreated, and a dozen or more revolvers were discharged at the platoon, which had laid hold of the gun and were taking it away. A sortie was made by the mob to recapture the piece, when Lieutenant Henderson ran up and hauled it across the street to the rear of the detachment. " A man ran up to the general within two feet of his person, and was about to discharge his pistol, when a private with his musket struck his arm causing the weapon to fall ; at the same time the general seized the villain and marched him off to the mayor, into whose hands he placed him. The pistol-shots now rattled around like hailstones, and the officers had great difficulty in restraining their men from returning the fire. General Henderson and all the officers were constantly admonish ing the men not to fire until the order was given, but a shot coming from the crowd struck a private in the cheek, making a dreadful wound, and, several more being hit with stones, the soldiers could stand it no longer; they poured in an answering fire, which was stopped as soon as possible by the officers. "The two companies now formed and remained standing for some time. Several shots were fired from a distance, by one of which a private was hit in the shoulder. "The battalion made a movement as if to pour in another fire, which the rioters seeing, took to their heels and fled. The force was finally drawn off to the City Hall, where they remained for some time ; and then proceeded to the railroad depot, to intercept, if possible, any more of the murderous gang arriving from Baltimore. It is a fact worthy of notice that, of all the Marines who were called out, sixty were raw re cruits, and had not been under drill three days." 1858. At Waya, one of the Feejee Islands, during the year 1858, two American citizens, engaged in trading with that island, were mur dered by the natives. Commander Sinclair, of the Vandalia, made a demand for the perpetrators of the outrage, and was answered with de fiance. An expedition was immediately despatched, under Lieutenant Caldwell, to assault and destroy the principal village on the island. Lieutenant Caldwell had with him, among other officers, Lieutenant Ramsay of the Marines. The force consisted of forty Marines and sea men. A fierce conflict ensued between them and about three hundred native warriors, which resulted in the defeat of the latter. The Hon. Isaac Toucey, Secretary of the Navy, said of the affair : " The gallantry, coolness, and bravery displayed by officers and men was in the highest degree commendable." In the early part of the year, Flag-Officer Forrest of the Brazil Squadron landed a detachment of Marines at Montevideo. When he arrived there a portion of the people had taken up arms and were ad vancing to the capital. The government applied to the foreign agents to land an armed force to protect the lives and property of the foreign History of the United States Marine Corps. 107 residents. A sufficient force was therefore landed from the vessels present, and Flag-Officer Forrest selected to command it. A strict neutrality was observed. The detachments returned to their respective ships in about ten days, without coming into collision with the revolu tionists, they having capitulated on their approach to the capital. The Marines were commanded by Captain and Brevet Major J. G. Reynolds, assisted by Lieutenants Alexander W. Starke and C. D. Hebb, from the flag-ship St. Lawrence and sloop Falmouth. During the same year, Paraguay having given our government various causes of offence, and refusing to make reparation, a strong naval force, under the command of Captain W. C. Shubrick, was sent out to that country towards the close of the year. A commissioner accompanied the fleet, to settle the difficulty, if possible, without recourse to violence ; and he succeeded in so doing. The vessels composing the expedition had the usual complement of Marines. The following officers of the Corps were attached to the squadron : Captain Robert Tansill, Captain and Brevet Major J. G. Reynolds, First Lieutenant C. A. Henderson, Second Lieutenants T. S. Wilson, A. W. Starke, C. D. Hebb, H. L. Ingraham, and J. Schermerhorn. In the latter part of August a portion of the quarantine buildings on Staten Island were used for the reception of quite a number of yellow- fever patients from merchant vessels. Some of the citizens of the island, believing this to be an improper place to treat patients of this class, and fearing the disease would be disseminated throughout the island if the State persisted in using the buildings for permanent pest-houses, deter mined to destroy them. On the night of the ist of September, a large and well-organized mob burned a portion of these buildings. The stores of the Susquehanna, lately arrived from Greytown with fever on board, had been landed and deposited within the buildings, but this part had not been destroyed by the rioters. On the 2d, however, the authorities were informed it was the intention of the malcontents to burn this also. Acting upon this information, a detachment of sixty-five Marines from the barracks and the United States frigate Sabine, under the command of Captain Jabez C. Rich and Second Lieutenant Charles Heywood, were ordered to occupy the government buildings, and to protect them at all hazards. On the second day after the occupation by the Marines, Captain Rich was relieved, the command devolving upon Lieutenant Heywood. The place was held one week, and during that time the rioters made several attempts to enter the enclosure surrounding the government building, but, finding it so well protected, thought it prudent to retire, although they were well supplied with battering-rams and fully armed. 1859. On October 17, 1859, the United States were convulsed by the news of the John Brown insurrection at Harper s Ferry. The Pres- Io8 History of the United States Marine Corps. ident ordered Colonel-Commandant Harris to send forward the available force at head-quarters by special train, and a detachment, consisting of eleven sergeants, thirteen corporals, one bugler, and eighty-one privates, with a battery of Dahlgren howitzers, under the command of Lieutenant Israel Greene, was at the railroad station in one hour. They were met by the Secretaries of War and Navy, who gave Lieutenant Greene his instructions. Upon arrival they found the militia from Shepherdstown, Frederick and Jefferson Counties, and the cities of Baltimore and Fred erick held in check by the insurgents, who had been driven into an engine-house. Under the orders of Colonel Robert E. Lee, then in the United States army, the Marines assailed the barricaded engine-house, using a long ladder as a battering-ram, and, after killing two of the band and mortally wounding another, captured the "chief" and the remain der of his followers. Scouting parties sent into the country captured fifteen hundred pikes. One Marine was mortally and another slightly wounded. 1860. In March, Commander Brent, commanding the sloop-of-war Marion, was instrumental in saving from destruction the property of Ameri can residents at Kisembo, on the west coast of Africa. On the first of the month they applied to him to send a sufficient force on shore to guard their factories, apprehending they would be destroyed by the natives, who meditated an attack on the Portuguese at that place. Commander Brent promptly responded to the call ; proceeded on shore with several officers of the Marion and forty sailors and Marines ; established a guard at the factories, maintained it until the next morning, and then returned to the ship. On the 3d a signal was made from the shore for assistance, and Commander Brent immediately landed a force of fifty sailors and Marines with a howitzer. During the day the Portuguese and natives were en gaged in conflict, and several attempts were made by the natives to approach the factories to fire them, but were thwarted by the guard under Commander Brent. The next morning the detachment returned -to the ship, as no further danger was apprehended. Commander Brent observed a strict neutrality throughout, his only object being the protection of American citizens. The Marines on board the Marion were under the command of a sergeant. The St. Mary s was stationed on the western coast of Mexico from October, 1859, until ordered to Panama, where she arrived in July, 1860. At the insurrection in the vicinity of Panama, which occurred September 27, a brisk fire was opened from the outskirts of the city, killing six and wounding three of the white inhabitants. Commander Porter im mediately went on shore, consulted the American consul, and at the request of the military intendante, and of the agent of the railroad, landed a body of Marines and sailors and a field-piece, and took posses sion of the railroad station. On the 28th the governor delivered up the History of the United States Marine Corps. 109 city to the joint occupancy of the forces from the St. Mary s and the British ship Clio. Tranquillity having been restored, the detachment on the yth of October was withdrawn. The Marines of the St. Mary s were under the command of Lieutenant Edward McDonald Reynolds. CHAPTER XVIII. 1861. The Civil War. " IN the spring of the year 1861 a civil war was kindled in the United States of America which has neither a pattern in character nor a precedent in causes recorded in the history of mankind. It appears in the annals of the race as a mighty phenomenon, but not an inexpli cable one. Gazers upon it at this moment, when its awfully grand and mysterious proportions rather fill the mind with wonder than excite the reason, look for the half-hidden springs of its existence in different directions among the absurdities of theory. There is a general agree ment, however, that the terrible war was clearly the fruit of a conspiracy against the nationality of the republic, and an attempt, in defiance of the laws of divine equity, to establish an empire upon a basis of in justice and a denial of the dearest rights of man. ... It was the rebellion of an oligarchy against the people, with whom the sovereign power is rightfully lodged. "The services of the national Navy during the war, on account of their peculiarity, attracted less attention than those of the army, and were not appreciated by the people. They have an equal claim to the gratitude of the nation, so freely accorded to the other branch of the service. The Confederates having no navy, in a proper sense, and only flotillas here and there, and with some powerful rams on rivers and in harbors, and not a ship on the ocean, excepting roving pirate vessels, built, armed, furnished, and manned chiefly by the British, and cruising alone, there were few occasions for purely naval battles. The whole force of the Navy Department was employed in the services of blockade, in assisting the attacks of the armies on fortifications along the rivers and on the borders of the Gulf and the ocean, or in chasin g the pirates. In these fields of great usefulness the national vessels performed labors of incalculable value, and officers and men exhibited skill, valor, and fortitude unsurpassed. "Never in the history of the world were there occasions for such exhausting labors and highest courage in service afloat as the American Navy was subjected to in its operations among the rivers and bayous of the southwestern regions of the republic. Many a victory over which no History of the United States Marine Corps. the people have shouted themselves hoarse in giving plaudits to the gallant army might never have been achieved but for the co-operation of the Navy. To the common observer it, in many instances, seemed to be only an auxiliary, or wholly a secondary force, when, in truth, it was an equal, if not the chief, power in gaining a victory. Without it, what might have been the result of military operations at Forts Henry and Donelson, Shiloh and all along the Mississippi River, especially at Vicksburg, Port Hudson, and New Orleans; what at Mobile, Pensacola, Key West, along the Florida seaboard, the sea-coast islands, Charleston, and the borders of North Carolina, and even in holding Fortress Mon roe and Norfolk ? " Notwithstanding the weak condition of the naval service, the decree went forth, in the spring of 1861, that all the ports of the States where in rebellion existed must be closed against commerce by a strict block ade. Foreign nations protested and menaced, but the work was done. There were no dock-yards or workmen adequate to construct the vessels needed for the service, yet such was the energy of the department that an unrelaxing blockade was maintained for four years, from the Capes of the Chesapeake to the Rio Grande, while a flotilla of gunboats, pro tecting and aiding the army in its movements, penetrated and patrolled our rivers, through an internal navigation almost continental, from the Potomac to the Mississippi. Ingenuity and mechanical skill developed amazing inventions. That marine monster, the Monitor, was created, and began a new era in naval warfare ; and the world was suddenly enriched by new discoveries in naval service. Vessels of the merchant service were purchased and converted into strong warriors ; and men from that service were invited to man them. Schools were established for nautical instruction ; dock-yards were enlarged and filled with work men ; and very soon a large number of vessels were afloat, watching the harbors under the ban. No less than two hundred and eight war-vessels were constructed, and most of them fitted out during the four years ; and four hundred and eighteen vessels were purchased and converted into war-ships. " The blockading service was performed with great vigor and efficiency under the triple stimulus of patriotism, duty, and personal emolument. The British government professed to be neutral, but British merchants and adventurers were allowed to send swarms of swift -winged steamers, laden with arms, ammunition, clothing, and everything needed by the insurgents, to run the blockade. The profits of such operations were enormous, but the risks were equally so ; and it is believed that a true balance-sheet would show no profits left, in the aggregate, with the foreign violators of the law. The number of such vessels captured or destroyed during the rebellion by the national Navy was fifteen hundred and four. The gross proceeds of property captured and condemned History of the United States Marine Corps. 1 1 1 as lawful prize before the first of November following the close of the war amounted to nearly twenty-two millions of dollars, which sum was subsequently enlarged by new decisions. The value of the vessels cap tured and destroyed (eleven hundred and forty-nine captured and three hundred and fifty-five destroyed) was not less than seven millions of dol lars, making a total loss, chiefly to British owners, of at least thirty mil lions of dollars." * CHAPTER XIX. 1861 The Civil War, I. Resignations Star of the West Fort Pickens Destruction of the Gosport Navy-YardPotomac Flotilla The First Battle of Bull Run Reor ganization of the Corps Hatteras Inlet. THE Great Rebellion made the next special demand upon the services of the Marines, and they were rendered "nobly and well" afloat, and "admirably in camp and field." In the beginning, when the defections from the army and Navy occurred, the Marine Corps, being largely com posed of Southern men, lost its full share of officers. There were in all six resignations and fourteen dismissals (those who tendered their resig nations after May i, 1861, being summarily dismissed). The first duty to which it was called was on the yth of January, when the steamship Star of the West left New York with two hundred and fifty artillerists and Marines during the night to reinforce Fort Sumter. The expedition failed, and on January 12 the Star of the West arrived at New York without landing her troops at Sumter. The captain reported that unex pected obstacles in the removal of the buoys, lights, and ranges, which, though he arrived in the night, compelled him to wait till daybreak outside the harbor, rendered a successful entrance impossible. During the same month a detachment of Marines, under the command of Lieu tenant C. D. Hebb, garrisoned Fort Washington, on the Potomac, four teen miles south of Washington City. On the 226. of January the entire force at the Brooklyn Navy-Yard was put under arms and held in readi ness to act immediately, because of some apprehension of an attack by an organized force of persons in sympathy with the Confederates. On the 1 2th of April the Marines were engaged in the expedition, under Captain H. A. Adams, for the reinforcing of Fort Pickens. The Marines of the squadron were under Lieutenant Cash. When the re inforcement was complete, the Marines remained in the fort at the request of Captain Vogdes. The whole expedition was under the charge of Commander Charles H. Poor, assisted by Lieutenant Smith, of the * " Civil War in America," Lossing, vol. iii. 112 History of the United States Marine Corps. Brooklyn, Lieutenants Lewis and Newman, of the Sabine, and Lieutenant Belknap, of the St. Louis ; and it is highly creditable to these officers that this service was performed without accident or disorder under unfavorable circumstances. The conduct of Lieutenant Cash and the Marines under his command was thus handsomely acknowledged by Colonel Brown: "The services of the Marines being no longer indis pensably necessary, they are relieved from duty at this post. The colonel commanding takes pleasure in publishing his entire approval of the conduct and his appreciation of the services of Lieutenant Cash and his command, which have been of great value, and always cheerfully ren dered, and the conduct of the troops uniformly correct and soldierly." On the night of the 2oth of the same month a body of Marines assisted in destroying the Gosport (Virginia) Navy-Yard. About half-past eight o clock in the evening the Pawnee, with a force of Marines under First Lieutenant A. S. Nicholson, entered Gosport harbor. Her coming was not unexpected, and the men on the Pennsylvania and the Cumberland, several hundred in number, greeted her with a volley of cheers. All Norfolk and Portsmouth were thoroughly aroused by the arrival of the Pawnee. They did not expect her, and were not prepared for her. They were seized with trepidation, thinking, perhaps, she had come with the Cumberland and Pennsylvania, intending to bombard the town, because they had the night before rifled the United States magazine, just below Norfolk, of about four thousand kegs of powder. Being utterly defence less, they made no protest against the Pawnee s presence, nor did they venture near the Navy- Yard. The commodore ordered the Marines on the Pennsylvania, the Cumberland, the Pawnee, and in the yard to the work of destruction. All the books and papers, the archives of the establishment, were transferred to the Pawnee. Everything of interest to the government to preserve on the Pennsylvania was transferred to the Cumberland. On this latter it was also said a large amount of gold from the custom-house at Norfolk had been placed. Having made safe every thing that was to be carried away, the Marines were next set at work to destroy everything of value on the Pennsylvania and in the yard. Many thousand stands of arms were destroyed. Carbines had their stocks broken by a blow from the barrels, and were thrown overboard. A large lot of revolvers shared the like fate. Shot and shell by thousands went with hurried plunges to the bottom. Most of the cannon had been spiked the day and night before. There were at least fifteen hundred pieces in the yard, Dahlgren guns and Columbiads. A correspondent of the New York Times thus wrote of the work that followed : " It is impossible to describe the scene of destruction that was exhibited. Un- weariedly it was continued from nine o clock until about twelve, during which time the moon gave light to direct the operations. But when the moon sank behind the western horizon, the barracks near the centre of History of the United States Marine Corps. 1 1 3 the yard were set on fire, that by its illumination the work might be con tinued. The crackling flames and the glare of light inspired with new energies the destroying Marines, and havoc was carried everywhere within the limits of order. But time was not left to complete the work. Four o clock of Sunday morning came, and the Pawnee was passing down from Gosport harbor with the Cumberland, the coveted prize of the secessionists, in tow, every soul from the other ships and the yard being aboard of them, save two. Just as they left their moorings a rocket was sent up from the deck of the Pawnee. It sped high in the air, paused a second, and burst in shivers of many colored lights. And as it did so, the well-set trains at the ship-houses, and on the decks of the fated vessels left behind, went off" as if lit simultaneously by the rocket. One of the ship-houses contained the New York, a ship thirty years on the stocks, and yet unfinished. The other was vacant ; but both houses and the old New York burned like tinder." The vessels fired were the Pennsylvania, the Merrimac, the Germantown, the Plymouth, the Raritan, the Columbia, and the Dolphin. In the early part of 1861 it became necessary to place a flotilla on the lower Potomac. A variety of circumstances combined to render this one of the most arduous duties on the whole insurgent frontier, and it was clearly foreseen that without the active co-operation of the army it would be impossible to prevent the navigation of the river from being obstructed by the batteries on the Virginia side. For several months, however, the Navy succeeded more effectually than could have been expected in keeping the river open for commercial purposes, and restrict ing, to a great extent, communication between the opposite shores. In the heroic discharge of his duty, Commander J. H. Ward, first com mander of the flotilla, lost his life. Commander Ward was killed in an action with a rebel battery, at Matthias Point, on the 27th of June, 1861. He was the first naval officer killed during the rebellion. The Navy continued to capture every rebel vessel that showed itself on the Potomac, and to give security and protection to the commerce of loyal citizens until the close of October, when the insurgents erected batteries at various points on the Virginia shore, thereby rendering passage on the river dangerous. Captain Thomas T. Craven succeeded Commander Ward in the com mand of the Potomac flotilla, and remained on that service until relieved by Lieutenant R. H. Wyman, in the fall of 1861. Lieutenant Wyman remained in command on the Potomac, constantly engaged in active operations against the enemy until early in 1862, when Commodore A. H. Harwood assumed the command. In the first battle of Bull Run, or Manassas, a battalion, commanded by Major Reynolds, served in Porter s brigade as the support of Griffin s battery. 114 History of the United States Marine Corps. The following is Major John G. Reynolds s report of the participation of the battalion in the battle, dated at the Marine Barracks, Head quarters, Washington, July 24, 1861, addressed to Colonel Harris, com mandant of the Corps: "I have the honor to report the movements and operations of the battalion of Marines under my command detailed to co-operate with the army. The battalion left the barracks at head quarters in time to reach the Virginia end of the Potomac, Long Bridge, at 3 P.M., July 16, and proceeded up the Columbia turnpike until an officer, purporting to be assistant adjutant-general of Colonel Porter s brigade, came up and assigned us position in the line of march, which placed us immediately in rear of Captain Griffin s battery of flying artillery. This assignment was continued up to the period of the battle at Bull Run. On reaching the field, and for some hours previously, the battery s accelerated march was such as to keep my command, more or less, in double-quick time ; consequently the men became fatigued or exhausted in strength. Being obliged at this period to halt, in order to afford those in the rear an opportunity of closing up and taking their proper place in the line, the battery was lost to protection from the force under my command. This I stated to Colonel Porter, who was ever present, watching the events of the day. The position of the battery was pointed out, and I was directed to afford the necessary support. In taking the position the battalion was exposed to a galling fire. While holding it, General McDowell ordered the battalion to cover or support the Fourteenth New York Regiment, which was about to be engaged. . The battalion, in consequence, took the position indicated by the general, but was unable to hold it, owing to the heavy fire which was opened upon them. They broke line several times, but were as frequently formed and urged back to their position, when finally a general rout took place, in which the Marines participated. " I am constrained to call your attention to the fact that, when taking into consideration that the command was composed entirely of recruits, not one being in service over three weeks, and many had hardly learned their facings, the officers likewise being but a short time in the service, their conduct was such as to elicit the highest commendation. Of the three hundred and fifty officers and enlisted men under my command, there were but two staff-officers, two captains, one first lieutenant, nine non-commissioned officers, and two musicians who were experienced from length of service. The remainder were, of course, raw recruits, which being considered, I am happy to report the good conduct of officers and men. The officers, although but little experienced, were zealous in their efforts to carry out my orders. In the death of Lieuten ant Hitchcock the Corps has been deprived of a valuable acquisition. On the field he was ever present and zealous. He sought and won the approbation of his commanding and brother officers. Enclosed please History of the United States Marine Corps. 1 1 5 find a return of the battalion, showing its present strength, with casual ties, etc. The abrupt and hasty retreat from the field of battle presents a deplorable deficiency in both arms and equipments. "The rout being of such a general character, the men of all arms commingled; the only alternative left was to hasten to the ground occupied by the brigade to which we were attached on the morning of the day of the battle. On my way thither I had the good fortune to fall in with General Meigs, whose consternation at the disastrous retreat was pictured on his countenance. He was of the opinion the army should hasten to Arlington, fearing otherwise the enemy would follow up their successes and cut us off on the road. My men being weary and much exhausted, without blankets and other necessaries, I determined to strengthen such as should pass the wagons by hot coffee, and move on to head-quarters at Washington, where their wants could be supplied. But few came up ; others continued on to the Long Bridge, where, on my arrival, I found some seventy or more, who, at my earnest solicitation, were permitted to accompany me to the barracks. In assuming the responsibility of the return to head-quarters, I trust my course will meet the approbation of authority. Blankets were thrown aside by my order on entering the field, which, from force of circumstances, we were unable afterwards to recover." The following are condensed from the report of Colonel Porter, com manding the brigade : 4 "The Marines were recruits, but through constant exertions of their officers, have been brought to present a fine military appearance. "The Marines were moving up in fine style in rear of the Fourteenth New York. " Griffin s battery found its way through the timber to the fields beyond, followed promptly by the Marines. "Our right was rapidly developed by the Marines. " Among those who deserve special mention, I beg leave to place the following names, viz., Major Reynolds of the Marines, whose zealous efforts were well sustained by his subordinates, two of whom, Brevet Major Zeilin and Lieutenant Hale, were wounded, and one, Lieutenant Hitchcock, lost his life." The roster of the battalion was as follows : Major John G. Reynolds, commanding; Major William B. Slack, quartermaster ; Major Augustus S. Nicholson, adjutant and inspector. Company A : Brevet Major Jacob Zeilin, Second Lieutenants F. Mun- roe and J. H. Grimes. Company B: Captain James H. Jones, Second Lieutenant Robert W. Huntington. Company C: First Lieutenant Alan Ramsay, Second Lieutenant Hitchcock. Company D : Second Lieutenants W. H. Cartter and W. H. Hale. Non-commissioned staff, two ; first sergeants, four ; second sergeants, 8 n6 History of the United States Marine Corps. three ; corporals, eight ; musicians, four ; privates, three hundred and twenty; total, three hundred and fifty-three. The list of casualties in the action was as follows: Killed: Second Lieutenant Hitchcock, Privates Clegg, Harris, Hughes, Lane, Moore, Perkins, Riley, Ward. Wounded : Brevet Major Zeilin, Lieutenant Hale, Corporal Steiner, Privates Stuart, Bowers, Siemens, Bradford, Dodge, Etchell, Tiger, Lang, McKinney, McCann, Wheelan, McGuigan, Howell, Rannohan, Cook, Potter. Missing: Privates Barrett, Hunt, McChristae, Clark, McCoy, Lewis, Beans, Dempsey, Kressler, Dermott, Otto, Cannon, Stanley, Duncanson, Foley, and Wood. Recapitulation : Killed, one lieutenant and eight privates ; wounded, one brevet major, one lieutenant, one corporal, and sixteen privates ; missing, sixteen privates; total, killed, wounded, and missing, forty-four. The necessity for a better, more thorough, and more efficient organi zation of the Corps was recognized, and an act was passed by Congress for that purpose July 25, providing that the Corps should consist of the following officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates, viz., one colonel-commandant, one colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, four majors, one adjutant and inspector, one paymaster, one quartermaster, two assistant quartermasters, twenty captains, thirty first lieutenants, thirty second lieutenants, one sergeant-major, one quartermaster-sergeant, one drum-major, one principal musician, two hundred sergeants, two hundred and twenty corporals, thirty musicians for band, sixty drum mers, sixty fifers, and twenty-five hundred privates. It was further pro 1 vided that the commissions of the officers then in the Marine Corps should not be vacated by the act; and that the President of the United States might, during the recess of the Senate, first by promotions, and then by selections, appoint the officers thereby authorized, which ap pointments should be submitted to the Senate, at the next session, for its advice and consent. The appointments of commissioned officers, to be made under the provisions of the act, was to be of persons between the ages of twenty and twenty-five years, and they were to be subjected, under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy, to an examination as to their qualifications for the service to which they were to be appointed. The act was approved July 25, 1861. During the following month the services of the Marines were again brought into requisition in the capture of Hatteras Inlet, August 30. Flag-Officer Silas H. Stringham left Hampton Roads, August 26, with the flag-ship Minnesota, Captain G. I. Van Brunt, having in company the United States steamers Wabash, Captain Samuel Mercer; Monticello, Commander John P. Gillis ; Pawnee, Commander S. C. Rowan ; Harriet Lane, Captain John Faunce; United States chartered steamers Adelaide, Commander Henry S. Stellwagen ; George Peabody, Lieutenant R. B. Lowry; and tug Fanny, Lieutenant Pierce Crosby; the transports Ade- History of the United States Marine Corps. 1 1 7 laide and George Peabody towing schooners with surf-boats on them, and the Monticello and Pawnee, surf-boats only. Major-General Butler took passage in the Minnesota, the transports having parts of two regi ments and one company of regulars, under the command of Colonels Max Weber and Hawkins, and Captain Larnard, United States army. On the morning of the 27th they rounded the shoals off Hatteras; at 5 P.M. they anchored at the southward of the cape, hoisted out the surf- boats and made preparations for landing the troops. In the morning, General Butler and the Marines of the Minnesota, the latter under the command of Captain William L. Shuttleworth, United States Marine Corps, were sent to the Harriet Lane. About noon the work of disem barking began, and the Wabash and Cumberland opened fire on Fort Clark. The fire was returned by the fort. The Minnesota, Wabash, and Cumberland continued their fire, passing and repassing the fort until it was abandoned by the enemy. The fire was kept up by the fort, the shot falling short of or passing over the ships. At 2 P.M. the American flag was displayed from Fort Clark by the pickets, who were in posses sion. A little later the signal to " cease firing" was made, and the squad ron hauled off for the night, with the exception of the Monticello, Pawnee, and Harriet Lane, they being ordered to go in shore and pro tect the troops during the night. The engagement was resumed the next morning, and at 11.10 A.M. a white flag was displayed from Fort Hat- teras. The enemy returned the fire throughout the engagement, but with no effect, their shot falling short. Almost at the beginning of the engage ment they hauled down their colors, and showed none until the white flag was displayed. Upon the appearance of the white flag the troops marched towards the fort, and, as if by preconcerted signal, but without any order or request, the officers and crews of the squadron gave three hearty cheers for their success. At 11.30 o clock, Major-General Butler, in the tug Fanny, went into the inlet to the rear of the forts to take possession. No accident to a single officer or man of the Navy, army, or Marines was recorded. Flag-Officer Stringham thus concludes his report : * In conclusion, I beg leave to state to the department and to my govern ment that I have naught but praise to accord to officers, seamen, and Marines, and officers and soldiers of the army who were present, for gallantry and cheerful devotion to duty and to their government, the United States of America, which they all cheerfully and heartily served." Secretary Welles, in acknowledging the receipt of the report, said, "This brilliant achievement, accomplished without the loss of a man or injury to any one in the Federal service, has carried joy and gladness to the bosom of every friend of the Union." The following officers of the Marine Corps were in this engagement : Minnesota, Captain W. L. Shuttleworth, Lieutenant Cartter; Wabash, Captain I. T. Doughty ; Susquehanna, Lieutenant P. R. Fendall ; Cum- 1 1 8 History of the United States Marine Corps. berland, Lieutenant Charles Heywood. The other vessels, with the exception of the tug Fanny, had their complement of Marines, the guard of each being in charge of a sergeant. The Marines from the Minnesota, Wabash, and Cumberland, com manded by their own officers, landed with the troops, and entered Fort Clark. CHAPTER XX. 1861. The Civil War, II. The Capture of the Confederate Privateer Judah off Pensa- cola Destruction of the Royal Yacht Battle of Port Royal Loss of the Governor The Trent Affair Occupation of Wassaw Island. ON the night of September 13, 1861, an expedition was fitted out from the frigate Colorado, flag-ship, consisting of the first launch and first, second, and third cutters, under the command of Lieutenants Russell, Sprotson, and Blake, and Midshipman Steece, respectively, assisted by Captain Reynolds of the Marine Corps, Assistant Surgeon Kennedy, Assistant Engineer White, and Midshipmen Forrest and Higginson. The whole force detailed was about one hundred officers, sailors, and Marines. The object of the expedition was the destruction of a schooner which lay off the Pensacola Navy-Yard, supposed to be fitting out as a privateer, and the spiking of a gun in battery in the southeast end of the yard. The attack was made on the morning of the I4th, at half-past three o clock. The schooner was moored to the wharf, armed with a pivot and two broadside guns, under the protection of a battery and field- piece. The crew were prepared to receive their assailants, pouring in a volley of musketry as the boats neared the vessel. After a desperate re sistance, they were driven from the deck of the schooner on to the wharf, where they rallied and were joined by the guard, a continual fire upon the attacking party being kept up. In the mean time the vessel was set on fire in several places, and while burning was freed from her moorings, and drifted down opposite Fort Barrancas, where she sank. Of the party assigned to attend to the spiking of the gun, only Lieu tenant Sprotson and Gunner Boreton were able to find it, the party be coming separated in the darkness. Fortunately only one man was found in charge of the gun, and he immediately levelled his piece at Lieutenant Sprotson, but was shot down by Gunner Boreton before he could obtain correct aim, both pieces exploding simultaneously. The gun, a lo-inch columbiad, was immediately spiked, and the officers returned to their boat. The object of the expedition was accomplished in the short space of fifteen minutes, and the whole force of the enemy being aroused, the History of the United States Marine Corps. 119 assailants pulled away, and when a short distance from the shore fired six charges of canister from their howitzers into the yard. Flag-Officer William Mervine, in his official report, says, "I am grieved to report that this brilliant affair was not unattended with loss on our side. I have to report as killed by shots from the cross-trees of the schooner, while the boats were approaching, boatswain s mate, Charles H. Lamphere, and John R. Herring, seaman and captain of howitzer (two of the best men in our ship), and Marine John Smith (the first man to board the schooner, and who behaved most gallantly), who was, by a sad mistake, having lost his distinguishing mark, killed by one of our own men. . . . The Marines especially seemed to have sustained the reputation borne by their branch of the service, as they receive encomiums from all sides." The following is a full list of the Marines engaged: Captain Edward McDonald Reynolds (wounded), First Sergeant Patrick Fitzsimmons, Sergeant James Gallaher, Corporal John Moore, Corporal George Debbyshire, Privates Martin Barnum, Francis Kelly, James Fuller, Dennis Sullivan, Savillan Coburn (wounded), Anthony Baker, Michael Ryan, Terrence O Dowd (wounded badly), John Smith (killed), John Smith, 2d, Charles Daily, Edward Eagan, Augustus Hartman, Charles Carberry (wounded), Clarence Barton. On the night of the yth of November, 1861, an expedition, consisting of the first and second launches, under command of Lieutenants James E. Jouett and John J. Mitchell, left the frigate Santee, then blockading off Galveston bar, Texas, for the purpose of surprising and burning the man-of-war, steamer General Rusk, lying under Pelican Island Fort. The expedition entered the harbor at 11.40 P.M., and succeeded in passing the armed schooner guarding the channel, and the Bolivar and Point Forts, without discovery, but unfortunately grounded on the Bolivar spit, and at this juncture was discovered. Lieutenant Jouett, deeming it imprudent, after this discovery, to en counter a vessel so large and so heavily armed and manned, determined to abandon that part of the expedition. In returning, he boarded and, after a sharp conflict, captured the armed schooner Royal Yacht. Several stands of arms, thirteen prisoners, and the rebel colors were captured. As the pilot of the expedition had been shot down, and the schooner had received a shell between wind and water, Lieutenant Jouett did not deem it advisable to bring her out. He therefore burned her after spiking the gun, a light 32-pounder. Lieutenant Jouett and Gunner Carter were seriously wounded; also six men, one mortally. A detachment of Ma rines under the command of a sergeant accompanied this expedition. In October, 1861, a joint expedition of military and naval forces was organized by the government. Captain Samuel F. Du Pont, an officer of great professional skill and experience, was appointed to its command, the military force being under the control of Brigadier-General W. T. 1 20 History of the United States Marine Corps. Sherman. The intention of the Department was to seize and occupy one or more points on the southern coast where the blockading squadron might find shelter, possess a depot, and afford protection to loyal citizens. To Flag-Officer Du Pont was intrusted the important and responsible duty of selecting the point of attack. And he, believing that the capabilities of the expedition justified it, determined, after con sultation with Brigadier-General Sherman, to make Port Royal, South Carolina, a well-defended harbor, the objective point. On the 29th of October, 1861, the fleet, consisting of forty-eight vessels, including transports, a larger squadron than ever before assembled under the United States flag, left Hampton Roads. On Fri day, November i, the fleet, being then off Hatteras, encountered one of the severest storms ever known on the coast. The gunboat Isaac Smith was compelled to throw her formidable battery overboard to keep from foundering, and thus relieved, was enabled to go to the assist ance of the chartered steamer Governor, then in a very dangerous con dition, and on board of which was the battalion of Marines under Major Reynolds. They were finally rescued by Captain Ringgold, in the Sabine, under difficult circumstances, soon after which the Governor went down. The transport Peerless, in a sinking condition, was met by the Mohican, Commander Godon. All the men on board the transport, twenty-six in number, were saved by the boats of the Mohican under very perilous circumstances. On Sunday, November 3, the weather moderated, and on the follow ing morning the fleet arrived at Port Royal, and came to anchor off the bar. All aids to the navigation of Port Royal harbor had been removed by the rebels; but, thanks to the skill of Commander Davis, fleet captain, and Mr. Boutelle, of the coast survey, the channel was imme diately found, sounded out, and buoyed. By 3 P.M. the transports, with all the gunboats, were sent forward, and before dark they were securely anchored in the roadstead. On the 8th of November, the squadron, consisting of the Wabash, Commander C. R. P. Rodgers, the leading ship ; Susquehanna, Captain J. L. Lardner ; Mohican, Commander S. W. Godon ; Seminole, Com mander J. P. Gillis; Pawnee, Lieutenant-Commanding R. H. Wyman ; Unadilla, Lieutenant-Commanding N. Collins; Ottawa, Lieutenant- Commanding T. H. Stevens; Pembina, Lieutenant-Commanding J. P. Bankhead ; Vandalia, Commander F. S. Haggerty, towed by the Isaac Smith, Lieutenant-Commanding J. W. A. Nicholson ; Bienville, Com mander Charles Steedman ; Seneca, Lieutenant-Commanding Daniel Ammen ; Curlew, Lieutenant-Commanding P. G. Watmough ; Penguin, Lieutenant-Commanding T. A. Budd ; Augusta, Commander E. G. Parrott, attacked the enemy s batteries on Bay Point and Hilton Head (Forts Beauregard and Walker), and succeeded in silencing them after History of the United States Marine Corps. 121 an engagement of four hours duration, and driving away the squadron of rebel steamers under Commodore Tatnall. The defeat of the enemy terminated in utter rout and confusion. Their quarters and encamp ments were abandoned without an attempt to carry away either public or private property. The ground over which they fled was strewn with the arms of private soldiers, and officers retired in too much haste to submit to the encumbrance of their swords. The Marines and a company of seamen took possession of the deserted ground, and held the forts on Hilton Head till the arrival of General Sherman. The bearer of the despatches giving an account of the victory carried with him the first American ensign raised upon the soil of South Carolina after the rebellion broke out. The following officers of the Corps were attached to the vessels named below during the engagement : Wabash, Captain I. T. Doughty ; Susquehanna, First Lieutenant P. R. Fendall ; Vandalia, Captain John Schermerhorn. The present captain, Henry C. Cochrane, who had been appointed to the Marine Corps in the previous August, but was too young to receive his commission, was also present on the gunboat Pembina. The other vessels were supplied with guards, under the charge of sergeants. Secretary Welles, in his reply to the official report of the fight, says, To you and your associates, under the providence of God, we are indebted for this great achievement by the largest squadron ever fitted out under that flag which you have so gallantly vindicated, and which you will bear onward to continued success." The following is the full text of Flag-Officer Du Pont s report concern ing the Marine battalion, dated on board the flag-ship Wabash, Port Royal Harbor, South Carolina, November 15, 1861, and addressed to Secretary Welles : " I avail myself of the first moment of leisure to trans mit to you the report of Major John George Reynolds, commanding the battalion of Marines attached to my squadron, in which he relates all the circumstances attending the loss of the chartered steamer Gov ernor, and the rescue of himself and his command by the frigate Sabine, Captain Ringgold. The Department will find this report exceedingly interesting, and will be gratified to learn that the conduct of the officers and of nearly all the men of the battalion was such as to command Major Reynolds s approval, as it will, I doubt not, receive the favorable notice of the Department. The established reputation and high stand ing of Major Reynolds might almost dispense with any observation of my own upon the bravery and high sense of honor which he displayed in disputing with Mr. Weidman, though not a seaman, the privilege of being the last to leave the wreck." The following are extracts from Major Reynolds s report, dated on board the United States ship Sabine, at sea, November 8, 1861, ad dressed to Flag-Officer Du Pont: " I have the honor to report that the 122 History of the United States Marine Corps. Marine battalion under my command left Hampton Roads on transport steamboat Governor, on the morning of Tuesday, the 29th of October, with the other vessels of the fleet, and continued with them near the flag-ship Wabash until Friday, the ist of November. On Friday morn ing, about ten o clock, the wind began to freshen, and by twelve or one blew so violently that they were obliged to keep her head directly to the wind, and thereby leave the squadron, which apparently stood its course. Throughout the afternoon the gale continued to increase, though the Governor stood it well until about four o clock." The vessel was much damaged by sea and wind, and was in danger of going down. "At day-break preparations were made for sending boats to our relief, although the sea was running high; and it being exceedingly dangerous for a boat to approach the guards of the steamer, in consequence the boats laid off, and the men were obliged to jump into the sea, and thence hauled into the boats. All hands were thus providentially rescued from the wreck, with the exception, I am pained to say, of one corporal and six privates, who were drowned or killed by the crush or contact of the vessels. Those drowned were lost through their disobedience of orders in leaving the ranks or abandoning their posts. After the troops were safely re-embarked, every exertion was directed to securing the arms, ac coutrements, ammunition, and other property which might have been saved after lightening the wreck. I am gratified at being able to say nearly all the arms were saved and about half the accoutrements. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the officers and men under my command ; all did nobly. The firmness with which they performed their duty is beyond all praise. For forty-eight hours they stood at ropes and passed water to keep the ship afloat. Refreshments in both eating and drink ing were passed to them at their posts by non-commissioned officers. It is impossible for troops to have conducted themselves better under such trying circumstances. The transport continued to float some hours after she was abandoned, carrying with her when she sank, I am grieved to say, company books and staff returns. In order to complete the per sonnel of the battalion, I have requested Captain Ringgold to meet a requi sition for seven privates, to which he has readily assented. I considered this requisition in order, as I have been informed by Captain Ringgold it is his intention, or orders were given for his ship, to repair to a northern port, in which event he can be easily supplied, and my command, by the accommodation, rendered complete, in order to meet any demand you may make for our services." The following is a list of the officers of the battalion under the com mand of Major Reynolds : Major commanding, John George Reynolds; Adjutant, Second Lieu tenant T. L. McElrath ; Assistant Quartermaster, Second Lieutenant E. A. Smalley ; Assistant Surgeon Ricketts ; Captains George R. Graham, History of the United States Marine Corps. 123 James Wiley ; First Lieutenants L. M. Goldsborough, Frank Munroe, R. W. Huntington, J. H. Grimes, W. H. Parker, C. H. Nye ; Second Lieutenants H. A. Bartlett, C. A Stillman, S. H. Mathews, F. H. Corrie, C. H. Bradford, E. B. Sturgeon, A. Devereux. After the capture of Port Royal, Captain Schermerhorn was transferred from the Vandalia to the battalion under Major Reynolds. On the i5th of March, 1862, Captain C. G. McCawley, Second Lieutenants H. B. Lowry, P. C. Pope, and S. W. Powell joined the bat talion, then in camp at Bay Point. No event of the war attracted more attention from other nations than that which has gone into history as "The Trent Affair." In the cap ture of Slidell and Mason and their companions no fighting took place, but the presence and active participation of the Marines justifies the introduction of the subject so far as the capture itself was concerned. On the 8th of November, Lieutenant Fairfax, of the United States steamer San Jacinto, received from Captain Wilkes orders to have the second and third cutters of that ship fully manned and armed, and be in all respects prepared to board the steamer Trent, then hove to under the guns of the San Jacinto. On boarding her he was ordered to demand the papers of the steamer, her clearance from Havana, and the list of passengers and crew. The order continued: "Should Mr. Mason, Mr. Slidell, Mr. Eustis, and Mr. M.cFarland be on board, you will make them prisoners and send them on board the ship immediately, and take possession of her as a prize. All trunks, cases, packages, and bags belonging to them you will take possession of and send on board this ship. Any despatches found on the persons of the prisoners, or in possession of those on board the steamer, will be taken possession of also, examined, and retained, if necessary. I have understood that the families of these gentlemen may be with them. If so, I beg you will offer them, in my name, a passage in this ship to the United States, and that all the attention and comforts we can command are tendered them, and will be placed in their service. In the event of their accept ance, should there be anything which the captain of the steamer can spare to increase their comforts in the way of necessaries or stores, of which a war-vessel is deficient, you will please procure them. The amount will be paid for by the paymaster. Lieutenant James A. Greer will take charge of the third cutter, which accompanies you, and assist you in these duties." At 1.30 o clock P.M., on the same day, Lieutenant Fairfax repaired alongside the British packet in an armed cutter, accompanied by Mr. Houston, second assistant engineer, and Mr. Grace, the boatswain. He went on board the Trent alone, leaving the two officers in the boat, with orders to wait until it became necessary to show some force. He was shown up by the first officer to the quarter-deck, where he met the cap- 1 24 History of the United States Marine Corps. tain and informed him who he was, asking to see the passenger-list. The captain declined. Lieutenant Fairfax told him that he had information of Messrs. Mason, Slidell, Eustis, and McFarland taking passage at Havana, in the packet for St. Thomas, and announced his intention to satisfy himself whether they were on board before allowing the steamer to proceed. Mr. Slidell, evidently hearing his name mentioned, stepped forward, and asked if he was wanted. Mr. Mason soon joined them, and then Mr. Eustis and Mr. McFarland, when Lieutenant Fairfax made known the object of his visit. The captain of the Trent opposed any thing like the search of his vessel, nor would he consent to show papers or passenger-list. The four gentlemen above mentioned protested also against being arrested. There was considerable noise among the passen gers about this time, which led Mr. Houston and Mr. Grace to repair on board with some six or eight men, all armed. After several unsuc cessful efforts to persuade Mr. Mason and Mr. Slidell to go peaceably, Lieutenant Fairfax called to Mr. Houston and ordered him to return to the ship with the information that the four gentlemen named in Captain Wilkes s order were on board, and force must be applied to take them out of the packet. A few minutes later there was still greater excite ment on the quarter-deck, which brought Mr. Grace with his armed Marines. Lieutenant Fairfax, however, deemed the presence of any armed men unnecessary and only calculated to alarm the ladies present ; he directed Mr. Grace to return to the lower deck, where he had been since going on board. Less than half an hour after they boarded the Trent, the second armed cutter, under Lieutenant Greer, came alongside. He carried in the third cutter eight Marines and four machinists, in addition to a crew of some twelve men. When the Marines and some armed men had been formed just outside of the main-deck cabin, where the four gentlemen had gone to pack up their baggage, Lieutenant Fairfax renewed his efforts to induce them to accompany him. They still refused to go, unless force was applied. Lieutenant Fairfax called to his assistance four or five officers, and, first taking hold of Mr. Mason s shoulder, with another officer on the opposite side, he went as far as the gangway of the steamer, and delivered him over to Lieutenant Greer, to be placed in the boat. He then returned for Mr. Slidell, who insisted that he must apply considerable force to cause him to go. Lieutenant Fairfax called in three officers, and Mr. Slidell was taken in charge and handed over to Mr. Greer. Mr. McFarland and Mr. Eustis, after protesting, went quietly into the boat. They had been permitted to collect their bag gage* but were sent in advance of it, under charge of Lieutenant Greer. When Mr. Slidell was taken prisoner a great deal of noise was made by some of the passengers, which caused Lieutenant Greer to send the Marines into the cabin. They were immediately ordered to return to History of the United States Marine Corps. 12$ ( their former position outside. Lieutenant Fairfax carried out his pur pose without using any force beyond what appears in this report. The mail agent, who was a retired commander in the British navy, had much to say as to the propriety of the seizure, but Lieutenant Fairfax pur posely avoided all official intercourse with him. When the American force was finally leaving the steamer, the mail agent made some apology for his rude conduct, and expressed personally his approval of the man ner in which Lieutenant Fairfax carried out his orders. In the report of his participation in the affair, Lieutenant Greer says, " When I first went on board with the Marines, and at intervals during my stay, the officers of the steamer made a great many irritating remarks to each other and to the passengers, which were evidently intended for our benefit. Among other things said, were : Did you ever hear of such an outrage? Marines on board! why, this looks devilish like mutiny ! These Yankees will have to pay well for this. This is the best thing in the world for the South ; England will open the blockade/ We will have a good chance at them now. Did you ever hear of such a piratical act? Why, this is a perfect Bull s Run! They would not have dared to have done it if an English man-of-war had been in sight ! The mail agent (a man in the uniform of a commander in the Royal navy, I think) was very indignant and talkative, and tried several times to get me into a discussion of the matter. I told him I was not there for that purpose. He was very bitter ; he told me that the English squadron would raise the blockade in twenty days after his report of this outrage got home ; that the Northerners might as well give up now, etc." The families of Messrs. Slidell and Eustis having declined Captain Wilkes s offer for their accommodation to accompany their husbands, they proceeded in the Trent. The San Jacinto having been ordered to report at Charlestown, the prisoners were retained on board and conveyed to Fort Warren, where they were committed to the custody of Colonel Dimmick, in command of that fortress. Captain John Schermerhorn commanded the Marines of the San Jacinto on this occasion. , One of the important expeditions of the war in which the Marines took an active part was the occupation of Wassaw Island, December 5. On that day Commander C. R. P. Rodgers left Tybee Roads before day light, with the steamers Ottawa, Seneca, and Pembina, and crossed the bar of Wassaw Sound. He approached the fort on Wassaw Island within a mile, and seeing neither guns nor men, did not fire, but sent Lieutenant Barnes to it with a white flag. He found it an enclosed octagonal work, with platforms for eight guns on the water faces. The land faces were protected by abatis. The work was well constructed. The guns had been removed, the platforms cut, and the magazine blown up. From the freshness of the foot-prints and other signs, it appeared to have been 1 26 History of the United States Marine Corps. abandoned but a short time. Adjoining the fort were huts or sheds for a large garrison. Some lumber and bricks remained; everything else had been carried away. Another minor success of a similar nature was won by a body of Ma rines on the 1 2th of the same month. On that day Lieutenant J. W. Nicholson, commanding the United States steamer Isaac Smith, stationed at St. Helena Sound, South Carolina, went up the Ashepoo, taking the Ma rines of the Dale, and having Colonel Welsh, of the army, and Lieutenant- Commanding Truxtun, as passengers. He landed the party at Fenwick s Island Fort, to make a reconnoissance, and when it was finished, stood up the river as far as Mosquito Creek. Seeing a picket of several mounted men at a house which, on a previous visit, he had discovered to be their head-quarters, he fired at them once with a rifle-shot, and again with an 8-inch shell. This driving them to the woods, he landed the Marines and burned the quarters. Two weeks later, the Marine guard of the Dale, acting under orders of W. T. Truxtun, Lieutenant-Commanding, had an engagement with a small body of Confederates on the South Edisto River, South Carolina, near a house said to be the property of Governor Aiken. The Con federates took refuge in the house, but were finally driven off, and the Marines returned to the Dale without the loss of a man. CHAPTER XXL 1862. The Civil War, III. Cedar Keys Appalachicola Joint Expedition for Oper ations in the Waters of North Carolina Cumberland Sound Fort Clinch Fernandina. IN January, 1862, Flag-Officer McKean despatched Commander Em- mons, with the steamer Hatteras, to operate against the rebels at Cedar Keys. The expedition was entirely successful, destroying a large amount of public property, including military stores, and capturing a battery of two guns in position at Sea-Horse Key, and several schooners laden and ready to run the blockade. In the latter part of March, Commander Stellwagen of the Mercedita arrived off Appalachicola, with that vessel and the Sagamore, Lieutenant-Commanding Drake, and organized a boat expedition, the immediate object of which was the capture of a number of vessels understood to be at or above that city. The place had been evacuated by the soldiers, some six hundred in number, on the first appearance of the naval force. No resistance was offered, and the expedition brought out several vessels and destroyed others, owing to the difficulty of getting them over the bar. History of the United States Marine Corps. ; 127 The detachments of Marines in these expeditions were commanded by sergeants. Early in January a joint expedition of the army and Navy, for opera tions in the waters of North Carolina, moved from Hampton Roads under command of Flag-Officer L. M. Goldsborough and Brigadier-Gen eral A. E. Burnside respectively. The naval force, consisting of seven teen light-draught vessels, with an armament of forty-eight guns, most of them of heavy calibre, arrived at Hatteras Inlet on the i3th, and in two days succeeded, with great difficulty, in passing over the bulkhead and through the narrow and tortuous channel. It was not, however, until some weeks later that the transports were able to surmount the obstacles and to be prepared for active co-operation, which period of delay was employed in obtaining information of the enemy s position and in forming plans for the attack. Roanoke Island lies between the two bodies of water known as Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds, being separated from the main-land by a shallow channel, Croatan Sound. Opposite the southern extremity of the island the main-land juts out in a low, marshy point, around which the vessels threaded their way, and on the morning of February 7 moved up Croatan Sound in three columns, commanded respectively by Lieutenants Werden, Murray, and Daven port, the whole under the immediate command of Commander S. C. Rowan. The enemy had formed an extensive obstruction of a double row of piles and sunken vessels, stretching across the sound between the batteries on Pork and Weir Points, and behind this their vessels, eight in number, were drawn up. By half-past ten o clock, the squadron had approached near enough to begin the attack, directing most of its fire against the fort on Pork Point, but not neglecting the vessels nor the other works, all of which returned the fire, though with but slight effect. By noon the engagement had become general, and was continued so hotly that at two o clock the battered barracks behind the fort were burning furiously, and at half-past four the batteries for the most part ceased for a while to reply to the firing of the fleet. Five of the enemy s steamers, apparently injured, retired behind the point, and the first landing of troops took place. Throughout the sound the depth of water is but slight, and even at a distance of a mile or more from the shore it scarcely exceeds the depth of seven feet. As none of the vessels, with one or two exceptions, drew less than this amount of water, and some of them drew more than eight feet, the dis cretion of their commanders was taxed to the utmost in placing them so that their guns would tell effectively. The landing was effected, in light- draught steamers and boats, at Ashby s harbor, a large body of the enemy guarding the shore being soon cleared away by some shrapnels from the guns of the Delaware. At five o clock the batteries again opened, and the vessels of the enemy again came out, but were soon compelled to 128 History of the United States Marine Corps. retire, and at six, the firing being only from Pork Point and at long intervals, the signal to cease firing was made. By midnight some ten thousand troops had been safely landed at Ashby s harbor, where they were joined by six launches from the fleet, with their howitzers, to hold the road during the night, and be ready for active operations in the morning. It was arranged by General Burnside that his forces should move at a very early hour on the morning of the 8th, and begin their attack upon the enemy ; and it was agreed that, as the direction they would have to take would probably soon bring them into the line of fire of the fleet, the vessels should not renew operations until it was known that their fire would not be destructive to friend and foe alike. At nine o clock, a continuous firing in the interior of the island announced that the army was hotly engaged about midway between the landing and Pork Point, and the vessels at once moved up to re-engage the* forts. This they con tinued until the firing in the interior slackened, when, taking it for granted that General Burnside was carrying everything before him and approaching the rear of the batteries, Flag-Officer Goldsborotigh gave the order to desist, and proceeded to the task of clearing a passage-way through the obstructions. By four o clock this was accomplished, and at about the same time that the vessels succeeded in bursting through the barricades, the American flag was unfurled over the battery on Pork Point. A few minutes afterwards the enemy himself fired the works on Redstone Point, together with a steamer which had taken refuge under its guns, and thus ended the eventful struggle of two days, which secured complete possession of the island of Roanoke. Retreating from Roanoke Island, the rebel naval fleet fled up the sound and into Pasquotank River, towards Elizabeth City, Commander Rowan pursuing them with a flotilla of fourteen vessels, and anchoring for the night a few miles from Fort Cobb. On the morning of the loth the rebel steamers were discovered drawn up behind the battery, which mounted four heavy guns, and supported by a schooner the Black Warrior moored to the opposite bank, and carrying two heavy 32- pounders. When within long range, fire was opened from the battery, the schooner, and the steamers ; but the vessels moved on silently and steadily, shot and shell falling thick and fast among them. When within three-quarters of a mile of the battery, Commander Rowan gave the signal for a dash at the enemy; fire was opened with telling effect, and the vessels put at their utmost speed. The enemy was completely de moralized by this bold and wholly unexpected movement; the Black Warrior was set on fire by her officers and destroyed, the fort abandoned, and the entire fleet captured or destroyed. Passing up the river, the flotilla took possession of Elizabeth City, which the enemy had attempted to fire before hastily leaving it, and History of the United States Marine Corps. 1 29 Lieutenant Murray was despatched with a small force to Edenton, of which he quietly took possession on the i2th, and was then sent to obstruct the Chesapeake and Albemarle Canal, a duty which he success fully accomplished. At the same time, Commander Rowan made a reconnoissance of the Chowan River as far as Winton, where a sharp engagement took place on the i9th, but which was, the following morning, occupied by the troops under Colonel Hawkins, who entered the town and destroyed the military stores and quarters found there. Flag-Officer Goldsborough having been recalled to Hampton Roads, a combined army and Navy expedition, under General Burnside and Com mander Rowan, left Hatteras Inlet and arrived at Slocum s Creek, the point selected for the disembarkation of the troops, on the i2th of March. The next morning the landing of troops began, gunboats shelling the woods at the same time. Six naval boat-howitzers with their crews, under Lieutenant R. S. McCook, were landed to assist in the attack on the enemy s works. About 4 o clock P.M., the first of the enemy s batteries opened on the boats. The firing ceased at sun down. On the 1 4th, the army having engaged the enemy, Commander Rowan moved up the river with his fleet, and the enemy abandoned the forts in succession under the pressure of the combined columns. On arriving at Newberne, the enemy having fled, Commander Rowan took possession of the place. The approach by river to Newberne was ob structed by piles and torpedoes, from which the vessels sustained some injury, and the passage was disputed by six forts. After the fall of New berne, Lieutenant A. Murray was despatched with a naval column to take possession of Washington, North Carolina. He was accompanied by a detachment from the army. He arrived on the 2ist of March, and the place surrendered to him without resistance. The batteries on shore having, on the morning of the 25th of April, opened fire on Fort Macon, Commander Samuel Lockwood, senior officer of the blockading fleet off Beaufort, prepared his vessels for action and proceeded within range of the fort. Fire was opened from the steamers Daylight, State of Georgia, Chippewa, and bark Gemsbok, which was continued about an hour and a quarter. In the afternoon a flag of truce was displayed from the fort, which on the next morning surrendered to Major-General Burnside. In these actions the Marines on board the vessels were sergeant s guards. On the last day of February, 1862, Flag-Officer Du Pont left Port Royal in the Wabash, and on the 2d of March transferred his flag to the sloop-of-war Mohican, and entered Cumberland Sound in that vessel, accompanied by the following vessels, sailing in the order named : Ottawa, Mohican, Ellen, Seminole, Pawnee, Pocahontas, Flag, Florida, James Adger, Bienville, Alabama, Keystone State, Seneca, Huron, Pembina, Isaac Smith, Penguin, Potomska, armed cutter Henrietta, 1 30 History of the United States Marine Corps. armed transport McClellan (the latter having on board a battalion of Marines under command of Major Reynolds), and the transports Em pire City, Marion, Star of the South, Belvidere, Boston, and Georgia, containing a brigade under the command of Brigadier-General Wright. The first important step in the series of victories was to hoist the flag on Fort Clinch, the first of the captured national forts on which the ensign of the Union resumed its proper place after the first proclamation of the President. Early in the morning of the 4th, the town of Fer- nandina was occupied by the battalion of Marines under Major Rey nolds, and a company of Marines and sailors, under Lieutenant Miller, was sent from the Mohican to hold Fort Clinch. Flag-Officer Du Pont said, "We captured Port Royal, but Fernandina and Fort Clinch have been given to us." One principal and ultimate object of the expedition was, to take and keep under control the whole line of the sea-coast of Georgia, the commander knowing, to use the language of the original paper, "that the naval power that controlled the sea-coast of Georgia controlled the State of Georgia." On the yth of March, Commander S. W. Godon was despatched with a division of gunboats, consisting of the Mohican, Pocahontas, and the Potomska, to hold Brunswick ; and on the same day another division of the squadron was sent to Jacksonville, both places surrendering without opposition. On the 1 2th of March, Commander C. R. P. Rodgers received the surrender of St. Augustine, the citizens raising the United States flag. This expedition gave to Flag-Officer Du Pont possession of Fort Clinch, Fernandina, St. Mary s, Cumberland Island and Sound, Amelia Sound, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Brunswick, in fact, the coast and in land waters from St. Simon s southward. CHAPTER XXII. 1862. The Civil War, IV. Destruction of the Cumberland and Congress Merrimac and Monitor Capture of Norfolk Action at Drury s Bluff Pass Christian Ex pedition up Santee River Morris Island. " ONE of the most important contests in the history of modern naval warfare was the fight in Hampton Roads, in which the famous Con federate ram, the Merrimac, was engaged. On the 8th of March one of the lookout vessels of the squadron lying there reported, by signals, that the enemy was coming out from the James River; and soon the iron- plated steam-battery Merrimac, accompanied by several small gunboats, was seen passing Se well s Point and standing towards Newport News. Passing close by the frigate Congress, to which she delivered a destructive History of the United States Marine Corps. 131 broadside, this formidable monster bore down upon the Cumberland, sloop-of-war, in command, in the temporary absence of Commander Rad- ford, of Lieutenant George U. Morris. The Cumberland at once opened fire, but entirely without effect, upon her antagonist, which stood on and struck her under the starboard fore-channels, at the same time delivering her fire. The destruction was terrible. So great, indeed, was the injury inflicted by this crushing blow that, notwithstanding the pumps were kept actively at work, the water rose rapidly in the hold, and in about two hours had drowned the forward magazine. All this time the gallant crew had kept up an active fire, and did not desist until 3.35 P.M., when the water had risen to the main hatchway, the ship canted to port, and, after a parting volley, each man took his chance of life by jumping over board. All of the wounded who were able to walk had been ordered up, but those who had been carried into the sick-bay were so mangled that it was impossible to save them, and they were left to go down with the vessel they had served so well. Of the gallantry of this action, which has furnished one of the brightest as well as one of the saddest pages to the naval history of the world, it is difficult to speak in fitting terms; and perhaps no better words can be found than the simple sentence in which Lieutenant Morris concluded his report to his commanding officer, who arrived at Newport News only in time to see his vessel go down : I will only say, in conclusion, that all did their duty, and we sank with the American flag at the peak. The Cumberland lost more than a hundred men, nearly one-third of her crew. " While the Merrimac was engaged with the Cumberland, the smaller vessels accompanying her attacked the Congress, killing and wounding many of her crew; and her commander, seeing the fate of the Cumber land, set sails, and with the assistance of a tug, ran the vessel ashore. At half-past three the Merrimac took position astern of her at a distance of a hundred and fifty yards, and raked her with shells, one of the smaller steamers meanwhile keeping up a fire on her starboard quarter, and two others, approaching from up the James River, opening fire with precision and doing great damage. The two stern guns were now the only means of defence left the Congress, and these were soon disabled, one being dismounted and the other having its muzzle knocked away, and the men swept away from them rapidly and with terrible slaughter by the cruel fire of the enemy. " Meanwhile, the steam-frigate Roanoke, the vessel of Captain Marston, the senior officer, and the Minnesota, the most powerful vessel in the Roads, were aground at some miles distance; and Lieutenant Pender- grast, on whom, at the death of Lieutenant Smith, who fell at his post at half-past four o clock, devolved the command of the Congress, seeing the rapid slaughter of his men, without any prospect of relief, and being unable to bring his guns to bear upon the enemy, while his ship was on 9 132 History of the United States Marine Corps. fire in several places, concluded to haul down his colors, and suffer no further loss of life. An officer from the Merrimac boarded the vessel, and soon after a tug came alongside, whose captain demanded of the crew to surrender and leave the ship, as he intended to burn her im mediately. A sharp fire from the troops on the shore, however, soon, compelled the tug to leave, and the Merrimac again fired several shells, after which she hauled off to engage the Minnesota, and Lieutenant Pendergrast, left to himself, made all haste to get his men ashore, the ship being on fire in several places, and near the magazine. "The Minnesota, upon the first appearance of the battery, had got under way to engage her, but after proceeding to within a mile and a half of Newport News, had there grounded, and as the tide was ebbing she could not be floated off. Here, then, the great frigate lay at four o clock, when the Merrimac, with her two consorts, leaving the Congress to her fate, bore down upon her. Fortunately, however, the iron battery drew too much water to come within a mile of her ; but the two other steamers, firing rifled guns, did much damage in killing and wounding men, until the heavy guns of the Minnesota drove them off, followed at seven o clock by the Merrimac, when all three steamed towards Norfolk. "The firing of her broadside guns had crowded the Minnesota still farther up on the mud bank, and although all hands were at work during the night with tugs and hawsers, it was found impossible to move her. The situation of the vessel, hopelessly grounded, with the certainty of the renewal of the attack by her apparently invulnerable antagonist in the morning, was unpleasant in the extreme ; but at midnight a new and powerful actor arrived upon the scene. The ironclad Monitor, Com mander John L. Worden, the first of three iron-clad vessels which had been built by the Navy Department, had arrived, most opportunely, at Hampton Roads, at nine o clock, and immediately received orders from Captain Marston to proceed to Newport News and protect the Minnesota from the attack of the Merrimac ; and all untried as the strange little craft was, she was warmly welcomed as she anchored alongside. "At eight o clock the following morning the Merrimac was perceived approaching. When she had come within a mile of the Minnesota that vessel opened upon her and signalled the Monitor to attack. Then came the contest which was to exert so important an influence upon naval architecture. Running down the wake of the frigate, the tiny Monitor placed herself alongside of her huge antagonist and fired gun after gun, which were returned by whole broadsides without effect. After a time the little vessel began manoeuvring, shooting by her antagonist and sending her shots first into the bow, and again raking her stern, while broadside after broadside was fired from the Merrimac, either passing quite over, or, if they struck, glancing harmless from her bomb-proof turret. History of the United States Marine Corps. 133 " Finding that she could make no impression on the Monitor, the Merri- mac again gave her attention to the Minnesota, returning a tremendous broadside from the frigate with a shot from her rifled bow-gun, which went crashing through the vessel, bursting in the boatswain s room, and setting fire to the ship. The fire was, however, promptly extinguished. Her second shell exploded the boiler of the tug-boat alongside ; but an in cessant fire from the frigate was now concentrated upon her, some fifty solid shot striking upon her sides, without, however, any apparent effect. The Monitor by this time again came between the contending vessels, forcing the battery to change her position. In doing this she grounded, and the broadsides of the Minnesota were again poured upon her. As soon as she got off she stood down the bay, chased at full speed by the Monitor. Suddenly she turned and made for her antagonist, but a plunging shot through the roof arrested her dash, and for a time the encounter between this seemingly ill-matched pair was again hot and furious. After a time the Merrimac seemed to tire of the fray, and again headed towards the frigate. It was a trying moment for the Minnesota, fast aground and badly crippled ; but the enemy had no mind to renew the experience of the morning, and, it being then shortly after noon, retreated to Sewell s Point. During the night, Captain Van Brunt succeeded in getting his ship afloat, and next morning was safely at anchor near Fortress Monroe. " Towards the close of this terrific engagement a percussion shell exploded against the look-out chink of the pilot-house of the Monitor, where Captain Worden, who so brilliantly fought his little vessel, and who thus made himself in a few hours the hero of the day, was stationed throughout the engagement. The result was a severe injury to the eyes of that officer, which, with the effects of the concussion, so disabled him as to oblige him to place the vessel in command of Lieutenant Greene, executive officer, and to be subsequently removed to Washington."* Lieutenant Morris, in his supplementary report of the action, says, 4t Owing to the hurried manner in which my official report to Captain Radford was made, I omitted to mention to you the gallant conduct of Lieutenant Charles Heywood, United States Marine Corps, whose bravery upon the occasion of the fight with the Merrimac won my highest applause. May I respectfully ask that this be appended to my former report." The first shot from the Merrimac killed nine Marines on the Cumberland, who formed part of the Marine division under the com mand of Lieutenant Heywood. In the account of such a notable fight, it is not out of place to give a list of Marines saved, which is as follows : Orderly Sergeant Sweeney, Sergeants Brown and Callahan, Corporals * " Records of Living Officers," Hammersly, First Edition. 1 34 History of the United States Marine Corps. Harris, Stevenson, and Craig, Drummer Joshlyn, Fifer Baxter, Pri vates Lyons, Martin, Bunker, 2d, W. McFaddin, Deady, Lanning, Goetz, Daley, Howard, Murley, Learey, McCarthy, Small, Wilkes, and O Connor. It is worthy of record that the last shot at the Merrimac was from the division of Marines. The St. Lawrence narrowly escaped destruction, while she was hard aground, some distance from the Minnesota, on the first day. The Merrimac, about 7 P.M., planted a loo-pounder percussion shell under the starboard counter of the St. Lawrence, which entered the ward-room, passing close to the after magazine hatch without exploding. Of a portion of the famous battle, Captain Van Brunt, of the Minne sota, said, in his official report, "The Merrimac ran down near to the Rip-raps, and then turned into the channel through which I had come. Again all hands were called to quarters, and when she approached within a mile of us I opened upon her with my stern guns, and made signal to the Monitor to attack the enemy. She immediately ran down in my wake, right within range of the Merrimac, completely covering my ship as far as was possible with her diminutive dimensions, and, much to my astonishment, laid herself right alongside of the Merrimac, and the con trast was that of a pigmy to a giant. Gun after gun was fired by the Monitor, which was returned with whole broadsides from the rebels, with no more effect, apparently, than so many pebble-stones thrown by a child. After a while they commenced manoeuvring, and we could see the little battery point her bow for the rebels, with the intention, as I thought, of sending a shot through her bow port-hole ; then she would shoot by her and rake her through the stern. In the mean time the rebels were pouring in broadside after broadside, but almost all her shot flew over the little sub merged propeller, and when they struck the bomb-proof tower the shot glanced off without producing any effect, clearly establishing the fact that wooden vessels cannot contend with iron-clad ones ; for never before was anything like it dreamed of by the greatest enthusiast in maritime warfare." The following is a complete list of the officers of the Corps who were in this engagement : Minnesota, Captain W. L. Shuttleworth and First Lieutenant W. H. Cartter; Roanoke, Captain M. R. Kintzing ; Cum berland, First Lieutenant Charles Heywood ; Congress, First Lieutenant Joseph F. Baker; St. Lawrence, Second Lieutenant Richard S. Collum. On the 8th of May the Monitor moved up and shelled Sewell s Point. The Merrimac came out, but though the Monitor kept well up towards her, she refused to engage her plucky adversary, and soon retired under the point. This was her last appearance, for, two days after, Norfolk surrendered to the military forces under General Wool, and the next morning a terrific explosion, in the direction of Craney Island, an- History of the United States Marine Corps. 1 3 5 nounced to the Navy in Hampton Roads that the once dreaded battery was no more. Lieutenant Selfridge, of the flag-officer s staff, proceeding in a tug to Sewell s Point, raised the American flag over the abandoned works, and the ships sailed up to Norfolk unmolested. The following officers of the Corps were attached to the ships which assisted in shelling Sewell s Point on this occasion : Susquehanna, Cap tain P. R. Fendall ; San Jacinto, Captain L. L. Dawson ; St. Lawrence, Second Lieutenant R. S. Collum ; Dakota, Seminole, and Mount Ver- non, sergeants guards, each. Two days before the fall of Norfolk, three gunboats, the Galena, Aroostook, and Port Royal, under Commander John Rodgers, were sent up the James River, in accordance with the orders of the President. On the nth the Monitor and Naugatuck joined the expedition at James town Island, and the little squadron, after numerous engagements with the enemy s batteries and sharp-shooters, arrived at Drury s Bluff, eight miles from Richmond, where they encountered a heavy battery and two barriers formed of piles and sunken vessels. The Galena and Monitor ran within six hundred yards of the Bluff, but the latter was obliged to drop down again some distance, being unable to elevate her guns suffi ciently to make them tell efficiently upon the battery. After an action of three hours, the gunboats, having exhausted their ammunition, returned to City Point, the Naugatuck disabled by the bursting of a gun. In this engagement the Marine guard of the Galena was commanded by a sergeant. Private Joseph Johnson was killed during the action. Commander Rodgers says, in a report of the action, "The Marines were efficient with their muskets, and they, when ordered to fill vacancies at the guns, did it well." On the afternoon of the 25 th of March two rebel steamers were dis covered at Pass Christian. The New London, Lieutenant-Commanding Abner Reed, the blockading vessel, got under way immediately and stood for that place, approaching as near as practicable on account of shoal water. The rebel boats approached within two thousand yards, when the engagement commenced, the New London beginning the action on finding the enemy not disposed to come near her. The fight lasted one hour and fifty minutes, during which time the New London fired over one hundred and sixty shots of all kinds. The steamers of the enemy engaged were the Oregon and Pamlico. After the engagement the enemy left for the lakes. The New London remained on the ground until they were out of sight, and then returned to Ship Island. The detachment of Marines on board the New London was commanded by a sergeant. On the 25th of the same month the mayor of St. Augustine, Florida, and the members of the City Council joined in the following letter to Flag-Officer Du Pont, commanding the United States naval forces off 136 History of the United States Marine Corps. Florida: "The undersigned, the mayor and City Council and citizens of St. Augustine, beg leave to express their heart-felt gratification and satisfaction at the polite and urbane course of Major Isaac T. Doughty and officers of the United States Marines since their arrival in and occu pancy of the city, and of the good conduct and discipline of the troops under their command, and also their unfeigned regret at their departure, and respectfully ask that our high appreciation of their gentlemanly de meanor be conveyed to Major Doughty and his command. They would also express their desire, and that of the citizens in general, that the battalion of Marines under Major Reynolds, which they understand is now off our harbor, if the same be compatible with the plans of the United States government, be stationed within our city." The command of Major Reynolds having been ordered to Washington, Commodore Du Pont detached Lieutenant H. B. Lowry, and ordered him for duty on the Wabash, the flag-ship. In June, Commander Prentiss, senior officer commanding off George town, South Carolina, informed Flag-Officer Du Pont that if he would send him three small vessels drawing about eight or ten feet.of water, and a guard of fifty Marines, he would rim up the Santee River and destroy the railroad bridge, and thus cut off communication between Charleston and the interior of the State. On receipt of this information, Flag-Officer Du Pont ordered Lieutenant Lowry of the Marines to take passage in the Hope and report to Commander Marchand, and to place on board of the Hall and Henry Andrew the Marine guards of the James Adger, Key stone State, and Albatross. Of these, Lieutenant Lowry assumed com mand, and with them he proceeded to Georgetown, South Carolina, and reported to Commander Prentiss " for special service in the neighboring waters." The Marines, about sixty in number, were divided up in squads and placed as sharp-shooters on the different vessels. On the 24th the expedition started up the Santee River to destroy the bridge. The Marines were constantly firing at the cavalry, who followed along the banks of the river. Arriving at the plantation of Mr. Arthur Blake, an English subject, Lieutenant Lowry landed the Marines and examined the house, and attempted to capture a battery which had taken position in the woods near by. They discovered unmistakable evidence that the house had been in use as quarters for the enemy, and found arms secreted there. After a skirmish of about an hour, the force returned to the ship with but two Marines wounded. By order of Commander Prentiss, the house of Mr. Blake was burned. The expedition failed to destroy the bridge, on account of lack of water in the river for the vessels to operate. The Marines remained in the waters about Georgetown, the Santee and Wahamau Rivers until July i, when they returned to their various ships. Early in August, Commander Foxhall Parker, commanding the Wabash, was ordered to take one hundred Marines and one hundred JOHN L. BROOME, LIEUTENANT-COLONEL U.S. MARINE COF History of the United States Marine Corps. 137 sailors, to go ashore on Morris Island, and put two 2oo-pound Parrott and two 2oo-pound Whitworth guns in battery; the guard of the Wabash, about sixty Marines, and the guard of the New Ironsides, about thirty- five, accompanied by Second Lieutenant James B. Young, all under command of Lieutenant Lowry, landed and reported to Captain Parker. For two weeks the Marines and sailors worked, hauling their guns up the beach and getting them in battery. The Marines remained with the naval battery until the arrival of the Marine battalion on Morris Island, under command of Major Zeilin, when the Wabash men joined them, and the Ironsides men, under Lieutenant Young, returned to their ship. The officers of the Corps attached to the North Atlantic Squadron during the latter part of the year and on the ist of January, 1863, were : Flag-ship Minnesota, Captain W. L. Shuttleworth, Second Lieutenant Charles F. Williams; sloop Vandalia, First Lieutenant C. H. Nye. The officers of the Corps attached to the South Atlantic Squadron during the year 1862 and on the ist of January, 1863, were as follows : Flag-ship Wabash, Captain James Lewis and First Lieutenant H. B. Lowry ; iron-clad steamer New Ironsides, First Lieutenant H. A. Bart- lett and Second Lieutenant James B. Young ; Powhatan, First Lieu tenant Percival C. Pope ; store-ship Vermont, Second Lieutenant Alfred Devereux. A naval station having been created at Cairo, Illinois, one hundred and fifty Marines were ordered there under the command of Captain M. R. Kintzing, with the following officers : First Lieutenants Frank Mun- roe, S. H. Matthews, and Second Lieutenant F. L. Church. Lieutenant Church was subsequently ordered to command the guard of the flag-ship Black Hawk. CHAPTER XXIII. 1862. The Civil War, V. The Capture of New Orleans Passing the Batteries at Vicksburg The Ariel captured by the Alabama. ON the 3d of February, 1862, Captain D. G. Farragut sailed from Hampton Roads, in the steam-sloop Hartford, to assume the duties of flag-officer of the Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. In addition to the ordinary blockade duties, he was especially charged with the reduc tion of the defences guarding the approaches to New Orleans, and the taking possession of that city. In his confidential instructions, he was informed that a fleet of bomb-vessels and armed steamers enough to manage them all, under command of Commander David D. Porter, would be directed to report to him. A large force of vessels, consisting of many of the best frigates and sloops in the service, recently fitting out 138 History of the United States Marine Corps. at the various Navy- Yards, had received orders to report to him at Key West. Eighteen thousand troops, under the command of Major-General Benjamin F. Butler, were to co-operate with the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Flag-Officer Farragut arrived at Ship Island on the 2oth of February, having been detained some time at Key West, and at once commenced active preparations for the attack on the defences of New Orleans. Much difficulty was experienced in getting the larger vessels over the bar, and in the case of the frigate Colorado it was found im possible. On the 1 6th of March the mortar vessels commenced the bombardment of Fort Jackson, assisted occasionally by the gunboats. On the ist of April, Flag-Officer Farragut detailed a force to cut and destroy the chain and raft across the river, and this hazardous undertaking was successfully carried through by Captain Bell, assisted by Lieutenant- Commanding Crosby, in the Pinola, and Lieutenant-Commanding Cald- well, in the Itasca. On the 23d of April, 1862, Flag-Officer Farragut made his final preparations for the attack on and passage of Forts Jack son and St. Philip. Every vessel was as well prepared as the ingenuity of her commander and officers could suggest. Chief-Engineer Moore of the Richmond originated the idea of stopping the sheet-cables up and down on the sides of the ships in the line of the engines, which was im mediately adopted by all the vessels. Each commander made his own arrangements for protecting the boilers or machinery, by coal, bags of ashes and sand, naval clothes-bags, and in fact by every device imagi nable. The bulwarks were lined with hammocks by some, by splinter- nettings made with ropes by others. Some rubbed theii; vessels over with mud to make them less visible. Lieutenant Cummings, the execu tive officer of the Richmond, made the valuable suggestion that white washing the decks would give the men sufficient light in a night attack, and obviate the necessity of using lanterns, which were targets for the enemy to fire at. At 2 o clock A.M., April 24, signal was made to get under way, but owing to the great difficulty in purchasing their anchors, the Pensacola and some of the other vessels were not under way until half-past three. The vessels then advanced in two columns, Captain Bailey leading the right and the advance in the gunboat Cayuga, he having been assigned to the first division of gunboats, which consisted of the Cayuga, Lieu tenant-Commanding Harrison ; the Oneida, Commander Lee ; Varuna, Commander Boggs ; Katahdin, Lieutenant-Commanding Preble ; Kineo, Lieutenant-Commanding Ransom, and Wissahickon, Lieutenant-Com manding Albert Smith, supported by the steam-sloops Pensacola, Captain Morris, and Mississippi, Commander M. Smith. This division was to attack Fort St. Philip. The second division of the column was led by the flag-ship Hartford, followed by the Brooklyn, Captain Craven, the Richmond, Commander Alden, and the second division of gunboats, led History of the United States Marine Corps. 1 39 by Fleet-Captain Bell, in the Sciota, Lieutenant-Commanding Donald son, followed by the Iroquois, Commander De Camp ; Kennebec, Lieu tenant-Commanding Russell ; Pinola, Lieutenant-Commanding Crosby ; Itasca, Lieutenant-Commanding Caldwell, and Winona, Lieutenant- Commanding Nichols, in the order named. The enemy s lights, while they discovered the vessels to them, were at the same time guides to the squadron, which soon passed the barrier chains, the right taking Fort St. Philip, and the left Fort Jackson. As the fire became general, the smoke grew so dense that it was very difficult to distinguish friends from foes. Commander Porter had, by previous arrangement, moved up to a certain point on the Fort Jackson side with his gunboats, while his mortar vessels, assisted by the sloop-of-war Ports mouth, engaged the water batteries to the south and eastward of Fort Jackson, and poured a terrific fire of shells into it. A fire-raft was dis covered coming down upon the Hartford, and in attempting to avoid it the ship was run on shore, where the rebel ram Manassas, which had not previously been seen, pushed the raft down upon the flag-ship, which was soon on fire half-way up to her tops ; she was backed off, and through the good organization of the fire department, and the great exertions of Captain Wainwright and his first lieutenant, officers, and crew, the fire was extinguished. In the mean time the battery of the Hartford was pouring its missiles of death into Fort St. Philip, which was soon silenced, with the exception of a gun now and then. By this time the enemy s gunboats, thirteen in number, besides two iron-clads, the Manassas and Louisiana, had become visible ; they were taken in hand, and in a short time eleven of them were destroyed. The fleet was now fairly past the forts, and the victory was won. Several gunboats were still making resistance. Two of them had attacked the Varuna, which vessel, by her greater speed, was in ad vance of her consorts ; they ran into her and caused her to sink, but not before she had destroyed her adversaries; and when the Hartford passed, the wrecks of the three vessels were lying side by side. Just as the scene appeared to be closing, the ram Manassas was observed coming up at full speed, to attack the Hartford. Flag-Officer Farragut directed Captain Smith, in the Mississippi, to turn and run her down. The order was instantly obeyed by that vessel turning and going at her at full speed. But when within fifty yards of each other, the ram put her helm hard aport and ran ashore ; the Mississippi poured two broadsides into her, and sent her drifting down the river a total wreck. This closed the morning s fight. Captain Bailey had preceded the flag-ship up to the quarantine station, and had captured the Chalmette regiment. By order of Flag-Officer Farragut, the officers and men were paroled the same day. Owing to the slowness of some of the vessels, and want of knowledge of the river, the 140 History of the United States Marine Corps. fleet did not reach the English turn until about 10 A.M. on the 25th. The fleet was now formed in two columns as before. Captain Bailey was still far in advance, not having noticed the signal for close order, which was to enable the slow vessels to come up ; they opened on him a galling fire from the Chalmette batteries, but the larger vessels soon came to his assistance, and ranged in one after another, delivering their broad sides with such telling effect that the batteries were silenced and the rebel troops driven out. The fleet then passed up to the city and anchored immediately in front of it. Captain Bailey was sent on shore to demand the surrender of New Orleans from the authorities. The mayor replied that the city was under martial law. General Lovell, who was present, said he would surrender nothing, but, in order to free the city from embarrassment, he would restore the authorities and retire with his troops, which he did. All the steamboats lying at the levee were seized and sent down to quarantine for General Butler s forces. The levee of New Orleans was one scene of desolation. Ships, steamers, cotton, coal, etc., were all in one common blaze, and the ingenuity of the squadron was much taxed to avoid the conflagration. Flag-Officer Farragut then pushed on to Carrollton, eight miles above, where there were two other forts, which were found deserted. On the 28th of April, Forts Jackson and St. Philip, after a bombard ment of one hundred and forty-four consecutive hours by the mortar flotilla, surrendered -to Commander David .D. Porter. Of the resistance offered by the Confederate forts below New Orleans, Admiral Farragut said, " Such a fire, I imagine, the world has rarely seen." In the terrible experience of silencing that fire, reducing the forts, and capturing the city, the Marines bore themselves in such a manner as to elicit the hearty commendation of the officers of the fleet, and to aid materially in the success of the engagement. The Varuna sustained the fire of the forts, and at the same time was attacked by two powerful ironclads. After a gallant resistance, in which the two vessels of the enemy were destroyed, the Varuna herself sunk, with colors flying and her guns dealing destruction to the enemy. Commander Boggs said, "The Marines, although new recruits, more than maintained the reputation of that Corps. Their galling fire cleared the Morgan rifled gun, and prevented a repetition of her murderous fire." Commander John De Camp, commanding the Iroquois, wrote: " The Marines behaved with spirit and gallantry, which we may always expect in well-drilled Americans." Captain T. T. Craven, of the Brooklyn, said, "Lieutenant James Forney, commanding the Marines, had two guns assigned him, and, with his men, fought most gallantly." But, brave and efficient as were the Marines in the action, a more im portant work awaited them. On the morning of the 24th of April, History of the United States Marine Corps. 141 immediately after the action with Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and the destruction of the rebel fleet, the Marines, under command of Captain John L. Broome, by order of Admiral Farragut, landed, and took pos session of the quarantine, at the same time taking prisoners the rebel troops, with their officers quartered in the quarantine buildings, and hoisting the flag of the United States on the same. On the morning following the arrival of the squadron opposite New Orleans, a detachment of Marines from the Pensacola received orders to embark in the ship s boats and land. The detachment consisted of thirty men, under the command of Lieu tenant J. C. Harris, U.S.M.C., and was accompanied by Lieutenant Still- well, U.S.N., and a sailor carrying the flag. The "levee" at New Orleans was at that time crowded with a multi tude of highly-excited men and women, largely composed of the worst element of a notoriously turbulent population, who greeted the Marines with cries of execration and derision ; knives and pistols were freely brandished in their faces, but, undaunted by all these hostile demonstra tions, that small body of highly-disciplined soldiers calmly but promptly formed, and marched with measured steps and unruffled mien to their destination. Arrived at the United States Mint, a cordon of sentinels was placed around the building, the Confederate flag lowered and replaced by that of the United States. This having been accomplished, the detachment, under Lieutenant Harris, remained in possession until the arrival of the battalion under Captain Broome, when they were consolidated with his command. Admiral Farragut having determined to take military possession of the city until the arrival of the troops under General Butler s command, a battalion of Marines, under command of Captain Broome, disembarked from the fleet on the apth of April, and marched to the custom-house. The following is the roster of the battalion: Captain J. L. Broome, commanding ; Adjutant, Second Lieutenant J. C. Harris. Company A, fifty men: Captain Alan Ramsay. Company B., fifty men: Captain P. H. W. Fontane. Company C, fifty men : First Lieutenant James Forney. Company D, fifty men : First Lieutenant J. H. Higbee. Captain Alan Ramsay was detailed with a detachment of Marines to occupy the custom-house and guard the United States flag, then about to be hoisted on the building. At this juncture the Marines were joined by two howitzers, manned by seamen, in charge of Midshipmen J. H. Read and E. C. Hazeltine, from the flag-ship Hartford. After taking possession of the custom-house, Captain Broome received orders from Captain H. H. Bell, senior officer present, to march the Marines to the City Hall, a distance of about half a mile from the vessels of the fleet, and near the centre of the city. The forces under General Lovell had not evacuated the city, and the squares and streets were thronged with 142 History of the United States Marine Corps. an excited mob, brandishing bowie-knives and revolvers, and hailing the Marines with the most abusive language ; but the command marched in close order and steady steps to its destination. On arriving at the City Hall, Lieutenant John C. Harris was directed, with a guard of Marines, to occupy the building and enforce order there while the enemy s flag was hauled down from the flag-staff on the building. After performing this duty, the Marines were marched to the place of embarkation, and returned to the fleet, except the number quartered in the custom-house, who were retained there for the purpose of guarding the United States flag. When the troops of General Butler s command landed at New Orleans, on the ist of May, the force of Marines still on duty in the city returned to the fleet. Respectable inhabitants of the city afterwards stated that rarely were men in more imminent danger from assassination than was the small detachment of Marines on that occasion, and that they wondered at the boldness of the act, under the circumstances, and trembled for the safety of the city, fearing, and with reason, that any overt act on the part of the excited mob would result in an immediate bombardment, wholly under the command of the ship s broadsides ; the calm and steady attitude of the Marines tended to a great extent to the prevention of such a calamity. And so, three days before the arrival of General Butler, the Marines took possession of and held the public buildings of the city of New Orleans, literally perfecting the conquest of the city by hauling down the Confederate flag and hoisting the stars and stripes. For three days the force under Captain Broome held in subjection the turbulent and rebellious elements of the population of the city, and at the end of that time gave place to the troops under command of General Butler. To rescue this important chapter in the records of the Marines from the oblivion of meagre official documents in the national archives, and to give it a legitimate, and what is trusted will be a lasting prominence, is but an act of justice to the Corps. The following is a complete list of Marines killed and wounded during the capture of the forts and the city : Killed : Brooklyn, Privates W. Lenahan and Henry H. Roff ; Iroquois, Private Jacob Schoenfeldt ; Mississippi, Corporals George Sanderson, and W. H. Woods. Wounded : Oneida, Private Henry Cooper; Hartford, Second Lieutenant Heisler, Privates Henry King and George White ; Brooklyn, Privates Lorin Heath, J. R. Sanders, and Leonard Killion ; Pensacola, Lieutenant John C. Harris, Sergeant Stermbergh, Privates George Perkins, Michael O Bryan, Frederick Davye, Francis Pepper, and John Brogan ; Iroquois, Corporal Walter J. White, mortally, Alfred Jackson ; Varuna, Privates T. Gordon, D. McLaughlin, J. Logan, and J. McQuinn ; Mississippi, Private Richard C. Carman. History of the United States Marine Corps. 143 The following is a list of the officers of the Corps attached to the Western Gulf Squadron during the year 1862 to January i, 1863: flag ship Hartford, Captain John L. Broome, Second Lieutenant Heisler, who was relieved after the battle of New Orleans by First Lieutenant John H. Higbee; steam-sloop Pensacola, Second Lieutenant John C. Harris; steam-sloop Brooklyn, First Lieutenant James Forney; steam- sloop Susquehanna, off Mobile, Captain Philip R. Fendall, Jr. ; steam- sloop Mississippi, Captain P. H. W. Fontane; steam-frigate Colorado (this vessel, on account of her heavy draught, was unable to get over the bar), Captain George R. Graham, First Lieutenant Samuel C. Adams; sloop Portsmouth, above the passes, First Lieutenant W. H. Hale; frigate Potomac, off Pensacola, First Lieutenant George W. Collier; steam-sloop Richmond, Captain Alan Ramsay ; sloop Vincennes, Ship Island, Second Lieutenant N. L. Nokes. On the 28th of June the fleet under Admiral Farragut passed the batteries at Vicksburg, receiving and answering a terrible fire from the well-mounted guns of the enemy. Captain Broome, command ing the Marines of the squadron, was wounded, as were also Privates Thomas Nolan and George W. Harris of the Marine guard of the Rich mond. Commander R. Wainwright, commanding flag-ship Hartford, says of the conduct of the Marines during the fight : * The Marine guard, under command of Captain John L. Broome, had charge of two broad side guns, and fought them well, thus sustaining the reputation of that distinguished Corps." Officers of the Corps who participated in this engagement were assigned as follows : Hartford, Captain John L. Broome, First Lieutenant John H. Higbee ; Brooklyn, First Lieutenant James Forney ; Richmond, Captain Alan Ramsay. On the 1 5th of July, in the engagement between the Confederate ram Arkansas and Farragut s vessels, above Vicksburg, Captain Broome was again wounded, as was also Private George Rogers of the Marines. During the early part of December an event occurred which was most deeply regretted by the Marines and by the friends of the Corps. Seldom has the Corps known the unpleasantness of defeat ; but in this instance the circumstances of the case forced upon a battalion of Marines the unavoidable necessity of submitting to a superior force without the opportunity to fire a shot. Mortifying as was this fact, however, the firmness and patriotism of the defeated men in refusing to yield to the flattering offers laid before them to tempt them to desert their flag reflected lasting credit upon them. On Saturday, the ist of December, two companies of Marines, of seventy men each, sailed from New York in the Pacific mail steamship Ariel for Aspinwall. A portion of this command was destined for the garrison at Mare Island, California, and the remainder for the ships composing the Pacific Squadron. On the morning of the yth, when off the eastern end of Cuba, a steamer hove 144 History of the United States Marine Corps. in sight flying the United States flag. The Ariel continued on her course, followed by the stranger, who rapidly overhauled her. When within a mile, the pursuing vessel fired a blank cartridge, at the same time hauling down the stars and stripes, and hoisting in their stead the flag of the Confederacy. Captain Jones, commanding the Ariel, paid no attention to this unmistakable summons, but continued on his course, saying, "I will not heave to." A solid shot was then fired, which passed through the rigging of the Ariel, followed by a shell, which caused much damage, cutting away the foremast. At this, Captain Jones hove to. In a few moments a boat filled with armed men came alongside, in charge of Lieutenant Armstrong, of the Confederate Navy, who announced to the captain of the Ariel that the latter had surrendered to the famous Alabama. The Marines were ordered to surrender their arms, and the officers their swords. Any resistance on their part would have endangered the lives of the women and children. The order having been complied with, Lieutenant Armstrong addressed the command, calling for twenty volunteers to fill up the Marine guard of the Alabama, offering the best pay and plenty of prize money if they would join the Pride of the Ocean, also saying he knew they thought more of Jeff. Davis than of Lincoln. Finding that not a man would prove recreant to his trust, or a traitor to his country, the lieutenant withdrew. The Ariel being in possession of a prize crew of sailors, Major Garland, at the request of Captain Semmes, detailed sentinels, though prisoners of war, to guard the spirit rooms to prevent the rebel crew from making use of the liquor they contained. The officers and men of the Ariel were paroled, and, after considerable discussion and delay, the vessel was ransomed for the handsome sum of two hundred and sixty-one thousand dollars, and per mitted to proceed on her journey. The battalion arrived in due course of time at Mare Island, where they were shortly afterwards exchanged. During this year a detachment of Marines, under the command of First Lieutenant McLane Tilton, garrisoned Pilot Town, Louisiana. CHAPTER XXIV. 1863. The Civil War, VI. Raid of Rebel Ironclads among the Vessels off Charles ton, South Carolina Attack on Port Hudson The Draft Riots in New York City Morris Island Attack on Fort Sumter Potomac Flotilla East Gulf Squadron. ABOUT four o clock on the morning of January 31, 1863, during the obscurity of a thick haze, two iron-clad gunboats ran out of Charleston by the main ship-channel, unperceived by the squadron, and began a raid upon the blockading fleet. Most of the latter were of the light class of purchased vessels, two of the heaviest men-of-war, the Powhatan and History of the United States Marine Corps. 145 Canandaigua, being then at port coaling and repairing. The Mercedita, Captain Stellwagen, was the first vessel attacked, and was rendered power less without having an opportunity to fire a shot. Unable to use his guns, and being at the mercy of the enemy, who was lying alongside, all resistance was deemed hopeless by Captain Stellwagen, and he surren dered. The crew and officers were paroled. The ironclad, leaving the Mercedita to her fate, to sink or float, next engaged the Keystone State, Commander Le Roy, who was also attacked by the enemy. The fire was gallantly returned, but the superior power of the enemy soon disabled the Keystone State. In the mean time the Augusta, Commander Par- rott, the Quaker City, Commander Frailey, and the Memphis, Acting Lieutenant Watmough, kept up a fire upon the enemy, diverting his attention from the Keystone State, which was soon after taken in tow by the Memphis and drawn away from the fire. The Augusta and Quaker City were both struck in their hulls, the Memphis only in her rigging. The Housatonic, Captain Taylor, gave chase, and a shot from her struck the pilot-house of one of the ironclads, carrying away one of her flags. The enemy s vessels passed to the northward, receiving the fire of the ships, and took refuge behind the shoals. The only casualties were on the Mercedita and the Keystone State. On the Keystone State they were very large ; about one-fourth of her crew were killed and wounded, and among the former was the medical officer of the ship, Assistant- Surgeon Jacob H. Gotwald, who was scalded to death while rendering surgical aid to one of the wounded men. The following is a list of casualties in the Marine guard of the Keystone State : Killed, Orderly Sergeant Edward Livermore, Corporal William A. Graw, Privates Thomas Riley, John W. Armstrong, William Deitz, John P. Conway, William Peyton, and Patrick Herrick. Wounded, Private Michael Scott. In the attack on Port Hudson, by Admiral Farragut, on the i3th of March, the following officers of the Marine Corps were engaged : Flag ship Hartford, Captain John L. Broome and First Lieutenant J. H. Hig- bee ; Richmond, Captain Alan Ramsay ; Mississippi, Captain P. H. W. Fontane. The following is a list of casualties in the Marine guards : Hart ford, killed, Private Thomas F. Butler. Mississippi, missing, Privates Patrick Bannon, Peter Doyle, Patrick Flatherty, James McMullin, John Redding, William Talant, and John Kelly ; killed, Private David Kelly. Richmond, killed, Privates Charles Catherwood and John Thompson ; wounded, Privates Thomas Nolan, Joseph P. Mullin, George W. Harris, Michael O Niel, Robert Staples, and Edward Conover; Corporals John S. Gross and Robert H. Neely. Monongahela, Corporal Francis Marr, wounded. In his report of the participation of the steamer Richmond in the engagement, Commodore James Alden says, "Captain Ramsay, who deserves special mention, in charge of the Marine division of great guns, had nearly a whole gun s crew swept away by a single cannon shot" 146 History of the United States Marine Corps. While passing the batteries on Red River, on the I9th, Privates John Brown, Michael Corcoran, and Patrick Cook were wounded. The enemy s steamer Virginia, having been chased by the Wauchusett, was captured when near a shoal close to the island of Majores. Lieu tenant George P. Houston, of the Marines, volunteered to bring the vessel out from its proximity to the dangerous shoals. Accordingly, with a detachment of his guard, he took possession of the vessel and ran her out into the open sea, fifteen miles off the coast. A Marine was placed at the wheel, another as oiler in the engine-room, others in the fire-room, while the gallant lieutenant ran the engines himself. So efficiently and promptly was this duty performed, that Rear- Admiral Wilkes expressed his approbation in a letter to the Department. On the i3th of July a brigade of seamen and Marines, under the com mand of Lieutenant-Commander R. W. Meade, United States Navy, left the Navy-Yard in Brooklyn, in response to a request from the author ities of the city of New York. A strong resistance having been made to the draft by evil-disposed and lawless persons, and many lives having been lost in consequence, it became necessary to quell the disturbance by force of arms. The brigade marched to the City Hall, and from that point the battalion of Marines, under Captain J. C. Grayson, was sent in different directions, clearing the streets in some localities and assisting the police in making arrests. In addition to this, the district in which the rioting had taken place was thoroughly patrolled, and sentinels posted over public buildings and property in danger of destruction by the dis affected. This duty was performed from the i3th to the 2oth of July, inclusive, to the satisfaction of the city authorities, and won their marked approbation. Captain Grayson s battalion consisted of two companies, the first consisting of ninety men, under First Lieutenant C. A. Stillman, and the second of ninety men, under Second Lieutenant R. L. Meade. In the following August a battalion, under the command of Major Jacob Zeilin, sailed from New York, to co-operate with the South Atlantic Squadron, under the command of Rear- Admiral J. A. Dahlgren. The bat talion was debarked on Morris Island, where the camp was established. It participated in all of the subsequent engagements which resulted in the capture of the outer defences of Charleston. The roster of the officers of the battalion was as follows : Major Jacob Zeilin, commanding ; Lieu tenant J. C. Harris, adjutant ; Lieutenant C. H. Bradford, quarter master; Company A: Captain C. G. McCawley, Lieutenants R. L. Meade and F. T. Peet ; Company B : Captain C. D. Hebb, Lieutenants George C. Stoddard and L. E. Fagan ; Company C : Captain L. L. Dawson, Lieutenants William Wallace and E. P. Meeker. Major Zeilin having been allowed to return home on sick leave shortly after the arrival of the battalion, he was succeeded by Captain E. McD. Reynolds, from the Wabash. Lieutenant-Colonel John George Reynolds subse- History of the United States Marine Corps. 147 quently was ordered to command the battalion. Captain Dawson and Lieutenant Harris returned home on sick leave soon after the arrival of Colonel Reynolds, and Lieutenant H. B. Lovvry was appointed adjutant, and Lieutenant William Wallace succeeded to the command of Company C. The first important work in which the battalion engaged was the attack on Fort Sumter, under Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, on the 8th of September. On the night of the 6th the enemy evacuated Morris Island. This offered an opportunity for assaulting Fort Sumter, which, if successful, would enable Admiral Dahlgren to pass the obstructions in the channel. He therefore directed the commanding officers of the different vessels off Charleston to send detachments of sailors and Ma rines, with boats, to the flag-ship, prepared for the proposed movement. Captain Reynolds commanding the Marine battalion on Morris Island, was ordered to send one hundred men and six officers to the flag-ship to participate in the assault. Having called for volunteers, the following officers responded : Captain C. G. McCawley, First Lieutenants H. B. Lowry, P. C. Pope, Charles H. Bradford, and John C. Harris; Second Lieutenants R. L. Meade, William Wallace, and L. E. Fagan. The naval battery was also ordered to send its quota, consisting of four officers and fifty-three men. At dark all the detachments had arrived, and at eleven o clock the expedition, consisting of over twenty boats, and with thirty-four officers and four hundred and thirteen men, was placed under the command of Commander T. H. Stevens, of the Patapsco, with Lieu tenant Commander Bunce and Lieutenant Moreau Forrest as aids. Lieutenant Commander Williams, of the Wissahickon, was placed in charge of the first division; Lieutenant Remey, of the naval battery, of the second ; Flag Lieutenant Preston, of the third ; Lieutenant Higgin- son, of the Powhatan, of the fourth; and Captain McCawley, command ing the Marines, of the fifth division. Ensign Craven, of the Hotisatonic, was also attached to this division. Commander Stevens and his aids led the flotilla in the admiral s barge. The plan of attack was to assail the fort on three sides, one party landing on the gorge wall and attempting to ascend the debris and gain the parapet ; a second was to attempt to gain entrance through the lower embrasures, and a third was to act as a reserve. The Daffodil took the boats in tow and steamed up to a short distance from Sumter, where they cast off and formed in line of attack. The boats pulled cautiously along and made slow progress necessarily, as the proper line of attack had to be observed. At half-past one the first line of boats approached closely the fort, and were discovered by the sentry on the walls of the work and sharply challenged. No reply was made to the question of "What boat is that?" A second challenge of the same nature failing to elicit a reply, the sentry discharged his musket, and called to the officer below to 148 History of the United States Marine Corps. "Turn out the guard." The boats on being hailed pulled quickly to the fort ; but before they could reach it several shots had been fired at them. The boats had dashed rapidly up, the formation of the line of advance being broken, and each boat striving to effect the first landing. Seven boats succeeded in getting alongside the debris on the gorge wall ; the others while pushing up were met with a sharp fire of musketry. Signal lights were burned from Sumter, and in a moment all the rebel batteries bearing on the fort opened a fire of shell and shrapnel on the fort itself, and, of course, on any party that might be about its base. About one hundred and fifty sailors and Marines got ashore, and instead of finding a slope of debris up to the parapet of the gorge wall they found a perpendicular range of masonry, which the rebels had con structed, meeting them full in the face. All their efforts to find a place of ascent were fruitless. Not a soul could ascend the wall, and the party found themselves in a critical position. The rebels had manned the parapet with infantry, and were also firing through loop-holes, formed by sand-bags, in the upper slope of the debris. In addition to this, hand grenades were hurled upon the assaulting party s heads, and bricks were detached and tumbled down upon them. Three of the boats were torn to pieces by hand grenades or shells from the distant rebel batteries and retreat was being rapidly cut off. At this juncture a rebel ram came down and opened fire with grape and canister upon the boats, the rebels on the fort throwing flashes of light upon the dark waters about them from a large locomotive lamp. As each boat was brought to light, vol leys of musketry, canister, and grape, now poured in from the fort and gunboat, and many were killed and wounded. The only mark for our men to fire at was this light, and a volley or two was thrown at it, but to little effect. Finally, a continuance of their effort to carry out the plan being evidently of no avail, and fearing a heavy loss of men with out any gain, the order to retire was given. Four boats came off from the landing at the gorge, and three, being destroyed, were left there. Only a small portion of the storming party succeeded in regaining their boats. Many were killed and the balance taken prisoners. About ten officers and one hundred and four men were missing, eighty known to be killed. The officers taken prisoners were Lieutenant-Commander Williams, Lieutenant Remey, Flag-Lieutenant Preston, Lieutenant Brower, Ensign Porter, Acting Master s Mates Henry and McCarthy, Lieutenants Brad ford and Meade of the Marines. Lieutenant Bradford was mortally wounded, and died in the hands of his captors. He received every attention and kindness from Dr. Mackey, a prominent citizen of Charles ton, and an old friend of the gallant officer s father. His remains were interred in the doctor s family lot; but the feeling among the populace was intense against this act of humanity and kindness, and, by order of History of the United States Marine Corps. 149 the authorities, the body was removed to Potter s field. One of the first acts of Admiral Dahlgren, after the fall of Charleston, was to remove and bury, with all the honors of war, the remains more befitting the career of the brave and lamented officer. Lieutenant Meade suffered all the pri vations of prison-life, and remained in Columbia, South Carolina, until regularly exchanged ; not, however, until more than a year had elapsed. Lieutenant Higginson, who was to have gained access to the fort through the embrasures of the lower casemates, in the northeast face, found a landing impracticable, and was compelled to give up the attempt, as his boats were thumping heavily on sharp rocks at the base of the fort. Lieutenant Lowry, of the Marines, who had charge of two boats, discovered the rebel steamer bearing down upon his boats before he had reached the fort, and as she opened fire, and seemed determined to run the boats down, he ordered his division to pull for shoal water. The steamer soon turned and steamed towards Fort Moultrie, and Lieutenant Lowry ordered his boats to pull up again to the fort. Other boats were driven off by this steamer and prevented from co-operating as effectually as they might have done. It may, perhaps, be regarded as a fortunate circumstance that all the boats did not effect a landing, as it would only have resulted in an increase of the rebel gain in prisoners. The want of success of the expedition was due to causes over which neither the admiral nor Commander Stevens had any control. The ap pearance of the debris on the gorge face was deceptive. Instead of sloping gradually from the parapet to the water s edge, it was found to slope only from the parapet to the top of the sand-bag barricade or traverse, which the rebels piled up to protect the wall against our breaching bat teries. This wall of sand-bags was, at least, twelve feet high, and, with out the aid of scaling ladders, no one could possibly reach its top, from which, perhaps, it might have been possible to mount the parapet or the mass of the debris. This fact was not discovered until the attempt to scale the wall had been made, and then it was under a heavy fire. Re treat was cut off so quickly by the destruction of a portion of the boats and the appearance of the rebel steamer, at a short distance only from the gorge, that the only sensible alternative between death and surrender was made by the party remaining on the landing, and they gave them selves up as prisoners, and were speedily inside Fort Sumter, although not as captors. The casualties among the Marines were as follows : Powhatan. Wounded, Corporal Hennis, Privates Hariland and Ball ; taken prisoner, Corporal Cully, Privates Scanlan, Foy, Kelly, White, Allen, McConigley, and Hall. Housatonic. Taken prisoner, Private Bannon. Marine Battalion. Taken prisoner and mortally wounded, First Lieu tenant C. H. Bradford, quartermaster. 150 History of the United States Marine Corps. Company A : Private Rodgers, wounded and sent to the Memphis. Company B : Taken prisoner, First Lieutenant R. L. Meade, First Sergeant Chisholm, Corporal Piggott, Privates McKenna, Mullin, Van Zant, Mclntyre, Hurshfield, Johnson, Keiffer, Himes, Gordon, Long, Stansbury, Reynolds, Murphy, and Mallady. Company C : Taken prisoner, Sergeant Mulhall, Corporal Black, Privates Haynes, Hurley, Preston, Gettings, McKinley, McNeal, Brad- shaw, Walsh, Kassman, Siddell, and Martin. On the 28th of December, Lieutenant-Commander R. W. Meade, Jr., of the gunboat Marblehead, was sent, at the head of a sufficient force of Marines and sailors, to complete the victory of the 25th at Stono, South Carolina, to capture or destroy the property in the earthworks of the enemy. The expedition was entirely successful, the work of capture and destruction being prompt and effectual. In his report of the affair the commander said, "The conduct of the blue-jackets, and especially of the Marines, was excellent." The vessels of the Potomac flotilla found constant employment in keeping a close watch and guard to intercept and prevent, as far as pos sible, communication with the rebels, and many captures were made. To provide against possible contingencies at the time of the invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania, which terminated in the battle of Gettysburg, vessels were stationed at what were deemed available points along the upper waters of the Chesapeake, to co-operate with the military authori ties. A gunboat was sent up the Susquehanna to Havre de Grace, another up the Gunpowder, a third up the Buckwater, while one was posted at Annapolis, and another at Wilmington. Detachments of Marines, under the command of sergeants, served on the larger vessels of the flotilla. In the East Gulf Squadron many important boat expeditions for cutting out vessels and destroying salt-works were projected and executed with success. More than one hundred blockade-runners were captured or destroyed by the squadron during the year, and violating the blockade became so precarious a business that few were desperate enough to attempt it. In the latter part of the year the limits of this squadron were extended so as to embrace within its cruising-grounds the waters of the Bahamas in the vicinity of Cuba. In all of these expeditions the Marines participated, a number of the non-commissioned officers receiving honorable mention. Until May of this year the Marines of the flag-ship St. Lawrence were under the com mand of First Lieutenant R. S. Collum. The Following officers of the Corps were attached to vessels in the South Atlantic Squadron during the year: Flag-ship Wabash, Captain E. McD. Reynolds, First Lieutenant H. B. Lowry, subsequently Second Lieutenant L. E. Fagan ; iron-clad steamer New Ironsides, First Lieu- History of the United States Marine Corps. 151 tenant Henry A. Bartlett and Second Lieutenant James B. Young (this vessel, in which these officers served, participated in twenty-six engage ments with the forts commanding the defences of Charleston) ; Vermont, at Port Royal, Second Lieutenant Henry J. Bishop. The following officers of the Corps were attached to the North Atlantic Squadron during the year : Minnesota, flag-ship, Captain John Schermerhorn, Second Lieutenant Charles F. Williams ; iron-clad steamer Roanoke, First Lieu tenant Frank Munroe. CHAPTER XXV. 1864. The Civil War, VII. Condition of the Corps Sounds of North Carolina The Ram Albemarle Murrill s Inlet The Defeat of the Alabama Engagement at Simonosaki Havre de Grace Admiral Farragut s Attack on the Defences of Mobile Bay Safety of the Wabash due to the Action of the Marines. THE following is an extract from the report for 1864 of the Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy: "The colonel commandant of the Marine Corps reports his command in a good state of discipline. Although its number is now fully equal to the quota authorized by law, he is unable to comply with all the requisitions for guards for sea-going vessels. The reports from the several squadrons and vessels of the service show that, in the gallant deeds of the Navy, the Marines have borne an honorable part." In the sounds of North Carolina important events were in preparation. The value of the possession of these waters was evidenced by the frequent and persistent efforts made by the enemy to repossess himself of them and of the important points upon their shores held by the army and Navy. In the spring of 1864 the possession of the sounds seemed to be very insecure ; the land force was small and scattered ; most of the gun boats were slightly built, the ironclads then at the disposal of the gov ernment being unsuited for operations in shallow waters ; and far up in the almost inaccessible waters of the Roanoke and the Neuse it was known that the construction of armored vessels, as well as of others of light draught, was in progress. On April 17 the enemy besieged Plymouth, and two days after the ram Albemarle, a formidable iron-plated battery, descended the Roanoke and attacked the wooden gunboats lying off that town. Lieutenant- Commander Flusser, in anticipation of the attack, had chained together his vessels, the Miami and the Southfield, intending to fight the ram in that way, but at three o clock in the morning she made her appearance, and in half an hour had sunk the Southfield, disabled the Miami, whose gallant commander was killed, and obtained possession of the river. The 152 History of the United States Marine Corps. next day the defences of the town were carried, the garrison takers prisoners, and thus the entire command of the upper sound passed into- the hands of the enemy. To prevent further disaster, vigorous measures were at once adopted. Captain Melanchthon Smith was ordered to assume command in the sounds, with instructions to attack the ram, at all hazards, in the best manner to insure its destruction. On the 5th of May the enemy besieged Newberne, and on the same day the ram again came out. Captain Smith promptly engaged her, with four vessels, the Metabessett, Wyalusing, Sassacus, and Whitehead. The engagement began about half-past four, and continued furiously for three hours, the gunboats firing rapidly and 1 repeatedly, and ramming the battery with such effect that at dark she retired up the river, and did not again make her appearance until the 24th, when she was seen near the mouth of the river, but, on a shell being thrown from the Whitehead, immediately returned. It was not, however, until the destruction of the ram by Lieutenant Gushing, that Commander Macomb was enabled to drive the rebels from their works, at Plymouth, and re-establish the supremacy of the government in the waters of North Carolina. The following-named officers of the Corps were attached to the North Atlantic Squadron on the ist of January, 1864: Flag-ship Minnesota, Captain John Schermerhorn and Second Lieutenant Charles F. Williams ;. iron-clad steamer Roanoke, First Lieutenant Frank Munroe, subsequently First Lieutenant L. P. French. The remainder of the vessels of this squadron, with some few exceptions, were supplied with sergeant s guards, and in all the operations on James River, in the sounds of North Carolina, and off Cape Fear River and adjacent inlets, the Marines shared in the labor and successes of their brethren of the Navy, and won the hearty approbation of their commanding officers, of the Department, and of the country. On the ist of January, Lieutenant Louis E. Fagan of the Marines, in command of thirty men, participated in the expedition which, under orders from Admiral Dahlgren, destroyed a Confederate vessel and valuable cargo in Murrill s Inlet. For his conduct in this affair, Lieu tenant Fagan received honorable mention in the official report of Admiral Dahlgren to the Secretary of the Navy. On the night of April 18 the Marines on the Wabash, off Charleston, ably assisted in repelling the attack of a torpedo-boat. They were stationed by Ensign Charles H. Crane, who happened to be officer of the deck at the time, in such a position that their continued and well- directed musketry fire had an excellent effect in defeating the purposes of the enemy. On the 1 2th of May, Colonel-Commandant John Harris, who "had served his country faithfully and well" for fifty years, died at head- History of the United States Marine Corps. 153 quarters, Washington, District of Columbia, after a short illness. Major Jacob Zeilin was commissioned, on the loth of June, to succeed him. While the attention of the whole nation was directed to the contests going on at home, news was received of an engagement off the coast of France, the result of which served to encourage the North, and to create a corresponding feeling of regret, if not of despondency, in the South. At 10.20 A.M. on Sunday, June 10, 1864, the Kearsarge, while off the port of Cherbourg, France, discovered the piratical steamer Alabama, accompanied by the English yacht Deerhound, standing out. Captain Winslow at once cleared his ship for action, and when the Alabama had reached the distance of seven miles from the shore,, and was about nine hundred yards from the Kearsarge, the engagement commenced. Cap tain Winslow, fearing that his opponent would, in case of injury, steam in within the line of jurisdiction for protection, determined to run under her stern and rake. To avoid this, Semmes, the commander of the Ala bama, sheered, and keeping broadside on to the Kearsarge, was forced into a circular track ; at the seventh rotation, the Alabama was disabled, and headed for the shore ; another shot brought down the rebel flag, and a white one was run up; at 12.10 .an officer from the Alabama came alongside the Kearsarge and surrendered his vessel, which was reported in a sinking condition, and at 12.30 P.M. the Alabama went down. Captain Semmes escaped to the shore in the English yacht Deerhound, as did many of his officers and men. The remainder were picked up by the boats of the Kearsarge and taken on board that vessel. Three of the crew of the Kearsarge were wounded. The total number of killed and wounded on the Alabama has never been given. Seventeen of her wounded men were picked up by the boats of the victorious vessel. The battery of the Kearsarge consisted of seven guns, two eleven-inch Dahlgren, one 30-pounder rifle, and four light 32-pounders. That of the Alabama consisted of eight guns, one heavy 68-pounder, of nine thou sand pounds weight; one loo-pounder rifle, and six heavy 32-pounders. For this gallant action, the only sea fight of the war, Captain Winslow was promoted to the grade of Commodore, his commission dating July 19, 1864. In his report of the action, Lieutenant-Commander Thornton says, "The Marines fought the rifle gun upon the top-gallant forecastle, under the charge of Acting Master s Mate Charles H. Danforth. The action on our part was commenced by this gun, and its fire was rapid and effective throughout. The high reputation of their service was nobly sustained by the Marine guard of this ship. The orderly sergeant, C. T. Young, and the master-at-arms, Jason R Watrous, also deserve special mention for admirable performance of their duty." The following is a complete list of the Marines who were on board the Kearsarge : Orderly Sergeant Charles T. Young; Corporals Austin Quimley and Henry 154 History of the United States Marine Corps. Hobson ; Privates R. G. Dolley, Patrick Flood, James Kerrigan, John McAlun, George A. Raymond, James Tucker, Isaac Thorton, and John G. Batchelder. During the early part of July, in an engagement between the United States steamship Wyoming, Commander D. McDougal, and the batteries at Simonosaki, Japan, Private Alexander Furlong, of the Marines, was killed, and Private Michael Doyle was wounded. Later in the same month, when the city of Washington was threatened by the Southern army, a battalion of Marines and a battery of howitzers, under the command of Captain James Forney, assisted by Second Lieu tenant George B. Haycock, were ordered from Philadelphia to Havre de Grace, Maryland, to open the railroad to Baltimore, then in posses sion of the enemy. Major General French says, "The battalion com manded by Captain Forney attracted my attention by its fine military appearance, its discipline, and the admirable manner in which it was handled. The arrangements made by Captain Forney for the artillery to repel the attack threatened upon the station had a great influence in preventing one. The rapid manner in which the order concentrating the troops at Havre de Grace was obeyed by him, and the valuable and effective services performed by the baUalion under his direction entitle him and them to the recognition of the government." The bay of Mobile, guarded at its entrance by two formidable fortifi cations, constructed by the government in former years, was difficult to blockade, and was one of the principal ports for trade with the rebels. It had been the intention of the Navy Department to get possession of that bay as soon as operations on the Mississippi would permit the de tachment of a sufficient co-operative military force for the expedition. In this there was delay, caused by the army being fully occupied in other quarters. In the mean time the rebels, availing themselves of the advan tages of their position, proceeded to the construction and collection of a formidable Navy, with the view of raising the blockade. The infor mation received was of such a character that the Department deemed it important that Rear-Admiral Farragut should resume his command, which he did, and on the i8th of January, 1864, arrived off Mobile. Knowing the disadvantages of attacking iron-cased vessels with wooden ones, and that, too, in the face and under the guns of heavy fortresses, without a co-operative land force, he deferred the movement until the necessary elements of success could reach him. But in the mean time he stood ever ready to meet and measure his strength with the iron-clad fleet of Buchanan, should it venture to come out. Thus he constantly threatened an attack on Mobile, thereby aiding the army in its general movements elsewhere. Military co-operation was secured early in July, and two ironclads from the James River and two from the Mississippi having reached him, History of the United States Marine Corps. 155 Rear-Admiral Farragut made his final preparations for his attack on the rebel defences of Mobile Bay. On the 8th of July, Rear-Admiral Farragut held a consultation with Generals Canby and Granger, on board the Hartford, on the subject of an attack upon Forts Morgan and Gaines, at which it was agreed that General Canby would send all the troops he could spare to co-operate with the fleet. Circumstances soon obliged General Canby to inform Rear-Admiral Farragut that he could not spare a sufficient number of troops to invest both forts ; and in reply Farragut suggested that Fort Gaines should be the first invested, engaging to have a force on the sound ready to cover the landing of the army on Dauphin Island, in the rear of that fort. Lieutenant-Commander De Kraft, of the Conemaugh, was detailed to that duty. A second consultation between Rear-Admiral Farragut and General Granger was held on board the Hartford on the ist of August, and the 4th of the month was fixed upon as the day for the landing of the troops, and the entrance of the fleet into the bay. But owing to the unavoidable delay of the iron-clad Tecumseh at Pensacola, the fleet was not ready to move. General Granger, however, was up to time, and the troops actually landed on Dauphin Island. In the light of subsequent events the delay proved an advantage, as the rebels were busily engaged during the 4th in throwing troops and supplies into Fort Gaines, all of which were captured a few days afterwards. The Tecumseh arrived in the evening of the 4th, and, everything being propitious, the attack was commenced on the following morning. The fleet was under way by 5.40 A.M., in the following order, two abreast and lashed together: Brooklyn, Captain James Alden, with the Octorara, Lieutenant-Commander C. H. Green, on the port side; flag-ship Hart ford, Captain Percival Drayton, with the Metacomet, Lieutenant-Com mander J. E. Jouett; Richmond, Captain T. A. Jenkins, with the Port Royal, Lieutenant-Commander B. Gherardi ; Lackwanna, Captain J. B. Marchand, with the Seminole, Commander E. Donaldson ; Monongahela, Commander J. H. Strong, with the Kennebec, Lieutenant-Commander W. P. McCann ; Ossipee, Commander W. E. Le Roy, with the Itasca, Lieutenant-Commander George Brown ; Oneida, Commander J. R. Mullany, with the Galena, Lieutenant-Commander C. H. Welles. The ironclad Tecumseh, Commander T. H. M. Craven ; the Winnebago, Commander T. H. Stevens; the Manhattan, Commander J. W. A. Nicholson; and the Chickasaw, Lieutenant-Commander G. H. Perkins, were already inside the bar, and had been ordered to take up their posi tion on the starboard side of the wooden vessels, or between them and Fort Morgan, for the double purpose of keeping down the fire of the water battery and the parapet guns of the fort, as well as to attack the ram Tennessee as soon as the fort was passed. 156 History of the United States Marine Corps. At the urgent request of the captains and commanding officers of the fleet, Rear-Admiral Farragut yielded to the Brooklyn being the leading ship-of-the-line, as she had four chase guns, and an ingenious arrange ment for picking up torpedoes ; and because, in their judgment, the flag ship should not be too much exposed. The attacking ships steamed steadily up the main ship-channel, the Tecumseh firing the first shot at forty-seven minutes past six o clock. At six minutes past seven o clock, the fort opened upon the fleet, and was replied to by a gun from the Brooklyn, and immediately afterwards the action became general. It was soon apparent that there was some difficulty ahead. The Brook lyn, having got into shoal water, stopped, and by so doing arrested the advance of the fleet, while at the same time the guns of the fort were playing with great effect upon that vessel and the Hartford. A moment after, the ironclad Tecumseh was struck by a torpedo, and disappeared almost instantaneously beneath the waves, carrying down her gallant commander and nearly all her crew. At this juncture, Rear-Admiral Farragut, after ordering the Metacomet to send a boat to save, if possible, any of the perishing crew of the Tecumseh, dashed ahead with the Hart ford, closely followed by the Brooklyn and the other ships. The Hart ford steamed through the buoys where the torpedoes were to have been sunk, Farragut believing that from their having been some time in the water they were partially innocuous, and determined to take the chance of their explosion. From the moment the vessels turned to the north westward to clear the middle ground, they were enabled to keep such broadside fire upon the batteries of Fort Morgan that the rebel guns did comparatively little injury. Just as Farragut passed the fort, about ten minutes before eight o clock, the ram dashed at the flag-ship, as had been expected, and in anticipa tion of which the Monitors had been ordered on the starboard side. He took no further notice of the ram than to return her fire. The rebel gunboats Morgan, Gaines, and Selma ran ahead, and the latter particu larly annoyed the flag-ship with a raking fire which her guns could not return. At 8 A.M. Farragut ordered the Metacomet to cast off and go- in pursuit of the Selma. Captain Jouett was after her in a moment, and in an hour s time he had her as a prize. The Morgan and Gaines suc ceeded in escaping under the guns of Fort Morgan. The Gaines was so injured that she had to be run ashore, where she was subsequently de stroyed ; but the Morgan escaped to Mobile during the night, although she was chased and fired upon. Having passed the forts and dispersed the enemy s gunboats, most of the vessels were ordered to anchor, when the ram Tennessee was seen standing for the flag-ship. This was at forty-five minutes past eight. The monitors and such of the wooden vessels as were best adapted for History of the United States Marine Corps. 157 the purpose were immediately ordered to attack the ram, not only with their guns, but with bows on at full speed. The Monongahela, Commander Strong, was the first vessel that struck her, and in doing so carried away her own iron prow, together with the cutwater, without apparently doing her adversary much injury. The Lackawanna, Captain Marchand, was the next vessel to strike her, which she did at full speed ; but though her stern was cut and crushed to her plank-ends for the distance of three feet above the water s edge to five feet below, the only perceptible effect on the ram was to give her a heavy list. The Hartford was the third vessel which struck her, but, as the Tennessee quickly shifted her helm, the blow was a glancing one, and as she rasped along the side the flag-ship poured a whole port broadside of Q-inch solid shot within ten feet of her casement. The monitors, work ing slowly, delivered their fire as opportunity offered. The Chickasaw succeeded in getting under her stern, and a i5-inch shot from the Man hattan broke through her iron plating and heavy wooden backing, though the missile itself did not enter the vessel. Immediately after the collision with the flag-ship, Captain Drayton was directed to bear down for the ram again. He was doing so at full speed, when unfortunately the Lackawanna ran into the Hartford just forward of the mizzen-mast, cutting her down to within two feet of the water s edge. The flag-ship was soon got clear again, and was rapidly approaching the Tennessee, when she struck her colors and ran up the white flag. Just at this time she was sorely beset : the Chickasaw was pounding away at her stern, the Ossipee was approaching her at full speed, and the Monongahela, Lackawanna, and the Hartford were bear ing down upon her, determined upon her destruction. Her smoke stack had been shot away, her steering chains were gone, compelling a "resort to her relieving tackles, and several of her port shutters were jammed. From the time the Hartford struck her, until her surrender, she never fired a gun. During this contest with the rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee, and which terminated by her surrender at ten o clock, many more men were lost than from the fire of the batteries of Fort Morgan. Admiral Buchanan was wounded in the leg, two or three of his men were killed, and five or six wounded. Commander Johnson, formerly of the United States Navy, was in command of the Tennessee, and came on board the flag-ship to surrender his sword and that of Admiral Buchanan. Thus terminated the famous naval battle of August 5, 1864. The wounded of both sides were sent to Pensacola for medical treat ment. On the following day one of the ironclads shelled Fort Gaines with such effect that Colonel Anderson, the commander, sent a communica tion to Rear-Admiral Farragut offering to surrender. General Granger, 158 History of the United States Marine Corps. commanding the military forces, was sent for, and the terms of capitu lation were signed by the respective parties on board of the Hartford. From this time active movements were in progress for the reduction of Fort Morgan, and on the 22d of August, at daylight, a bombardment was opened from the shore batteries, the monitors and ships inside, and the vessels outside the bay. At 6 A.M. of the 23d a white flag was dis played by the rebels, and at 2 P.M. the fort was unconditionally surren dered to the Navy and army of the United States. Fort Powell had been attacked on the night of the 5th and blown up. The capture of Forts Powell, Gaines, and Morgan and the destruction of the rebel fleet gave the government possession of the bay and closed the port against all illicit trade with the rebels. As late as September 13, Rear-Admiral Farragut informed the Department that he was engaged in removing torpedoes which had been strewn in the bay to obstruct naval operations. The Marines in this engagement were among the foremost at every point where bravery and discipline could aid in winning victory. Cap tain Percival Drayton, commanding the Hartford, said, in reference to his vessel, " The two after-guns were entirely manned by Marines, who, under the direction of Captain Charles Heywood, performed most efficient service." Captain James Alden, commanding the Brooklyn, said that Captain Houston of the Marines fought his guns " nobly and well." Lieutenant-Commander George Brown, commanding the Itasca, reported that "The Marines conducted themselves with the usual dis tinguished gallantry of their Corps. Sergeant James S. Roantree is par ticularly deserving of notice." Similar testimony was given by others of the naval officers. The following is a list of officers of the Corps attached to vessels in this action : Flag-ship Hartford, Captain Charles Heywood; Brooklyn, Captain G. P. Houston ; Richmond, First Lieutenant C. L. Sherman. The remaining vessels, with the exception of the monitors, carried sergeant s guards, as follows : Octorara, Metacomet, Port Royal, Seminole, Kennebec, Itasca, Galena, Lackawanna, Monongahela, Ossipee, and Oneida. The list of Marines killed and wounded was as follows : Monongahela, wounded, Private William Feeney. Brooklyn, killed, Privates Michael Murphy and W. Smith ; wounded, Private George R. Leland. Lackawanna, wounded, Privates James Keefe and Frederick Hines. Oneida, wounded, Corporal David Johnston and Private John Kilroy. Below is a list of Marines who received especial honorable mention from their commanding officers, and who received "medals of honor" from the Department : On board the Brooklyn, Sergeants J. Henry Den- nig and Michael Hudson, and William M. Smith and Miles M. Oviatt, corporals, "for conspicuous good conduct at their guns." On board the Richmond, Orderly Sergeant David Sprowls, " recommended for CHARLES HEYWOOD, LIEUTENANT-COLONEL U. S. MARINE CORPS. History of the United States Marine Corps. coolness and for setting a good example to the Marine guard, working a division of great-guns; joined the Richmond September 27, 1860; was in the actions with Fort McRea, the head of the passes of the Missis sippi, Forts Jackson and St. Philip, the Chalmettes, the rebel ironclads and gunboats below New Orleans, Vicksburg, Port Hudson, and present at the surrender of New Orleans." On the same vessel, Sergeant Andrew Miller, "recommended for coolness and good conduct as captain of a gun in the action ; was on board the Brooklyn in the actions with Forts Jackson and St. Philip, the Chalmettes, the rebel ironclads and gun boats below New Orleans, batteries below Vicksburg, and present at the surrender of New Orleans." Same vessel, Sergeant James Martin, "recommended for coolness and good conduct as captain of a gun in the action ; was in the actions with Forts Jackson and St. Philip, the Chalmettes, the ironclads and gunboats below New Orleans, Vicksburg, Port Hudson, and present at the surrender of New Orleans, on board of the Richmond." Fort Powell, situated at Grant s Pass, the entrance to Mobile Bay on the west, was rendered useless to the enemy after a heavy bombardment by the Chickasaw, Lieutenant-Commander G. H. Perkins. The next morning a detachment of twenty-five Marines, commanded by Captain Charles Heywood and Lieutenant Sherman, was sent to take possession of the fort and to prevent the retreat of the enemy at Fort Gaines to the mainland. The detachment remained in Fort Powell thirty days. On the ist of October the Wabash went ashore on the outer edge of Frying Pan Shoals. The "crew" consisted of a motley assemblage of negroes, landsmen, and boys, who had been temporarily shipped to do duty until the new crew could be received at Norfolk. Either through ignorance or unwillingness, the men failed to obey orders, and the frigate was in danger of serious injury, if not of becoming a total loss. The launch was ordered to be manned and a kedge anchor carried out. None obeyed the summons except a few old sailors, and it was found im possible to get the boat from the side of the frigate. In this emergency the Marines, under Lieutenant L. E. Fagan, were called upon by Captain De Camp, and with alacrity they obeyed the order. In a few moments they were away from the ship, pulling like "old salts" at the oars. The anchor was placed, and when the tide came in the ship floated and was safe. The efficiency of the Marines in that hour of emergency, won the praises of the commander of the frigate, who frequently alluded to their action in the affair in words of commendation. In February, Lieutenants R. S. Collum and H. C. Cochrane were ordered to Mound City, Illinois, with a detachment of forty men, to guard the ordnance stores which supplied the Mississippi squadron. Subsequently Lieutenant Cochrane was ordered to the command of the Marines of the flag-ship Black Hawk. 160 History of the United States Marine Corps. CHAPTER XXVI. 1864. The Civil War, VIII. The Expedition under Admiral Porter up Red River The First Attack on Fort Fisher. ON the 7th of March, Rear- Admiral Porter had assembled at the mouth of Red River a formidable fleet of ironclads composed of the following vessels : Essex, Commander Townsend ; Eastport, Commander Phelps ; Benton, Lieutenant-Commander Greer; Lafayette, Lieutenant-Com mander Foster ; Choctaw, Lieutenant-Commander Ramsay ; Louisville, Lieutenant-Commander Owens ; Carondelet, Lieutenant-Commander Mitchell; Osage, Lieutenant Commander Selfridge; Ouchita, Lieutenant- Commander Byron Wilson ; Fort Hindman, Lieutenant Pierce ; Pitts- burg, A. V. Lieutenant Hoel ; Chillicothe, A. V. Lieutenant Conthony, who was killed on the way up the river. On the death of Lieutenant Con thony Lieutenant-Commander Watson Smith was ordered to the command. Mound City, A. V. Lieutenant Langthorne ; Neosho, A. V. Lieutenant Howard ; and a force of light-draught vessels, consisting of Black Hawk, Lieutenant-Commander K. R. Breese ; Lexington, Lieutenant Bache ; Cricket, Acting Master Gorringe ; Gazelle, Acting Master Thatcher. The fleet was joined at the mouth of Red River by a portion of General Sherman s forces in transports, under the command of General A. J. Smith. The joint forces moved up the river on the loth of March to form a junction with Major- General Banks at Alexandria. In their progress some of the vessels branched off into the Atchafalaya, while the main portion continued up Red River. The rebels were driven in turn from Simmsport and Fort de Russy, the latter being again captured with its guns and munitions of war and a few prisoners. Some of the fleetest vessels were despatched to Alexandria with the hope of cutting off the rebels in their retreat, but without success. The place was occupied by the com bined forces, and about the ist of April both army and Navy commenced to move up the river towards Shrevesport. A part only of the naval force could proceed farther up the river than Alexandria, and it was with difficulty that they reached that point. But the assistance of the gun boats was so essential to success that some risks had to be taken, and ex traordinary exertions were made to pass the vessels over the falls, so as to secure the required co-operation. Main force had to be used to haul the gunboats. Grand Ecore was reached without accident and occupied without opposition. There were at this time indications of the usual rise of the season in the river, and everything promised success. Twenty- three heavy guns had been captured from the enemy since their entrance into the river. History of the United States Marine Corps. 161 Springfield landing was designated as the point for the next juncture of the co-operating forces, and it was reached at the appointed time, three days after leaving Grand Ecore, by six gunboats and twenty heavy transports. Here they learned that the army under General Banks had met a reverse, and was falling back to Pleasant Hill, some distance below. Rear-Admiral Porter was therefore compelled to turn back, with the full knowledge that in retracing his steps he would be interrupted at every assailable point. The rebels, flushed with their success against the army, availed themselves of every opportunity which offered for harassing the gunboats and transports. The cavalry and artillery, taking advantage of the winding stream, moved rapidly from point to point, attacking on every available occasion. But the gunboats successfully fought their way, and from time to time repelled their assailants with terrible slaughter. On the 1 4th of April, Rear-Admiral Porter got back to Grand Ecore, where he found the vessels which he had left at that point still detained above the bar. The river, instead of .rising as usual at this season, had fallen during his absence. The army was preparing to move back upon Alexandria; the water having so receded, there was little hope of get ting the vessels out, and destruction apparently awaited the best portion of the squadron. But, in the words of the admiral, "Providence pro vided a man for the occasion." Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Bailey, act ing engineer of the Nineteenth Army Corps, an intelligent and efficient officer, devised a plan for the construction of a series of dams across the rocks at the falls, thus, by artificial means, supplying that which nature withheld, a sufficient depth of water for the passage of the vessels. Extraordinary as was the project, and received with incredulity, the mind that conceived it was enabled to carry it into successful operation. Men were set to work, wood-cutters collected, quarries opened, and after some weeks the undertaking was accomplished. The dams were built ; the vessels passed safely over the falls, to the delight of the assembled army and Navy, who had mutually participated in this work, and on the 1 6th of May, Rear- Admiral Porter had the satisfaction of announcing that the fleet was relieved from danger. There is probably, in naval history, no other instance of such peril and difficulty so successfully and skilfully surmounted. Congress appro priately acknowledged the services of Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey on this occasion, and they were still further recognized by his promotion. A division of the Red River expedition that was unable to get above the falls was sent, under command of Lieutenant-Commander James P. Foster, up the Washita River as far as Monroe. This force captured three thousand bales of Confederate cotton, brought out eight hundred negroes, and destroyed much rebel property. While above the falls, Rear-Admiral Porter received intelligence of the capture of Fort Pillow; he despatched a force of ironclads to that 1 62 History of the United States Marine Corps. point to prevent its permanent occupation by the rebels, and to keep the river open to commerce. On the 25th of March the rebels made an attack upon Paducah and demanded its immediate surrender, saying they would give no quarter if refused. The gunboats Peosta, Paw Paw y and Fort Hindman, at once opened fire upon the rebels, and with such effect as to drive them off with great loss. Captain Pennock, naval commandant at Cairo, upon receiving intelli gence of the attack upon Paducah, at once sent up reinforcements of gunboats to the assistance of those already there, and the same officer saved Columbus, Kentucky, and recovered Fort Pillow, thus preventing a blockade of the river by his zeal and personal exertions in hastening reinforcements to those points. The attacks upon Fort Pillow, Columbus, and Paducah were made at the time when the greater portion of the Mississippi squadron was oper ating on the Red River and its tributaries. Anticipating that the enemy would avail themselves of the absence of his more formidable vessels to attack certain points within the limits of the upper portion of the squad ron, Rear-Admiral Porter had intrusted to Fleet-Captain Pennock the entire control of the vessels stationed on the Ohio, Tennessee, and Cum berland Rivers, and on the Mississippi as far down as Memphis, thus enabling him to act promptly when the time arrived. In his detailed report of the naval operations before Vicksburg, Rear-Admiral Porter acknowledged, in the handsomest terms, his indebtedness to Fleet-Cap tain Pennock, who was also commandant of the naval station at Cairo, for the promptness with which he kept the squadron supplied with all that was required or could be procured. Rear-Admiral Porter, having been for nearly two years on arduous and exhausting duty on the Mississippi, received leave to return East in the summer, and was subsequently detached in order to take command of the North Atlantic Squadron. Captain A. W. Pennock, senior officer on the station, was left in charge. On the ist of November, Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. Lee assumed command of the Mississippi Squadron and entered on the discharge of his duties. For a long time, since early in 1862, the Navy Department had been fully aware of the importance of closing the port of Wilmington. It was the last port remaining to the rebels, and it was through it that sup plies and munitions were now obtained ; through it cotton was sent to Europe and the rebel credit abroad chiefly sustained. Owing, however, to the many claims upon its attention, the co-operation of the War De partment, though often asked for, could not be obtained until, in the fall of 1864, Lieutenant-General Grant, having given the subject the closest consideration, was of opinion that, under cover of the guns of the Navy, a landing might be effected on the beach. A part of the naval vessels might, he thought, force a passage beyond the batteries, and thus, History of the United States Marine Corps. 163 the works on Cape Fear being isolated, a combined attack upon them might be followed by their reduction. This plan of operations the heads of departments adopted, and it became necessary to select, for the command of the very large fleet which would be required, that officer whose past career would be the best guarantee of future services. The choice fell upon Admiral Farragut. But the health of this distinguished officer had been so impaired by long and arduous service in the gulf that he was obliged to decline the com mand, and Rear-Admiral David D. Porter, who had become distinguished in connection with the series of brilliant operations of the Mississippi Squadron, was selected in his place, and ordered to take command of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. This placed the port of Wil mington and its defences within the sphere of his operations. Major- General Butler was to have command of the land forces. The ist of October was first named for the sailing of the expedition, but so many delays occurred that it was not until the month of December that the expedition was in motion. This delay seems to have been unavoid able on the part of the army, owing to the many operations in which it was engaged, but the naval preparations were complete long before. In the mean time every squadron was suffering a depletion to furnish the vessels which lay idle at Hampton Roads and Beaufort. At length, however, all was in readiness, and, on the i6th of December, the troops were embarked in transports, only to be once more delayed, however, by a severe gale, which lasted three days, and caused them severe suffer ing in their crowded quarters. On the 1 8th, Admiral Porter sailed from Beaufort with all the monitors and smaller vessels, and was joined at the rendezvous, twenty miles east of New Inlet, on the North Carolina coast, by the larger war vessels and by the transports which had there assembled. The next day another heavy gale set in, which lasted two days. This somewhat scattered the fleet, but a calm succeeded, with weather so favorable that at length the propitious time seemed to have arrived. A novel experiment was, however, to be first made : a powder magazine was to be exploded, so close to the fort that it was thought by many that the fort itself would be levelled to the ground, or that the magazines of the fort would be ignited, and that thus the rebels and all their works would be swept from the earth. A vessel called the Louisiana, which had been brought from Norfolk, loaded with an immense charge of powder, and carefully fitted with long fuses and machinery, was to do this deadly work. On the night of the 23d she was towed by another steamer close in shore, so near that the guns in the casemates of Fort Fisher could be distinguished from her deck. The rebels, mistaking her for a blockade-runner, welcomed her with the usual signals, and the brave little party having her in charge lighted their fuses and fires in the ii 164 History of the United States Marine Corps. cabins almost in sight of the garrison. They then took to their small boat, and escaped to the vessel which had towed the powder-boat to the shore. An hour after, the explosion followed, but the result was by no means what was hoped for. The enemy was somewhat stunned for a time, but little real damage was done. Ill the mean time the fleet remained at a distance of twelve miles from the bar, and the transports at an equal distance down the coast, but with orders to stand in shore as soon as the noise of the explosion should be heard. A carefully-prepared plan had been distributed to each com mander of a vessel, and, early in the morning, they were to take their places accordingly, and to open fire as each got its assigned position. The whole fleet, consisting of about fifty vessels, was formed in three divisions, each with its reserve close at hand, and all placed upon the radius of a circle about a mile from the fort. At 11.30 the New Iron sides took its position, and at once opened fire, followed by the Monad- nock, Canonicus, and Mahopac. At first the enemy replied briskly, but as the larger vessels were followed by the others, each adding to the deadliness of the fire, his guns were served with less vigor, and, in an hour and a quarter after the first shot was fired, the fort relapsed into silence. The effect within the fort of such a concentrated fire must have been fearful. Two of the magazines were blown up, and shot and shell so rained upon the garrison that no living thing could stand it. The bravest would have been forced to take refuge in the bomb-proofs. A moderate fire was continued for three hours after the enemy had ceased to reply, but the army transports not having arrived, the fleet retired for the night to a safe anchorage. During this day s operations, a few of the vessels were struck, and one or two were severely injured, but they were of the smaller and less serviceable class. Much damage, however, was done by the bursting of large guns in the fleet. No less than six of the loo-pound Parrots thus exploded, killing and wounding a large number of officers and men. The next day was Christmas, and all the transports had come in. After consultation with General Weitzel, on the part of General Butler, a plan of operations was decided upon. The forts were to be attacked again by the Navy, while the army should be landed and an assault made. A hundred small boats were to assist in landing the troops. At seven o clock, on the 25th, signal was made to get under way, and the vessels proceeded to take position as before, which they did promptly and in the best order. Again the terrible rain fell around and over the fort, but this day little reply was made from the fort. The landing of the troops was begun about five miles farther up the beach, and was quite unopposed. Three thousand men were put ashore, and a reconnoisance made of the neighborhood of the works. One soldier even went inside the fort ; an orderly with despatches was captured, and the flag-staff, History of the United States Marine Corps. 165 which had been shot down, was brought away ; but the enemy kept him self so close that scarce a human being was to be seen. Two light batteries and a few men were captured. But General Butler decided that the fort was substantially uninjured as a place of defence; that so soon as the fire of the fleet shoufd be withdrawn the enemy would be as strong as ever, and that only a regular siege, for which he was not prepared, could reduce the works. He therefore decided to withdraw the troops to the transports again. This he did, and the next morning the army returned to Fortress Monroe. The war vessels in the mean time remained, keeping up a slow but constant fire, hoping to tire out the enemy or to dismount their guns. Unsuccessful as this affair proved, there was not lacking an exhibition of bravery and coolness on the part of all, which tended to insure vic tory in the next assault on the fort. Commodore Lanman says that the conduct of the Marines on the Minnesota was entirely satisfactory. Every one performed his duty to the utmost of his ability. The work ing and practice of the guns could not have been better. Many excel lent shots were made, and in this respect the two guns worked by the Marines were equal to any other division. Captain Butler of the Marines, commanding his battery, being upon the sheer-pole of the mizzen rigging, pronounced the practice excellent. Commodore S. W. Godon, commanding the Susquehanna, says, " First Lieutenant William Wal lace, with his fine company of Marines, handled most effectively two extra p-inch guns." Similar testimony was borne by other naval officers to the bravery and efficiency of the Marines on the various vessels con nected with the fleet. The following is a complete list of the officers of the Corps who were engaged in this affair : On board the Colorado, Captain L. L. Dawson and First Lieutenant E. P. Meeker ; Minnesota, Captain George Butler and Second Lieutenant George M. Welles; Powhatan, First Lieutenant F. H. Corrie ; New Ironsides, First Lieutenant Richard S. Collum and Second Lieutenant Albert B. Young; Susquehanna, First Lieutenant William Wallace ; Wabash, First Lieutenant L. E. Fagan ; Vanderbilt, First Lieutenant W. H. Parker ; Juniata, Second Lieutenant Jones Pile ; Brooklyn, Captain G. P. Houston ; Ticonderoga, First Lieutenant C. F. Williams. The following vessels carried sergeant s guards : San tiago de Cuba, Fort Jackson, Shenandoah, Tuscarora, Rhode Island, Mohican, Keystone State, Malvern, Onondaga, Shamrock, Chicko- pee, Nereus, Mendota, losco, Osceola, Pawtuxet, Mackinaw, R. R. Cuyler, Mattabessett, Massasoit, Agawam, Quaker City, Pontoosuc, Eutaw, Mercedita, and Miami. The following Marines were killed and wounded : On the Juniata, Second Lieutenant Jones Pile, killed, and Private William Kennedy, wounded ; Ticonderoga, Private Cornelius Collins, wounded. 1 66 History of the United States Marine Corps. The following is the report irom Admiral Porter announcing the result of the engagement : FLAG-SHIP MALVERN, OFF NEW INLET, NORTH CAROLINA, December 26, 1864. SIR, I have the honqr to forward with this a somewhat detailed report of the two engagements with Fort Fisher and the surrounding works. We attacked with the whole fleet on the 24th instant, and silenced every gun in a very short time. On the 25th instant we again took up our position, within a mile of the fort (the iron vessels within twelve hundred (1200) yards), without a shot being fired at us; shelled it all day, with now and then a shot from the rebels, and stopped firing after sunset. The army landed and re-embarked, considering it impracticable to assault the place, I shall remain here and keep shelling the enemy s works on every occasion whenever the weather will permit. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Re a r-Adm iral. HON. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. The following are the vessels engaged in the fight, with the names of of their commanders : Minnesota, Commander Joseph Lanman ; Mohican, Commander D. Ammen ; Colorado, Commander H. K. Thatcher ; Tuscarora, Com mander J. M. Frailey; VVabash, Captain M. Smith; Susquehanna, Com modore S. W. Godon ; Brooklyn, Captain James Alden ; Powhatan, Commodore J. F. Schenck ; Juniata, Captain W. R. Taylor ; Kansas, Lieutenant-Commander P. G. Watmough; Yantic, Lieutenant-Com mander T. C. Harris; Maumee, Lieutenant-Commander R. Chandler; Mackinaw, Commander J. C. Beaumont ; Ticonderoga, Captain C, Steedman ; Pawtuxet, Commander J. H. Spotts ; Shenandoah, Captain D. B. Ridgely; Seneca, Lieutenant-Commander M. Sicard ; New Iron sides, Commodore William Radford ; Monadnock, Commander E. G. Parrott ; Canonicus, Lieutenant-Commander George E. Belknap; Ma- hopac, Lieutenant-Commander E. E. Potter; Saugus, Commander E. R. Colhoun ; Nyack, Lieutenant-CommanderL. H. Newman ; Unadilla r Lieutenant-Commander F. M. Ramsay; Huron, Lieutenant-Commander T. O. Selfridge ; Pequot, Lieutenant-Commander D. L. Braine; Pon- toosuc, Lieutenant-Commander Wm. G. Temple ; Nereus, Commander J. C. Howell ; Vanderbilt, Captain C. W. Pickering ; Fort Jackson, Captain B. F. Sands ; Santiago de Cuba, Captain O. S. Glisson ; Tacony, Lieutenant-Commander W. T. Truxtun ; Osceola, Commander J. M. B. Clitz ; Chippewa, Lieutenant-Commander A. W. Weaver ; Sassacus, Lieutenant-Commander J. L. Davis ; Maratanza, Lieutenant-Commander G. W. Young; Rhode Island, Commander S. D. Trenchard ; Mount Vernon, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant James Trathen ; Britannia, Acting History of the United States Marine Corps. 167 Volunteer Lieutenant Samuel Huse ; Quaker City, Commander W. F. Spicer ; losco, Commander John Guest ; Howquah, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. W. Balch ; Wilderness, Acting Master H. Arey; Cherokee, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. E. Dennison ; A. D. Vance, Lieuten ant-Commander J. H. Upshur; Moccasin, Acting Ensign James Brown ; Gettysburg, Lieutenant R. H. Lamson ; Alabama, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Frank Smith ; Keystone State, Commander H. Rolando ; Nansemond, Acting Master John H. Porter; Emma, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant T. C. Dunn ; Tristram Shandy, Acting Ensign Ben. Wood ; Governor Buckingham, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. McDiarmid ; Little Ada, Acting Master S. P. Crafts. CHAPTER XXVII. 1864-65. The Civil War, IX. Services in the Pacific Squadron Marines at Boyd s Neck and Tulifinney Cross- Roads Second Attack on Fort Fisher Its Capture by Porter and Terry Occupation of Georgetown Report of Admiral Dahlgren. ON the pth of November, 1864, Admiral Pearson, commanding the Pacific Squadron, wrote to Commander H. K. Davenport, saying that the commander of the American steamer Salvador had stated that among his passengers for the next trip from Panama were a number of desperate men, bent upon taking his vessel after leaving her moorings. Com mander Davenport was directed to go on board this vessel with a suffi cient force, and, in the event of a difficulty, to protect the passengers from harm. For the further protection of the vessel and passengers against these supposed pirates, Admiral Pearson stated that he should ac company the Salvador to sea in his ship, and, should any pirates be found on board, the commander was directed, when beyond the legal jurisdic tion of the government of New Grenada, to capture them and convey them to the admiral s ship. On the morning of the loth the com mander left his ship with four armed boats, and went alongside the Pacific Mail Steamship s steamer Sacramento, as had been previously agreed upon with the master of the steamer Salvador. He subsequently overhauled and boarded the Salvador. By shrewd management his plan was entirely successful, and he captured the whole party without bloodshed. In his report of the affair, Admiral Pearson spoke in the highest terms of the good conduct of Captain D. M. Cohen of the Marines. On the 26th of November, Admiral Dahlgren began arrangements for a joint army and Navy movement, co-operating with General Foster to establish connection with General Sherman. A brigade from the fleet 1 68 History of the United States Marine Corps. was organized under the command of Commander George H. Preble y consisting of a battalion of naval artillery, under command of Lieuten ant-Commander E. O. Mathews, a battalion of sailor infantry, under com mand of Lieutenant James O Kane, and a battalion of Marines, two- hundred and fifty strong, under command of First Lieutenant G. G. Stoddard. On the evening of the 28th the brigade was embarked on board the Pontiac, Sonoma, and Mingo. At 4.30 A.M., the 29th, all the vessels of the expedition got underway and proceeded up the Broad River, under cover of a dense fog. At 8.30 A.M. the brigade landed at Boyd s Landing, and was immediately pushed forward on the road, in advance of the military forces, about two miles. The artillery was advanced up the road, with the battalion of Marines- and sailor infantry deployed to the right and left, and in advance as skirmishers. After skirmishing through the swamps and woods all day,, the command went into camp at n P.M. at the first fork. At 7 A.M., the 30th, the brigade was again in motion, and at 8 A.M. joined the army at the church, where Brigadier-General Hatch had established his head-quarters. At 8.15 A.M. the army moved on up the Grahamsville road, leading to- the right of the church, and at 8.30 A.M. the enemy opened fire upon the head of our column from a movable piece of rifled artillery placed in the road. This was replied to by one i2-pounder Napoleon; a skir mish fire of musketry ensued, and the enemy was driven back, firing as he retreated. As the head of our column reached the turn of the roads at Honey Hill, it was opened on by a battery placed in position behind a stroog earthwork. A sharp and stubbornly-contested fight ensued, which lasted until sundown, when it was found impossible to drive the enemy from his position ; our troops were withdrawn in good order. Our total loss in killed, wounded, and missing amounted, as officially reported, to seven hundred and forty. By direction of Brigadier-General Hatch the brigade brought up the rear of the column on the march, and was mostly in reserve at the com mencement of the action. At Meridian, however, the Marine battalion was ordered into the line of battle on the right, in the rear of the Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, and was continued in line and under fire until called out, by order from the general, at 6 P.M. During the night following the battle our artillery took up, by order, a defensive position at the forks of the road, supported by the infantry of the brigade and the Thirty-fourth and Thirty-fifth regiments of colored troops. The next morning, December i, the brigade was ordered into a position on the Grahamsville road, where it subsequently intrenched and remained until the evening of the 5th, when it was withdrawn, by order of the History of the United States Marine Corps. 169 general, to Boyd s landing, and embarked for an expedition up the Tulifinney. On the 6th a successful attack was made on the enemy near the mouth of Tulifinney Creek, and that night our forces camped on the battle-field. During the night a skirmishing fire from the picket-line drew the whole force out under arms. The next morning, the yth, the enemy attacked our skirmish line from the woods in front and to the right of our line. Our howitzers firing to the right prevented his getting around on that flank, while they assisted the musketry in front to disperse them. In this attack the enemy fired a few shots from a battery on the right that had not before been heard from. In this affair we had two wounded. On the morning of the 9th a forward movement was made, and the command of the reserves was given to Commander Preble, consisting of the Thirty-second, Thirty-fourth, and Thirty-fifth United States Colored Infantry. The forces being in position at 9 A.M., the artillery, in all ten pieces, army and Navy, opened a rapid fire in front to clear the woods, which was continued ten minutes. On its ceasing, the skirmish-line, commanded by Colonel Silliman, and consisting of the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh and One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New York and the Marine battalion, in all about four hundred strong, entered the woods in front, and was followed by the main line of battle, consisting of the One Hundred and Forty-fourth and Fifty-sixth New York, and One Hundred and Second colored regiments, and the sailor infantry. This line was followed by and designed to protect the Twenty-fifth Ohio, with axes, who had orders to cut a road one hundred feet wide through the woods, to open the railroad to the fire of our batteries on the right. As the troops advanced all our artillery commenced and continued to shell on the right and left flanks, and kept up the fire during the whole advance, the signal of recall being the cessation of the artillery fire. At 9.55 A.M. the skirmish firing commenced, and the musketry was continued until near sundown. At 11.30 A.M. the Thirty-fourth colored regiment of there- serves was ordered to the front to report to General Potter. At 3 P.M., the Twenty-fifth Ohio having done its work, the artillery fire ceased. At 4 P.M. the One Hundred and Forty-fourth New York, having expended all its ammunition, returned, and at 4.15 the Thirty-second colored was ordered to the front, and the One Hundred and Forty-fourth New York reported to Preble and took its place in the intrenchment. The enemy throughout the day continued a fire of grape, shot, and shell from a bat tery on the right. About sundown the firing on both sides ceased, and our forces were withdrawn in good order, the Twenty-fifth Ohio having made the cutting which was the intent of the attack. Our loss in the fleet-brigade was one killed, eighteen wounded, and three missing. It is needless to add that officers and men behaved with gallantry and spirit. After the actions on Derang s neck of the 6th, yth, and 9th of December 170 History of the United States Marine Corps. no forward move was attempted, and the brigade remained in its intrench- ments near Talbird s house until permanently withdrawn. Two of the howitzers, however, were posted in a battery at the front, and two at the 3o-pounder Parrott battery on the extreme left of the lines for its support. On the i8th and i9th two rifled howitzers, which had been brought up in place of the two light howitzers sent to the rear, were placed in the swamp battery, and opened fire upon the railroad at a distance of eight hundred yards, doing it some damage ; the enemy did not return the fire. On the morning of the 26th it was planned for Lieutenant O Kane, with one hundred and twenty sailors and Marines, to take the two-gun battery at Dawson s Point, assaulting it in flank ; the morning proved very rainy, and on his making the attempt the intervening marsh was found to be impassable, and the enterprise was reluctantly abandoned. On the 28th the brigade embarked, the battalion of Marines returning to Bay Point. Casualties (in action at Boyd s Neck, November 30, 1864). Killed : First Sergeant Philip Napp, Company B. Wounded : Company A, Privates James Walker (mortally), Patrick Neilly, and Michael Maloney ; Company B, Sergeant Philip Clancy, Corporal John Young, and Private William Wilson. Missing: Company B, Private Robert Joyce. At Tulifinney Cross-Roads, December 6, 7, and 9. Wounded : Company C, Sergeant Edgar Kermerer; Company B, Private Thomas Mallen. Miss ing: Company C, Private Charles Brandt. Wounded: Company A, Sergeant R. C. Bates, Private James Gorman ; Company B, Sergeant Christopher Lutz, acting first lieutenant, mortally, left on the field, Privates Robert Kellon, Thomas Quinn, and William Gordon ; Company C, Corporal William McMurray. Steamer Donegal, Private P. W. Wood, drowned December 10. Company C, Privates Bernard Dyer and Man uel de Jesus. In his official report, Admiral Dahlgren said, "I desire to bring First Lieutenant Stoddard to the notice of the department. He did good service in the field with the Marines of the fleet brigade at Boyd s Neck and the Tulifinney, and now has the command of the largest force of Marines that has been collected for some time. He has always acquitted himself with credit. I would respectfully suggest a brevet." On the 29th of December the Secretary of the Navy again addressed General Grant, at the suggestion of the President, as follows : NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 29, 1864. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT, CITY POINT, VIRGINIA : The substance of despatches and reports from Rear-Admiral Porter, off Wilmington, is briefly this : The ships can approach nearer to the enemy s works than was antici pated. Their fire can keep the enemy away from their guns. A landing can easily be effected upon the beach north of Fort Fisher, not only of troops, but all their supplies and artillery. This force can have its flanks protected by gunboats. The Navy can History of the United States Marine Corps. 171 assist in the siege of Fort Fisher precisely as it covered the operations which resulted in the capture of Wagner. The winter, also, is the most favorable for operations against Fort Fisher. The largest naval force ever assembled is ready to lend its co-operation. Rear-Admiral Porter will remain off Fort Fisher, continuing a moderate fire to pre vent new works from being erected, and the ironclads have proved that they can maintain themselves in spite of bad weather. Under all these circumstances, I invite you to such a military co-operation as will insure the fall of Fort Fisher, the importance of which has already received your careful consideration. This telegram is made at the suggestion of the President, and in hopes that you will be able at this time to give the troops which heretofore were required elsewhere. If it cannot be done the fleet will have to disperse, whence it cannot again be brought to this coast. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Admiral Porter was accordingly informed of General Grant s intention in the following despatch : NAVY DEPARTMENT, Saturday, December 31, 1864. SIR, Lieutenant-General Grant will send immediately a competent force, properly commanded, to co-operate in the capture of the defences on Federal Point. It is ex pected that the troops will leave Hampton Roads next Monday or Tuesday. This is all the information the Department has to give you, but relies upon your skill and judgment to give full effect to any move that may be arranged. The Department is perfectly satisfied with your efforts thus far, and you will convey to all hands the satisfaction the Department feels. I am, sir, etc., GIDEON WELLES. REAR-ADMIRAL D. D. PORTER, Commanding N. A. Blockading Squadron, off Wilmington. Major-General Terry arrived at Beaufort on the 8th of January, and a new plan of operations was arranged. Two days of stormy weather succeeded, but on the i2th every preparation had been made, and the vessels got under way once more, ranged in three lines, with the trans ports in company. This time the order of attack was different. At 3 A.M., on the i3th, the New Ironsides, Commodore Radford, leading the monitors Saugus, Monadnoc, Canonicus, and the Mahopac, moved towards the fort, and received its fire unnoticed until they reached a position within a thousand yards of it, when they opened their batteries and a sharp fight ensued. At 8.30 A.M. a signal was made to the fleet to transport to land the troops. This was carried on so rapidly that by 2 P.M. eight thousand men were all ashore, with twelve days provisions and their intrenching tools. Then Porter ordered his wooden vessels to engage in the conflict. The bombardment was continuous until dark, to the severe damage of the armament of the fort, when the wooden vessels fell back to their anchorage. But the ironclads fired slowly throughout the night, by which the garrison was much demoralized. "By sunset," says Admiral I7 2 History of the United States Marine Corps. Porter, in his report, "the fort was reduced to a pulp; every gun was silenced by being injured or covered up with earth, so that they could not work. The bombardment continued with unremitting vigor through out the 1 4th, and a fire, magnificent alike for its power and accuracy, demonstrated the efficiency of the fleet. The i5th was the day designated for the grand attack by sea and land. The troops by this time were rested, after their long confinement on ship board, and were eager for the attack. At 9 A.M. the squadron was signalled by Admiral Porter to attack in three lines, and about eleven o clock they were all in position. Each had opened fire as they took position in line, and the bombardment was kept up furiously all day. At first the rebels replied with some effect, from the same batteries as before, but they were soon driven away into the bomb-proofs. Sixteen hundred sailors and four hundred Marines had been detailed to assist in the assault ; they were to attack the sea face of the fort, while the soldiers assaulted from the land side. By three o clock the troops were all in position, and the signal to change the direction of the fire was given, when the guns were turned on the upper batteries, away from the point where the assault was to be made. As soon as the army was found to be in motion, the men from the fleet were ordered to advance also. This they did on the run, along the beach. The sailors, being armed with cutlasses and pistols, were ex pected to treat the fort as a vessel, and board it with a dash. Before the assault made on the fort by the Marines and seamen, a strong force with shovels and picks threw up within six hundred yards of the fort a well- protected breastwork, and from that gradually advanced to within two hundred yards a succession of rifle-pits, which were most promptly occupied by a line of skirmishers composed of Marines, under Second Lieutenant L. E. Fagan. One sergeant and six privates, who became detached from Lieutenant Fagan s guard while in the intrenchments at the front, accompanied the army in the storming of the fort, and be haved with gallantry and coolness during the hand-to-hand conflict that ensued. In his report, Lieutenant Fagan called especial attention to the conduct of Corporal Tomlin, who, under a heavy fire from the enemy s sharp-shooters, advanced into an open plane close to the fort, and assisted a wounded comrade to a place of safety. The assaulting party was divided into four lines, the first line being composed of Marines under Captain L. L. Dawson. The Marines were divided into four companies, under command of Captain Butler, First Lieutenant Wallace, First Lieu tenant Corrie, and First Lieutenant Parker, giving First Lieutenant Williams charge of some twenty-five skirmishers, and First Lieutenant Meeker acting as adjutant. The first line advanced promptly to the rifle- pits, not without some loss to officers and men. The second, third, and fourth lines advanced rapidly up the sea face of Fort Fisher, and History of the United States Marine Corps. 173 nearly gained the parapet, supported by the fire of the Marines. The parapet was, however, lined with one dense mass of the enemy who had mistaken this for the main assault, and the advance was finally brought to a halt. The men evinced great determination and valor, but they failed to get any farther, though a few gained the parapet, only to be instantly swept away. The attack on the northeast bastion, however, had the effect of diverting the attention of the enemy, and the troops assaulting met with less opposition until a lodgement was made in the parapet not far from the river. Now commenced the terrible struggle. Up to this time the national loss had been comparatively small, for the Navy had kept the garrison quiet. Now it was compelled to cease firing at that part of the fort, for its shells would be as hurtful to friends as to foes. Instantly the garrison sprang to its guns, and musketeers swarmed upon the parapet. But General Curtis, who had effected a lodgement on the parapet, held his own until General Pennypacker came to his support. The latter advanced rapidly to General Curtis s right, drove the Con federates from the palisades, extending from the west end of the land face of the fort to the river, and captured a number of prisoners. The brigade broke through the palisades and joined General Curtis. The Confederates used the huge traverses of the land front for breast works, and over the tops of these the combatants fired in each other s faces, while the fleet kept up a continuous fire farther to the southward, to prevent reinforcements reaching the fort from the Mound Battery, or Battery Buchanan. The struggle was desperate. The Confederates were steadily pushed back, until, at dusk, they had lost nine of these traverses. At six o clock Abbot entered the fort with his little brigade, and at 9.30 o clock, when two more traverses had been carried, the contest ceased. Two thousand and eighty-three prisoners were captured. Admiral Porter immediately sent the following despatch : FROM OFF FORT FISHER, January 15, 1865. SIR, Fort Fisher is ours. I send you a bearer of despatches with a brief account of the affair. General Terry is entitled to the highest praise and gratitude of his country for the manner in which he has conducted his part of the operations. He is my beau ideal of a soldier and a general. Our co-operation has been most cordial. The result is victory, which will always be ours when the army and Navy go hand in hand. The Navy loss in the assault was heavy. The army loss is also heavy. D. D. PORTER, Rear- Admiral. HON. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, The following vessels composed the fleet in the second attack : Ironclad division : New Ironsides, Commodore William Radford ; Saugus, Commander E. R. Calhoun ; Canonicus, Lieutenant-Commander 1 74 History of the United States Marine Corps. George E. Belknap ; Mahopac, Lieutenant-Commander A. W. Weaver ; Monadnock, Commander E. G. Parrott. Line No. i, Brooklyn, Captain James Alden, leading, consisted of the Mohican, Commander Daniel Ammen ; Tacony, Lieutenant-Commander W. T. Truxtun ; Kansas, Lieutenant-Commander P. G. Watmough ; Yantic, Lieutenant-Commander T. C. Harris; Unadilla, Lieutenant- Commander F. M. Ramsay; Huron, Lieutenant- Commander T. O. Sel- fridge ; Maumee, Lieutenant-Commander Ralph Chandler ; Pequot, Lieutenant-Commander D. L. Braine; Pawtuxet, Commander J. H. Spotts; Seneca, Lieutenant-Commander M. Sicard ; Pontoosuc, Lieu tenant-Commander W. G. Temple ; Nereus, Commander J. C. Howell. Line No. 2, Minnesota, Commodore Joseph Lanman, leading, con sisted of the Colorado, Commodore H. K. Thatcher; Wabash, Captain M. Smith ; Susquehanna, Commodore S. W. Godon ; Powhatan, Com modore J. F. Schenck ; Juniata, Lieutenant Commander T. S. Phelps; Shenandoah, Captain D. B. Ridgley ; Ticonderoga, Captain Charles Steedman ; Vanderbilt, Captain C. W. Pickering; Mackinaw, Commander J. C. Beaumont; Tuscarora, Commander J. M. Frailey. Line No. 3, Santiago de Cuba, Captain O. S. Glisson, leading, con sisted of the Fort Jackson, Captain B. F. Sands; Osceola, Commander J. M. B. Clitz ; Sassacus, Lieutenant-Commander J. L. Davis; Chippewa, Lieutenant-Commander E. E. Potter ; R. R. Cuyler, Commander C. H. B. Caldwell ; Maratanza, Lieutenant-Commander George W. Young ; Rhode Island, Commander S. D. Trenchard ; Monticello, Lieutenant W. B. Gushing ; Alabama, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant A. R. Langthorne ; Montgomery, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant T. C. Dunn ; losco, Com mander John Guest. The reserve division, under Lieutenant-Commander J. H. Upshur, in the A. D. Vance, consisted of the Britannia, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. A. Sheldon ; Tristam Shandy, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant F. M. Green; Lillian, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant T. A. Harris; Fort Donelson, Acting Master G. W. Frost ; Wilderness, Acting Master H. Arey; Aries, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant F. S. Wells; Governor Buckingham, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. McDiarmid ; the Nanse- monde, Acting Master J. H. Porter ; Little Ada, Acting Master S. P. Crafts ; Eolus, Acting Master E. S. Keyser, and Republic, Acting Ensign J. W. Bennett, being used as despatch vessels. The fall of Fort Fisher rendered all the other works at the mouth of the Cape Fear River untenable, and during the nights of the i6th and 1 7th the Confederates blew up Fort Caswell, on the right bank of the river. They also abandoned Battery Holmes, on Smith s Island, and their extensive works at Smithville and Reeves Point, and fled towards Wilmington. The triumph of the army and Navy was now complete. History of the United States Marine Corps. 175 The army lost in the attack six hundred and eighty-one men, of whom, eighty-eight were killed, five hundred wounded, and twenty-two missing. Among the wounded were General Bell, mortally, and Generals Curtis and Pennypacker, severely. On the morning after the victory, while the exultant soldiers, sailors, and Marines were swarming into the fort, its principal magazine, buried deep in the earth, at the centre of the parade, exploded, killing two hundred and wounding one hundred men. The fleet lost about three hundred men during the action, among whom were the gallant Lieutenants Preston and Porter. During the bombardment about fifty thousand shells were expended, and during the first attack about eighteen thousand. Major-General Terry, in his official report of the engagement, says, "I should signally fail to do my duty were I to omit to speak in terms of the highest admiration of the part borne by the Navy in our operations. In all ranks, from Admiral Porter to his seamen, there was the utmost desire not only to do their proper work, but to facilitate in every possible manner the operations of the land forces. To him, and to the untiring efforts of his officers and men, we are indebted that our men, stores, tools, and ammunition were safely and expeditiously landed, and that our wounded and prisoners were embarked for transportation to the North \ to the great accuracy and power of their fire it is owing that we had not to confront a formidable artillery in the assault, and that we were able, with but little loss, to push forward the men, preparatory to it, to a point nearly as favorable for it as the one they would have occupied had siege operations been undertaken and the work systematically approached. The assault of the sailors and Marines, although it failed, undoubtedly contributed somewhat to our success, and certainly nothing could surpass the perfect skill with which the fleet was handled by its commander." After the engagement, five officers of the Corps were recommended for gallantry in the face of the enemy, by Admiral Porter, viz., Captains L. L. Dawson and George Butler, and First Lieutenants William Wallace, Charles F. Williams, and Louis E. Fagan. Lieutenant-Commander Parker, in his report to Admiral Porter, mentions Captain George Butler and Lieutenant William Wallace as being at the front. Commodore S. W. Godon, commanding the Sus- quehanna, said, "Lieutenant Wallace was wounded severely in the charge on the fort. I particularly regret the injury to this officer, as he cannot well be replaced by his Corps in the affections of this ship." The following is an extract from the report of Fleet Captain K. R. Breese : "I wish to bear witness to the handsome manner in which Lieutenant Fagan of the Marine Corps did his duty with his sharp-shooters, and to the gallantry he exhibited in advancing his men so close to the enemy s works." Lieutenant-Commander F. B. Blake, of the Susquehanna, says, " We had fourteen wounded ; among them, I regret to state, Lieutenant 176 History of the United States Marine Corps. Wallace, whose gallantry was conspicuous, especially in his efforts to rally his men." The bravery and efficient service of the present Captain Porter, son of the admiral, who at the time held a clerkship, won for him a commission in the Marines. The reports of the officers of the various vessels bear testimony to the nature of the services rendered by those Marines who did not land. Commodore J. F. Schenck, commanding the Powhatan, said, "It is due to the Marines of this ship, and to their commander, First Lieutenant F. H. Corrie, that the utmost alacrity and cheerfulness was shown in the performance of their duty." The list of officers of the Corps attached to vessels in this engagement was as follows : Colorado, Captain L. L. Dawson and First Lieutenant E. P. Meeker; Minnesota, Captain George Butler; Brooklyn, Captain G. P. Houston; Vanderbilt, First Lieutenant W. H. Parker; Powhatan, First Lieutenant F. H. Corrie ; New Ironsides, First Lieutenant R. S. Collum and Second Lieutenant A. B. Young; Susquehanna, First Lieu tenant William Wallace; Ticonderoga, First Lieutenant C. F. Williams; Wabash, First Lieutenant L. E. Fagan. The following is the list of the killed and wounded and missing: From the Colorado, killed in the assault, Privates Andrew Munn, William Thomas, and Patrick Caine; wounded in the assault, Sergeant Daniel Kelley. Minnesota, killed in the assault, Privates Daniel O Neil and William Burke; wounded in the assault, Corporal Thomas O Leary, Privates Joseph Simmerman, John Calhoun, Edward O Brien, William Duggan, and Nathaniel O Donnell. Powhatan, missing, Corporal Rulon, Musician Bourke ; Privates Benson, Wasmuth, Hicks, and O Brien, 2d ; wounded in the assault, Corporal Abijah Ball, Privates Owen Daly, James Conan, James Casgriff, Patrick O Donnel, Will Kegsl, and Frank Alick. Susquehanna, killed in the assault, Privates Thomas Brennan, N. S. Minkoff ; wounded in the assault, First Lieutenant William Wallace, Corporal White Henlett, and Private John Costello. Santiago de Cuba, wounded in the assault, Privates James Sherry, Charles McCarty, and John Mahan. Wabash, wounded in the assault, Privates William Daly (since dead), Esek Bailey, and Moran ; Privates George Brown and Scanlan, by explosion of mag azine in Fort Fisher. Shenandoah, killed in the assault, Private Charles Jones. Ticonderoga, killed by explosion in Fort Fisher, Private Charles Colcord. Brooklyn, wounded in the assault, Private James Jackson. Tuscarora, wounded in the assault, Corporal A. Collum and Private J. B. Jenkins. Rhode Island, wounded in the assault, Private John Daisy. Mohican, wounded in the assault, Sergeant Oscar Smith, Corporal John Graham, Privates John L. Russell, Stephen Moore, and by the explosion in Fort Fisher, Privates William F. Ryan and Richard Broderick. Osce- ola, wounded in the assault, Private William Williams. Juniata, killed in the assault, Private Edward Brennan ; wounded, Private John Redden. Maratanza, wounded in the assault, Private Charles Sullivan. History of the United States Marine Corps. 177 The following is a list of Marines who received honorable mention : On the Ticonderoga, Orderly Sergeant Isaac N. Fry, "recommended for coolness, good conduct, and skill as captain of a gun;" Shenandoah, Privates Charles Smith, Adolph Burton, Wilmer D. Lyne, James Whyte, and Thomas S. Brown, mentioned "for gallant conduct in the assault;" Minnesota, Corporal John Rannahan and Privates John Shivers and Henry Thompson " behaved bravely." The capture of Fort Fisher by the combined efforts of the army and Navy, under those gallant and distinguished officers, Porter and Terry, gave the liveliest satisfaction to the loyal people, for it seemed like a sure prophecy of peace nigh at hand. All the participants in the contest were regarded with gratitude and honored everywhere. When the Ticonderoga, Captain Steedman, and the Shenandoah, Captain Ridgley, of Admiral Porter s fleet, arrived at Philadelphia, a pleasing incident in illustration of the public feeling occurred. The officers, seamen, and Marines of both vessels were invited to dine at the Soldiers Reading-Room, which was under the immediate manage ment of Miss McHenry, a lady well and widely known by her acts of benevolence and patriotism. The invitation was accepted. An elegantly- arranged and sumptuous dinner was prepared, and a military band was in attendance. After dinner one of the men of the Shenandoah presented to the ladies two flags, one of which was shot from the mast-head of his ship during the bombardment of Fort Fisher. The following despatch from Admiral Dahlgren, dated on board the flag-ship Harvest Moon, Rebellion Roads, Harbor of Charleston, Feb ruary 1 8, shows the progress made up to that date: "Charleston was abandoned this morning by the rebels. I am now on my way to the city." On the 26th of February, Admiral Dahlgren reported to the Department an important result of the work in which he was engaged, the occupation of Georgetown, South Carolina; that town and its de fences having been occupied by the forces under his command. The town was held by six companies of Marines, under Lieutenant Stoddard, and the battery, fifteen guns, by one company of Marines, under Lieu tenant Breese. First Lieutenant Charles F. Williams, of the Marines, was ordered to the battalion under the command of Lieutenant Stoddard, and remained on duty with it during the occupation of Georgetown. The following officers of the Corps were attached to this squadron during the year 1864, and part of 1865 : First Lieutenant George G. Stoddard, First Lieutenant Charles F. Williams, and Second Lieutenant James B. Breese ; in the East Gulf Squadron, during the same time, First Lieutenant Eugene A. Smalley; West Gulf Squadron, Second Lieutenant C. L. Sherman. The following is the report of the final disposition of the remains of the gallant Bradford : IpS History of the United States Marine Corps. REMOVAL OF THE REMAINS OF LIEUTENANT BRADFORD, UNITED STATES MARINES, FROM POTTER S FIELD. REPORT OF REAR-ADMIRAL J. A. DAHLGREN. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, CHARLESTON HARBOR, March 17, 1865. SIR, I have just caused the remains of Lieutenant Bradford (United States Marines) to be restored to the cemetery wherein they were first deposited. He was mortally wounded in the assault on Sumter, September 8, 1863, and taken prisoner. After death, Dr. Mackey, of Charleston, had the body interred in the Magnolia Cemetery, but when it became known, so much excitement was manifested that it was found neces sary to remove it and place it in the Potter s field. As soon as the public service would permit, I took the necessary measures to reverse the savage and disgraceful act of the rebel community. The body was taken to St. Paul s, where service and a sermon were gone through by Chaplain Blake, United States Navy ; then taken back to Magnolia Cemetery, and there reinterred with all the honor due to the memory of a gallant officer who had fallen in the cause of his country. I was present, also General Hatch, and many officers of the army and Navy. A detachment of United States infantry attended, a detachment of seamen from the ships, the escort being Marines. I have to thank Gen eral Hatch for the promptness and courtesy with which means were supplied for the occasion. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear- Admiral, Coni dg S. A. B. Squadron. HON. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. CHAPTER XXVIII. 1865. Assassination of the President The Arrest of Semmes. ON the i5th of April, the day of the death of President Lincoln, and for several days afterwards, the wildest rumors were circulated in the city of Washington; the sentinels at the various posts were doubled, but the indefatigable and untiring energy of General Augur brought order out of chaos and allayed the fears of the timid citizens. The guard at the Navy-Yard gate, under the temporary command of First Lieutenant R. S. Collum, was strengthened, sentinels were doubled, and two monitors, the Saugus and the Montauk, were moored at the Navy-Yard wharf, head and stern, upon which a strong attachment of Marines were stationed under the command of Captain F. Munroe, with Lieutenants J. M. T. Young, D. P. Mannix, E. R. Miller, and H. Bigelow as his subordinates, to provide for contingencies. The authori ties had determined to confine those who might be arrested as suspects, in connection with the assassination and great conspiracy, on board the monitors named. The first man arrested was Paine, who was brought at midnight to the History of the United States Marine Corps. 179 Navy-Yard in a closed carriage. He was received at the gate from the detectives, and transferred to the monitor, where he was confined in double irons, in a cell closely guarded. The next one received was Azterodt; then came Spangler, Arnold, O Laughlin, Dr. Mudd, and a Portuguese, whose name cannot now be recalled. Finally Harold was brought in with Booth s body, and all of the prisoners were guarded by the Marines with the exception of Mrs. Surrat. Paine, in the extremity of his despair, attempted suicide by beating his head against the iron walls of his cell. To prevent any future at tempt, a padded hood was constructed which completely covered his head, leaving nothing but his mouth and nostrils exposed, and secured under his chin by a throat-latch securely locked. The other conspira tors were secured in the same manner. These men were kept on the monitors for a period of a week after the autopsy on Booth s body, and were then transferred to the arsenal. After their arrival at the arsenal the Portuguese was released. Booth s body was brought to the Navy-Yard, and placed upon a car penter s bench on the monitor Montauk, securely guarded. Visitors were excluded, no one being permitted to enter except with a pass signed jointly by the Secretaries of War and Navy. An autopsy was performed upon the body of Booth by distinguished medical officers of the army and Navy, and Dr. May, an eminent civilian, in the presence of other officials ; also in the presence of Colonel Baker. It now became a question with the authorities how to dispose of the body. It was at first determined to place the remains in the hands of Colonel Baker, with orders to sink it at sea ; this idea was abandoned at the eleventh hour, and at midnight, after the autopsy was performed, the body was delivered to Baker. He conveyed it to the old penitentiary in the arsenal grounds, where it was buried in a cell. Subsequently it was removed and buried at the foot of the gallows with the other male factors who were executed. Some years afterwards, Edwin Booth, who was always known as a loyal man, and who went into dignified retire ment after the tragedy, requested permission from the government to remove his brother s remains. This request was granted, and the dust of John Wilkes Booth reposes in the family lot in a cemetery in Baltimore. About the ist of December, 1865, on returning to his station at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, from which he had been absent a few days, Lieutenant L. P. French of the Marines found a telegram awaiting him, directing him " to report in person, without a moment s delay, to the Sec retary of the Navy." He lost no time in complying with this mysterious summons, which had created no little excitement among the officers at the yard, and on arrival at Washington he found much curiosity aroused among the officers there in regard to the matter. He was soon ordered, under in junctions of the strictest secrecy, by the Secretary of the Navy, to pre- 1 80 History of the United States Marine Corps. pare at once to find and arrest Raphael Semmes, the commander of the Alabama. He was directed to select a sufficient force from the non commissioned officers of the Corps to accompany him, to give all neces sary aid and protection. After making a suitable selection, he reported to the Secretary of the Navy as ready for final instructions. The Sec retary gave him an order to proceed to Vicksburg or elsewhere, wher ever he might find Semmes, and return with him to Washington. On receiving this order, the question arose as to whether it was not in excess of the authority of the Secretary of the Navy, as Semmes was no longer a naval officer, and if upon land in the locality where he was supposed to be, he was under military jurisdiction ; especially as he had been paroled as a brigadier-general of the Confederate service. The order was, therefore, taken to Mr. Stanton, the Secretary of War, and by him endorsed as follows: "All officers subject to the orders of the War Department will render Lieutenant French whatever aid he may deem necessary to execute the within order. (Signed) Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War." Equipped with this order, and with charges and specifications duly set ting forth the offences for which it was proposed to try Semmes, Lieu tenant French proceeded as directed. On reaching Louisville, Kentucky, he was led to believe that Semmes was not at Vicksburg. He, however, proceeded down the Mississippi, stopping at Memphis, where his views were confirmed, and upon going to Vicksburg, he found that Semmes had not been there for several months, nor could he gain any tidings of him. He continued on down the river, but learned nothing of Semmes s where abouts until he reached New Orleans. There he met Major Lovell, the efficient provost marshal general on General Canby s staff. It was learned from him that Semmes had been in New Orleans a few weeks before, and had gone, as was thought, to Mobile, where it was understood his family resided. French proceeded directly to that place, and a few moments after leaving the steamer met the object of his search in the street. Al though he had never seen Semmes before, no one who had ever seen his photograph could possibly mistake him. As he had not announced his arrival or the object of his mission to the military authority of the place, he deferred making the arrest until he had conferred with the officer in command. He soon had reason to regret this delay, for, although he made all haste to report himself to the commanding officer of the De partment, and to acquaint him with the purpose of the visit, during the time thus occupied Semmes left the city, as he was doubtless about to do when the lieutenant met him. Lieutenant French had been thrown off his guard in this particular by being informed, very positively, that Semmes s home was in the city. But it was found that he resided some miles out of town. Lieutenant French was not a little surprised to find that few even of the army officers seemed at all familiar with the history History of the United States Marine Corps. 1 8 1 of Semmes, or the fact that he had played a very conspicuous part in the great war drama just at its close. After availing himself of every means of information that could be obtained in the city of Mobile, he became satisfied that the Spring Hill road, where it was said Semmes lived, was not honored by the residence of that distinguished individual. Fearing that to delay and await his return might put further off his arrest, French determined to find him that night, if possible. It was 2.30 P.M. when he arrived in Mobile, but, although he did not allow himself a moment for refreshment, darkness had already set in. The force to be taken with him was left to his dis cretion, and he took a guard of about thirty men, and ordered three car riages, in one of which were two sergeants, who had accompanied him from Washington, and a detective. He was not long in discovering that the information which the detective furnished "sprang from an over- vivid imagination." He therefore reduced the otherwise useless indi vidual to the rank of driver, and substituted an intelligent contraband in his place. After driving out on the road referred to, and making many inquiries, a man was finally found who had heard of this noted priva- teersman. He informed Lieutenant French that Semmes resided some six or seven miles out of the city, on the Durham road. To reach this road they had to retrace their steps some two miles to a cross-road, and by a circuitous route the Durham road was finally reached. The night was cloudy and the darkness intense, and, as the military authorities at Mobile were under the impression that the country round about the city was still infested by guerillas, the guard that accompanied the expedition felt a good deal of trepidation. Following the direction of the new found guide, Lieutenant French proceeded along the road some two or three miles, and ^finally reached a gate at the foot of an avenue leading to the house where Semmes lived. Taking the contraband and the two sergeants of Marines with him, French groped his way up the dark avenue, some sixty rods, to the house. He rapped at the door, and a little girl, some twelve or fourteen years of age, opened it. He inquired if Captain Semmes was at home. She answered that he was, when French turned to the colored man and told him to go down to the carriages and send up the guard. The little girl was alarmed at seeing the men ; she hastily shut the door, and ran through the hall. Lieutenant French quickly opened the door, and saw her enter a door at the end of the hall. Presuming that she ran directly to her father, he approached the door and knocked, and was greeted by a gruff voice, telling him to come in. On entering the room he recognized Semmes. Introducing himself, he said, "I am Lieutenant French of the Marine Corps, and I am here, by orders of the Navy Department, to present you with this order," handing him the order for his arrest. 1 82 History of the United States Marine Corps. Semmes took it with evident astonishment, and, seating himself by a table, scanned the document with the greatest interest. After deliber ating for a few minutes, he turned to French, and, in a contemptuous manner, said, "Well, sir, what are your orders in the premises?" French replied, "For you to get ready to start for Mobile with me in five minutes." Semmes rose from his seat and demanded to know if General Woods, the general in command of the Department, knew of this "outrage" being perpetrated. French asked, "What outrage?" He said, "Tearing me from the bosom of my family in this summary and violent manner." French replied, "I know of no one more familiar with summary proceedings than yourself, and, although General Woods has been informed that you are to be arrested, it could make no- difference ; my orders, as you have seen, are from a higher authority." At this moment Semmes s family, consisting of his wife, three grown daughters, a son twenty- five years of age, and the little girl, rushed into the room, the ladies much agitated. The lieutenant began to reassure them, when Semmes ordered his family all out of the room, and com manded them to be quiet. Not knowing but that they might appeal to their neighbors, if they had any, or some power that would interfere with the object of his mission, French inquired of Semmes if his friends would attempt to interfere with his arrest. He replied, very emphati cally, " No, sir ! it is enough for my family and my friends to know that the United States government orders this." He then requested to be allowed until ten o clock the next morning to make preparations for his journey. This was finally conceded, but when informed that he must select his room, and remain in it under guard, his temper again forsook him, and he protested violently against what he termed "a gross outrage" to perpetrate on an officer of his rank, claiming that his parole should be accepted. Lieutenant French replied that he did not concede to his prisoner any military or naval rank whatever, and should treat him accordingly, and that his treatment would be measured only by his good behavior. Semmes then went to his room, and French proceeded to station a guard in and about his house. Nothing occurred worthy of note until the appointed time on the fol lowing morning, when Semmes took his departure with his captor for Mobile, where they took the steamer for New Orleans. Lieutenant French was urged by the military authorities to take a large guard as far as New Orleans, as they anticipated that the fact of the arrest would be telegraphed there, and that the friends of Semmes might rally and attempt to rescue him. But French s interview, while at New Orleans, with Major Lovell convinced him that the discipline in that city was too efficient to permit any thing of the kind. Nor was he in this regard mistaken, for, although when they reached the city the depot was surrounded by a crowd, no effort was made to rescue the prisoner. :f 1 JAMES FORNEY, BREVET LIEUTENANT-COLONEL U. S. MARINE CORF History of the United States Marine Corps. 183 At Semmes s request, French drove with him at once to General Canby s head-quarters, as Semmes wished to see that officer and entreat that he should not be locked up in a prison, of which he seemed to be in greater dread than of anything else. On reaching Canby s head-quarters, and being shown into a reception-room, French entered the parlor and informed General Canby of the object of the visit. General Canby re turned with him to the reception-room, when French said, "General Canby, this is Captain Semmes." Semmes, on rising and bowing to the general, said, very imperiously, "Admiral Semmes, if you please, sir!" The general returned his salute with only a dignified bow. Either from the failure to have his rank and title recognized in accordance with his demand, or moved by the dignified manner of General Canby, or possibly by a realization of his position, the prisoner was much embarrassed and ill at ease. General Canby remarked that he would not interfere with any disposition that French desired to make of the prisoner, and so the interview terminated. French took Semmes to the St. Charles Hotel, to await the sailing of the steamer for New York, three days after. The trip to New York was without incident, and upon arrival at Wash ington, Semmes was delivered to the commandant of the Navy-Yard in that city. He remained a close prisoner at the Marine Barracks under the special care of Lieutenant Cochrane, until April, when he was released without trial and restored to his parole. CHAPTER XXIX. 1866-71. The Great Fire in Portland, Maine Grade of Brigadier-General created Services in Aid of the Civil Power Fight at Formosa Capture of Filibusters Aiding the Civil Authorities Capture of the Forward Darien Expedition Valu able Services in aiding the Revenue Officers. 1866. A fire broke out in the city of Portland, Maine, late on the afternoon of July 4, 1866, and spread with such fearful rapidity that in a very brief time a valuable portion of the city was burned. As is usually the case in times of public distress or excitement, thieves and lawless persons from other cities gathered in Portland, anticipating a rich harvest of plunder from the effects of the suffering inhabitants. The city became so infested with these birds of prey that, on the evening of the 6th, it was determined by the city authorities to ask for military aid. Early on the morning of the yth a telegram was sent to the commandant of the Navy-Yard at Kittery, Maine, asking for as many Marines as could be spared. Promptly on receipt of the despatch, with scarcely an hour s warning or preparation, Lieutenant-Colonel James H. Jones left Ports- 1 84 History of the United States Marine Corps, mouth in command of two companies of Marines, and arrived in Portland at 1 2. 30 P.M. Upon arrival, a strong line of sentinels was posted through out the burned district and in other avenues of the city ; many persons were arrested and quiet soon established. The Marines remained on duty until the nth of July, when they returned to the station. Colonel Jones, his officers and men, received the thanks of the city government,, in a series of resolutions, for the very valuable services rendered on that occasion. The full strength of the battalion was as follows : Lieutenant- Colonel James H. Jones, commanding; first company, Captain John- Schermerhorn, three sergeants, three corporals, two musicians, and fifty privates ; second company, First Lieutenant Henry J. Bishop, two ser geants, two corporals, two musicians, and fifty privates. 1867. In the latter part of February, 1867, by act of Congress, the grade of colonel-commandant was abolished, and that of brigadier-general and commandant substituted. Accordingly, on the 2d of March, Colonel- Commandant J. Zeilin was commissioned brigadier-general. At the time of the raid on the illegal whiskey establishments in Phila delphia, a force of Marines, consisting of about one hundred men, under command of Brevet Major L. L. Dawson, Brevet Captain Fagan, and Lieutenant Ford, aided the civil authorities in preserving the peace, and in protecting the officers from being assaulted by the mob. During the excitement over the efforts of Brooklyn, New York, whiskey men to defraud the government, the Federal officers called on the com mandant at the Navy- Yard for aid in enforcing the law. In accordance with this call, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Broome of the Marines, with four companies, was ordered to the scene of the troubles at " Irishtown. 5 " The two companies which first arrived on the spot were commanded by Brevet Captain William Wallace and Second Lieutenant James B. Breese. The other companies, which left the barracks at a later hour, were officered by Brevet Major G. P. Houston, Captain William J. Squires, Brevet Captain E. P. Meeker, and First Lieutenant Sherman. The duty which the Marines were called to execute at this time was of a peculiarly delicate nature ; but their courageous bearing, fine discipline, and gentlemanly deportment, in the face of much peril, as well as of the most exciting provocation, won the highest commendation alike of the city authorities and the Federal officials. On the 7th of June, Admiral Bell, in accordance with instructions,, left Shanghai in the Hartford, accompanied by the Wyoming, Lieuten ant-Commander Carpenter commanding, for the south end of the island of Formosa, to destroy, if possible, the lurking-places of the band of savages inhabiting the southeast end of that island, who murdered, the preceding March, the shipwrecked officers and crew of the American bark Rover. The landing of one hundred and eighty-one officers, sailors, and Marines, provided with four days rations and water, was made on History of the United States Marine Corps. 185 the i3th, under the command of Commander G. E. Belknap, of the Hartford, accompanied by Lieutenant-Commander Alexander S. McKen- zie, fleet lieutenant, as second in command ; the latter earnestly sought to go on the expedition ; but his valor was rewarded only by death, as he was killed in the fight. In the terrible heat, and surrounded by savages in ambush, the Marines and sailors fought desperately, burning a number of native huts, and chasing the warriors until they could chase them no longer, though at a grievous cost of life. The Marines were under command of Captain James Forney, who submitted the following report to Commander Belknap, dated on board the flag-ship Hartford, at sea, June 17 : "I have the honor herewith to submit a brief report of the part taken by the Marines on the i3th inst., on the island of Formosa. On first landing, by your order, I took charge of twenty Marines, deploying them forward as skirmishers. A dense and almost impenetrable thicket of bush prevented the men from advancing very rapidly. I penetrated with them to a creek about half a mile from the beach without meeting with any of the enemy, and was then recalled for further orders. You then instructed me to leave a sergeant and five men on the beach, and to advance with the main body, headed by yourself. In consequence of all further operations coming under your own observation, I have nothing further to report, except that the men behaved gallantly, and deserve credit for the manner in which they marched over such a rough and hilly country, and under such intense, scorching heat. Orderly-Sergeant Gottermeyer was of great assistance to me during the entire day, and deserves favorable mention. A few of the men were struck down by the oppressive heat of the sun, but were not seriously injured, and are now doing their usual duty. The entire number of Marines on shore was forty-three, thirty-one of whom were from this ship, and twelve from the Wyoming." Having accom plished all that was possible, Admiral Bell returned to Takao on the i4th, and there buried the remains of the brave McKenzie in the grounds of the British consulate. 1869. On the 1 3th of July, Lieutenant Breese was ordered from the Marine Barracks, Brooklyn, to report to General Barlow, United States marshal, to aid in preventing a violation of the neutrality laws. He pro ceeded, in the revenue cutter Mahoning to Gardiner s Island, at the east end of Long Island, where, on the i6th, with a company of fifty Marines, he surrounded a camp of Cuban filibusters, and captured one hundred and twenty-five of them. The prisoners were sent on board of the Mahoning and carried to New York, where the expedition arrived the next day. 1870. On the 25th of March, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel J. L. Broome, commanding the Marine barracks at the Brooklyn Navy-Yard, received a communication from Rear-Admiral S. W. Godon, to the effect that the latter had been applied to by the assistant assessor of the Third New 1 86 History of the United States Marine Corps. York District for a force of Marines, to assist the United States Internal Revenue officers in seizing and destroying a number of illicit distilleries. Colonel Broome was ordered to prepare a force of at least one hundred men, and as many more as he could conveniently spare for the purpose, and make the necessary arrangements with Assistant Assessor J. B. Wass to carry out the law for the suppression of the illegal operations, affording every protection to the assessors. In obedience to the order, he ar ranged with the assistant assessor to accompany him to " Irishtown," on the 28th, for the purpose of affording protection to the United States revenue officers. The Marines, when joined by a detachment from the United States receiving-ship Vermont, numbered one hundred and twenty- nine men. This force was, with loaded muskets and forty rounds of ball cartridges, in readiness to leave the barracks at the appointed time. Colonel Broome and his command left the barracks, accompanied by the Internal Revenue officers. They proceeded to Irishtown, where a large crowd of rioters had assembled. The mob greeted the Marines with yells and shouts of defiance, crying out, "Irishtown is ready for you !" "The rangers will warm you!" etc. Some stones were thrown at this time, but no one was injured. On arriving at Plymouth Street, the im mediate neighborhood was occupied by the Marines. The mob was violent, and stones, brick-bats, etc., began to fly rapidly. One of these missiles, evidently thrown at the Marines, struck a police officer on the head, injuring him severely. At this, Colonel Broome made a slight demonstration with the command, which seemed to remind the mob that a continuance of their proceedings might be attended with some danger to themselves, for they became in a measure quiet, and showed evident signs of timidity. Bricks and stones, however, after this, were thrown at intervals from the house-tops. In the mean time, while the Marines were subjected to these annoyances in the street, the Internal Revenue officers were engaged in destroying a large illicit distillery. When this was accomplished, the command moved to another distillery, which was soon put out of working order by the Internal Revenue officers. The assessors, having accomplished all they intended for the day, were es corted to a locality half a mile from " Irishtown," followed by a crowd of ruffians, who were cursing and abusing them all the way. The revenue officers, supposing that they no longer required protection, wheeled out of column, and had proceeded up Myrtle Avenue a short distance, when the mob rushed after them. Colonel Broome made a movement to assist the revenue officers, seeing which the mob scattered rapidly. First Lieutenant Henry J. Bishop was on duty at the place where most of the disturbance occurred, and was very energetic and efficient in the per formance of his duties. The thanks of the numerous officers were duly presented to Colonel Broome, and the conduct of the Marines was men tioned in the most complimentary terms by General McDowell. History of the United States Marine Corps. 1 87 On the 6th of June information was received by the United States consul at Mazatlan, from the consul at Guaymas, Mexico, that the steamer Forward, bearing the San Salvador flag, had landed between one hundred and two hundred men of different nationalities, who had taken possession of and robbed the custom-house, forced the foreign merchants to contribute funds and goods to a large amount, compelled the United States consul, under protest, to supply coal for the steamer, and com mitted other outrages. On learning these facts, Commander W. W. Low of the Mohican, at Mazatlan, immediately made preparations for getting under way, it being reported that the Forward was still in the Gulf of California. A few days later the Forward was captured and burned in the harbor of Boca Teacapan, a place about half-way between Mazatlan and San Bias. The destruction of the piratical craft Was ac complished by the Marines and sailors of the Mohican in six boats, under command of Lieutenant Brownson, who in his report mentions, among others, the conduct of First Sergeant Philip Moore and Corporal F. Moulton of the Marines as deserving special notice. Accompanying the important Darien exploring expedition of the year, under Commander Thomas O. Selfridge of the Navy, was a force of sixty Marines, under Brevet Major George P. Houston, Lieutenants Goodrell and Allen. Although the mission was one of a peaceful nature, the de tachment had the honor to serve in an expedition whose results were of great importance to the commercial interests of the world, under a naval officer who has done more to solve the great problem of interoceanic communication than has been accomplished by any one else. On the 2d and 3d of November, of the same year, the Marines were again called on to assist the revenue officers. The force numbered two hun dred and forty-five officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates, and was employed in protecting the officers of the Internal Revenue Depart ment, while engaged in " Irishtown," in seizing and breaking up illicit stills. They were employed in those localities where the people were most unruly, and it became necessary, in consequence of the mob stoning the men, to charge upon the rioters on two occasions, occupy the roofs and upper stories of many houses, tear down fences, etc., all of which was promptly done by the Marines. Colonel Broome was ably assisted by Captain and Brevet Major G. P. Houston, First Lieutenant and Brevet Captain E. B. Meeker, First Lieutenant F. D. Webster, First Lieutenant E. R. Robinson, and Second Lieutenant G. C. Goodloe, who did all they could to make the duty they were engaged in a success, and all deserved great credit. It became necessary in some instances to place detachments in charge of Orderly-Sergeant James W. Buckley, Sergeant Thomas B. Isham, and Sergeants Ethelbert Reese, William Stanly, and Rudolph Bamberg, who performed their duty well. In a communication from General Zeilin, commandant of the Corps, 1 88 History of the United States Marine Corps. to Colonel Broome, dated at Head-quarters Marine Corps, Washington, District of Columbia, November 27, the general said, "I acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the i4th inst., enclosing copies of letters of thanks and commendations of Supervisor L. B. Butcher, and the colonel commanding troops during the recent operations at Brooklyn, New York, etc. I have read with peculiar pleasure and satisfaction the testimony borne by these authorities as to the valuable services rendered by the Marines on the occasion referred to. The services which the officers and men were called upon to perform on this trying occasion were of a delicate nature, requiring firmness and discretion. To the display of these qualities is due the successful and bloodless result of these operations. I highly appreciate your conduct throughout as command ing officer of the Marines. The ready and able assistance afforded you by Captain G. P. Houston, First Lieutenants E. P. Meeker, Frank D. Webster, E. R. Robinson, and Second Lieutenant G. C. Goodloe, as well as by the non-commissioned officers and privates, is deserving of the warmest commendation, and reflects credit upon all concerned." 1871. On the 1 2th and I3th of January, 1871, the services of the Marines at the Brooklyn Yard were again called inta requisition in aiding the revenue officers in that portion of Brooklyn known as "Irishtown." A detachment from the Eighth Infantry was also employed. On the i2th two large distilleries were broken up, and in- accomplishing this the whole day was consumed. On the next day, Brevet Major-General Vogdes informed Colo nel Broome that, in consequence of the irregularity of some of the soldiers, he desired that the Marines should be exclusively employed in protecting the workmen at all the different distilleries in " Irishtown," and also to guard all public property and material seized. In consequence of this arrangement, the Marines were formed in detachments, occupied all distilleries seized in lc Irishtown," guarded all the material seized and all the workmen employed. The different guards were in charge of Captain and Brevet Major G. Porter Houston, First Lieutenant and Brevet Captain E. P. Meeker, First Lieutenant Erastus R. Robinson, Second Lieutenant S. K. Allen, Second Lieutenant E. T. Bradford, Sec ond Lieutenant G. C. Goodloe, Second Lieutenant J. D. Smyser, Orderly Sergeant James W. Buckley, Sergeant William Ring, Sergeant Thomas B. Isham, Sergeant Morris Clarrison, Sergeant Howard Fisher, Sergeant William H. Gardner, and Corporal James Cassidy. These officers and non-commissioned officers performed their duties to the great satisfaction of the revenue officers, and in consequence of the good con duct of the Marines on this occasion, Colonel Broome was directed by the admiral commanding the station to express to them his high appreciation of their good conduct. During the i2th, First Lieutenant F. D. Webster, attached to the United States steamer Tennessee, was with the battalion of Marines, and, with the officers referred to, did all History of the United States Marine Corps. 1 89 that was necessary to assist in carrying out the wishes of the United States Internal Revenue Department. General Zeilin, in acknowledging the receipt of Colonel Broome s report of the affair, wrote : " The manner in which these delicate duties were performed reflects credit upon all concerned, and meets with my entire approbation." During the following July the Marines were once more called on to render aid to the revenue officers, who were endeavoring to break up the illicit business in " Irishtown." At about three o clock on the morning of the 1 4th the command proceeded to " Irishtown," for the purpose of pro tecting a large force of United States officials, under General James Jordan, while engaged in arresting certain desperadoes and proprietors of the illicit stills. General Jordan requested Colonel Broome to halt the Marines in the Navy- Yard near the York Street gate until he should require their assistance, which was done. The colonel then proceeded with the revenue officers out of the Navy-Yard to Dixon s Alley, each party of officers proceeding to the posts assigned. The party at the entrance of or near Dixon s Alley had been there but a few minutes,, when, to the surprise of all, a rapid fire from different points was opened on them from men who were lying flat in the street or hidden in areas of houses and in wagons. The firing had not been going on more than a few seconds when Captain Clinton Gilbert fell, mortally wounded. Major Weeks was wounded in the hand and another officer in the leg. As the party were hard pushed, Colonel Broome ordered the Marines up immediately, and opened on the gang with his revolver. In a few min utes the Marines, under Lieutenant Welles, made their appearance, on the double-quick. The affair momentarily grew exciting. As soon as the ruffians heard the Marines coming, they broke at a run and hid them selves in the alleys and dens of the locality, where it was impossible to- find them. Colonel Broome then placed guards at all important points, and ordered all the residents of houses to leave their windows, which they did. Guards of Marines proceeded to different parts of "Irishtown," and protected the revenue officers and United States marshals while en gaged in forcing open houses to make arrests. The conduct of the en listed men on the occasion of this raid was admirable; and First Lieu tenant George M. Welles, First Lieutenant E. R, Robinson, and Second Lieutenant Samuel K. Allen, who composed all the commissioned officers under Colonel Broome, performed their duty exceedingly well, and re ceived the warmest thanks of the civil authorities. The conduct of the officers and men was subsequently complimented by General Zeilin, as "deserving of all praise." In the following September, the revenue officials were again in need of armed assistance, and, for the fourth time, the Marines at the Brooklyn Navy-Yard were ordered to the work. At about one o clock in the morning, Colonel Broome with his command proceeded on board the tug Catalpa, 190 History of the United States Marine Corps. to aid General J. Jordan, assessor, in making seizure of vessels with con traband whiskey on board. The tug proceeded first to Williamsburg, where a search was made for vessels and lighters containing whiskey, but none was found. Other points were also searched without success. At the first appearance of daylight, the tug proceeded to " Irishtown," where the wharves were searched for a vessel said to be there loading with whiskey in barrels, but the vessel was not found. The information that a vessel was there loading with whiskey was positive, but the law-breakers managed to get her away. The fifth "whiskey raid" in which the Marines were engaged was on the 1 7th of October. The Marines were occupied during the day in guarding the property of the illicit distilleries in "Irishtown," and in protecting and escorting working parties and revenue officers from one locality to another. No trouble occurred until the latter part of the day, at which time a gang of ruffians attacked a small party of Marines, under Lieutenant Bradford, with stones, wounding Sergeant Casey. This gang was speedily dispersed, and one of their number was arrested and turned over to the civil authorities. The seizures made on this occasion were very extensive. The officers under Colonel Broome, throughout this raid, were Captain H. A. Bartlett, First Lieutenant Erastus R. Robinson, Second Lieutenant Samuel K. Allen, and Second Lieutenant Edward T. Bradford. Lieutenant Smyser was officer of the guard for the security of prisoners. CHAPTER XXX. 1871. The Corean Expedition A Surveying Party fired upon by the Corean Forts Punishment inflicted on the Coreans The Marines in Advance The Final Triumph Report of Captain Tilton. THE American Minister to China, Mr. Low, having been instructed, in 1871, to arrange and conclude, if possible, a convention with Corea for the protection of sailors and others shipwrecked on the coast of that country, it became necessary that he should put himself in direct com munication with the authorities. With this view, and with the assent of the authorities of China, to which country the government of Corea was tributary, the minister sailed, in May, 1871, from Nagasaki to Boissee anchorage, on the Salee River in Corea, in the Colorado, the flag ship of Rear-Admiral Rodgers commanding the Asiatic fleet. After the arrival of the fleet at the anchorage, and after communication with and visits from the local authorities, the Coreans appeared satisfied that the expedition was not only peaceful but friendly in its objects. A History of t/ie United Stales Marine Corps. 191 party engaged in the peaceful object of making surveys and soundings, in the interest of science, and for the safety of commerce, with the understood consent of the authorities, without protest or challenge by any one, passed up the channel to a point above the Corean forts, beyond the reach of assistance from the main body of the fleet. This party was suddenly and treacherously attacked while in the difficult navigation of an unknown passage swept by strong tides and filled with hidden rocks. The surveying boats were obliged to repass the forts, under a fierce fire of cannon suddenly opened upon them and main tained with spirit and energy. The small vessels which had accom panied the party, hurrying into action, answered the fire of the forts, and, driving the Coreans from their works, rescued the surveying boats from danger, with only two of our men wounded. It was determined, by the concurrent judgment of the Minister and Admiral Rodgers, that an explanation should be at once demanded, and that ample time should be given the Coreans to understand the situation and make proper reparation. This was done, and ten days were allowed to pass, during which no explanation was offered by the Coreans. An attack was then planned and carried out upon the forts and citadel from which the outrage had been committed. The work which followed proved the most important engaged in by any portion of the Marine Co^ps since the close of the war. On the loth of June the Monocacy and Palos, with four steam-launches, left Boissee Island, and proceeded up the river Salee. The landing-party comprised a brigade of seamen infantry, under Lieutenant-Commander Casey, with seven field-pieces under Lieutenant-Commander Cassell, five hundred and seventy-five strong, and a battalion of Marines under the command of Captain McLane Tilton, as follows : Second Lieutenant W. J. Macdonald, Jr., adjutant; First Company, fifty-three men, First Lieutenant J. B. Breese ; Second Company, fifty-two men, First Lieu tenant F. A. Mullany. This battalion was in ship s boats in tow of the Palos and Monocacy. Captain Blake, of the Alaska, was detailed as commander-in-chief of the forces, and Commander Kimberly was assigned to the command of the division at his own request. To Lieutenant-Commander Picking was assigned the command of the steam-launches. The general programme was that the Monocacy, Palos, and launches should advance up the river, and, by attacking the forts on that side, create a diversion in favor of the landing-party, who should advance by land and capture and demolish the forts as they advanced. The expedition advanced promptly, in obedience to a signal from the flag-ship, and the vessels soon received a hot fire from one of the forts, which was quickly silenced by the Monocacy and Palos. The launches containing the Marines were promptly cast off and pulled 192 History of the United States Marine Corps. for the shore, immediately followed by the naval brigade under Lieu tenant-Commander Casey. The battalion under the command of Captain Tilton landed on a gently-sloping beach, two hundred yards from high-water mark. The mud proved a serious obstruction, coming up over the knees of the tallest of the party, a fact which would have given a deadly advantage to a better- appointed enemy. On landing, a line of skirmishers was thrown out, facing a tongue of land jutting out into the river, covered with scrub and strengthened by a square redoubt on the right. As the Marines advanced, the garrison of the fort were seen running through the brush and long- grown crops, turning a few times, and firing shots which took no effect. The Marines then reconnoitred the grounds and entered the fort, where they remained till the main body came up. The main body proceeded to dismantle the fort, spiking and dismounting the guns and throwing down the works. Meanwhile, the Marines advanced with the river on their right, extending as far to the left as possible, so as to cover a wide surface of country. At length they took position on a wooded knoll, which appeared to be used as a cemetery, being covered with hemi spherical mounds. The main body was three-quarters of a mile behind. The evening was now far advanced, and a general order was issued to the force to bivouac for the night where they were. Accordingly, for the first time, a Western force spent the night on the soil of Corea. On the following day the little army advanced on the second line of fortifi cation. One-third of the Marines were ordered to march on the face of the works looking landward, two-thirds being held in reserve. But the as sault proved a bloodless one ; the enemy had decamped, probably in consequence of the shot and shell of the squadron ; and they entered the works without opposition. With despatch they set to work, and in a remarkably short space of time the battlements were dismantled, fifty or sixty insignificant pieces of cannon being spiked and thrown over the cliff into the river. The ramparts were then demolished on the front and right face of the works. But the main object the party had in view had still to be dealt with, being no other than the destruction of the horseshoe-shaped citadel, which first opened fire on the surveying party. For it, therefore, our forces now started, the Marines in the advance. For a time only a few unarmed natives were dislodged, who were left unmolested. At last, as the crest of a ridge was reached, the enemy were seen occupy ing a parallel ridge at no great distance, and discharging their wretched matchlocks at the foreigners as they came in view, their great black heads popping up and down all the time. But, short as the distance was, it was beyond their range. The enemy were grouped on a knoll some distance off; but a few shells judiciously planted a mong them exerted a wonderful influence, and they fled in all directions. A skirmishing party of Marines was thrown out, and advanced along a narrow ridge leading History of the United States Marine Corps. 193 directly to the horseshoe citadel, the grand stronghold of the Coreans. Of the six thousand troops said to have been employed to oppose the American operations, one thousand formed the garrison of the citadel. The main body followed the skirmishers close up, in column of fours. A line of Marines was thrown out, to advance parallel to the right flank of the redoubt, which was selected as the point of attack, and where the advance was concealed from the enemy. This advance was successfully accomplished, till the party took position along the crest of the hill, about one hundred and fifty yards from the enemy, with their right rest ing on a path leading to the redoubt, along which path were planted in line about twenty-five banners a few feet apart. Parallel to this ridge was another, about thirty yards in advance, but to reach it the whole line must expose themselves to view. The banners being regarded as a decoy, Captain Tilton detailed only four men to advance towards them. They had secured fifteen, when a tremendous fire was opened on them, a perfect hail of bullets, lasting, happily, only half a minute. As soon as it slackened, a rush was made for the ridge in advance, which movement was accomplished with the loss of only one Marine, Private Dennis Hemahan, although another tremendous volley was opened on them as soon as the rush was made. They were now only one hundred and twenty yards from the redoubt, but the rank vegetation and the shoulder of the hill on which it stood screened them from its fire. Firing now became general and rapid on both sides, the deadly effect of the American practice being witnessed afterwards by the number of Coreans killed and wounded. High above the sharp rattle of the firing rose a melancholy chant of the Coreans as they fought. As little assaulting parties of the Americans advanced to close quarters, the Coreans, their ammunition apparently expended, assailed them with stones. The citadel was built upon the apex of a conical hill, about one hundred and fifty feet high from the bottom of the ravine, through which our men had to pass to reach it. The hill-side was very steep, and the walls of the fort joined the acclivity with scarcely a break in the line. Had not the face of the walls been some what shattered by the shells from the Monocacy and the howitzers on shore, the ascent would have been most difficult. Nothing could check the Marines and sailors; on they rushed. In his report, Admiral Rodgers says, "The heroic McKee was first to mount the parapet, and the first to leap into a hand-to-hand conflict. There he fell, as his father fell in Mexico, at the head of his men, first inside the enemy s stormed works." Other officers and men were quickly over the parapet. The fighting inside the fort was desperate. The resolution of the Coreans was unyielding ; they apparently expected no quarter, and probably would have given none. They fought to the death, and only when the last man fell did the conflict cease. The enemy made no organized re- 194 History of the United States Marine Corps. sistance in the forts lower down, on the point towards the river. These were opened to a rear attack by the capture of the citadel, and the gar rison fled. Many of them, however, fell under the fire of our musketry and howitzers, which had nearly cut them off from retreat. The yellow cotton flag, about twelve feet square, with a large Chinese cabalistic character in black on the centre, which flew over the fort, was captured by the Marines. It was torn down by Corporal Brown, of the Colorado s guard, and Private Purvis, of the Alaska s guard, by Captain Tilton s orders. Private Purvis, of the Alaska s guard, had his hand on the halliards a second or two before any one else, and deserves the credit of the capture. The command, to a man, acted in a very creditable manner. Fifty flags were taken, including that of the generalissimo; four hundred and eighty-one pieces of ordnance fell into our hands, be sides very many matchlocks and gingals. The guns comprised eleven 32-pounders, fourteen 24-pounders, two 2o-pounders, and the remainder, four hundred and fifty-four, were 2- and 4-pounders. Two hundred and forty-three dead Coreans were counted in the works. Few prisoners were taken, not above twenty, and some of these were wounded. These last were treated with all the attention possible, and finally released. Thus, in the language of Admiral Rodgers, " was a treacherous assault upon our people, and an insult to our flag, redressed." On the morning of the i2th, at daylight, after having occupied the field of battle eighteen hours, the entire force re-embarked in one hour, and returned to the anchorage in the Monocacy and Palos. Commander Kimberly, in his report of the affair, says, " To Captain Tilton and his Marines belongs the honor of first landing and last leaving the shore, in leading the advance on the march, in entering the forts, and in acting as skirmishers. Chosen as the advanced guard, on account of their steadiness and discipline, and looked to with confidence in case of diffi culty, their whole behavior on the march and in the assault proved that it was not misplaced." Lieutenant-Commander Casey, reporting the action to his superiors, bore similar testimony, as follows: " The Marines were always in the advance, and how well they performed their part I leave you to judge. Their conduct excited the admiration of all. I can not express in too high terms my admiration for the gallant conduct, under fire, of the officers attached to my command, and their cheerful ness in executing orders under trying circumstances." The following Marines were honorably mentioned : Steamer Alaska, Marines who captured flags, Privates Hugh Purvis, commanding-general s flag, John Kelly, H. M. Tolman, and J. B. Butler; steamer Benicia, Marines who captured flags, Corporal Thomas H. Baker and Privates Daniel Barry, John Bourke, Charles C. Collins, William Dervees, George Mclntyre, and Michael McNamara. Commander Kimberly mentions the following-named Marines who distinguished themselves in the attack : History of the United States Marine Corps. 195 "Private Dougherty, of the guard of the Benicia, for seeking out and killing the commanding officer of the Corean forces ; Private McNamara, of same guard, for gallantry." Commander Kimberly says, "To Lieutenant-Commander Picking, who had charge of the steam-launches and boats, we are under great ob ligations for the manner in which he was at all times near us to assist with his guns and boats, and it was to his exertions in getting the boats up that our very successful embarkation from the upper forts took place, and which was really a serious matter, taking everything into considera tion!" The following is the report of Captain McLane Tilton, commanding United States Marines on this occasion : UNITED STATES FLAG-SHIP COLORADO, AT ANCHOR OFF ISLE BoiSEE, COREA, June 1 6, 1871. SIR, In conformity with your direction, I have the honor to make the following re port of the part taken by the Marines of the Asiatic Fleet in the late expedition against the Coreans : On Saturday, the loth instant, the guards of the Colorado, Alaska, and Benicia, numbering one hundred and five, rank and file, and four officers, equipped in light marching order, with one hundred rounds of ammunition and two days cooked rations, were embarked from their respective ships and towed up the Salee River by the United States ship Palos. Upon nearing the first of a line of fortifications, extending up the river on the Kang-Hoa Island side, the Palos anchored, and by order of the command ing officer all the boats cast off and pulled away for the shore, where we landed on a wide sloping beach, two hundred yards from high-water mark, with the mud over the knees of the tallest man, and crossed by deeper sluices filled with softer and still deeper mud. After getting out of the boats, a line of skirmishers was extended across the muddy beach, and parallel to a tongue of land jutting through it to the river, forti fied on the point by a square redoubt on the right, and a crenellated wall extending a hundred yards to the left, along the river, with fields of grain and a small village immediately in its rear. The fortification had been silenced by the cannonade from the United States ship Monocacy, and the steam-launch and the garrison fled through the brush and fields, firing a few shots as they retired at a distance. The Marines, by order, then advanced on the place, sweeping through the grain-fields and village, meeting no opposition, and remained in possession until the main body came up, when we were again ordered to push forward, which we did, scouring the fields as far as practicable from the left of the line of march, the river being on our right, and took a position on a knoll, covered with hemispherical mounds, and commanding a fine view of the beautiful hills and inundated rice-fields immediately around us, and distant about half a mile from the main body. A reconnoissance was then made towards the next fort, a square work of hewn granite foundation, with a split rock, mud, and mortar rampart, crenellated on each face, with a front of about thirty paces, and a messenger despatched to head quarters with the information that the road was clear and passable for artillery. Pickets were posted on the flanks of our little position, five hundred yards to the right and left, a rice-field in undated being in front, and a Dahlgren 12-pounder planted so as to command the junction of the only two approaches, which the commanding officer had ordered up to us as a support. An order having been sent to hold our position till morning, we 13 1 96 History of the United States Marine Corps. bivouacked with our arms by our sides, dividing our force in three reliefs, one of which was continually on the alert. No incident occurred during the night except rapid firing of small-arms and howling from a hill inland from us, about a third of a mile distant. Two or three shots from the artillery with the main body were fired across the left of our picket, in the direction of the noise, which presently ceased. Sunday morning, the nth of June, the main body came up, and we received orders to push forward, which we did, and after reaching the fields in rear of the next of the line of fortifications, we threw a line of skirmishers across the peninsula of hills on which the fort stood, and after the main body came up we advanced towards the rear face, with two-thirds of our guards in reserve. We entered this second place after reconnoitring it without opposition, and dismantled the battlements by throwing over the fifty or sixty insignificant breech-loading brass cannon, all being loaded, and tore down the ramparts on the front and right face of the work to the level of the tread of the banquette. The ramparts consisted of a pierced wall of chipped granite, with a filling of earth in the interstices, and coated over with mortar, giving it the appearance of being more solid than it really was. The cannon were rolled over the cliff into the water by Bugler English without much trouble, who climbed down for this purpose. I cannot give the weight, but the bore was not over two inches in diameter. A photog rapher came on shore from the Monocacy and succeeded in taking a negative picture of the place. We were then ordered by the commanding officer to push forward and find the road leading to our objective point, and to cover the flanks of the main body, which we did with two-thirds of the Marines deployed, the remainder in reserve. We scoured the scrubby woods and fields of grain, stirring up two or three unarmed natives, refugees from the village we had just passed, who were not, however, molested ; and after progressing half a mile, down deep ravines and the steepest sort of hills, were fired upon from a high ridge a little to the left of us, up which our skirmish-line cau tiously wheeled, and upon reaching the summit saw the enemy on a parallel ridge opposite, who blazed away at us with their gingals or matchlocks, their black heads popping up and down the while from the grass, but only one spent ball struck us with out any injury. A piece of artillery was here brought up from the valley beneath us, by direction of Lieutenant-Commander Cassel, by superhuman exertions on the part of his men, and several shells landed among the enemy grouped on a knoll, scattering the party, when our skirmish-line pushed on down the narrow range leading to the circular redoubt, our objective point, and known to us as the citadel, being the third work of the line of fortifications, the main body following in column of fours. Upon reaching a point a third of a mile from this work, a general halt was ordered to rest the men, who were greatly fatigued after their comparatively short, although ex tremely deep, march ; the topography of the country being indescribable, resembling a sort of chopped sea, of immense hills and deep ravines lying in every conceivable posi tion. We then advanced cautiously, with our line of skirmishers parallel to the right face of the redoubt, which was our point of attack, concealed from view from the enemy, and took position along the crest of a hill one hundred and fifty yards from him, closing intervals to one pace from the right skirmishers, the line extending along the ridge, our right resting in a path leading to the redoubt, upon which were placed about twenty-five banners in single file, a few feet apart, and at right angles to our line, the first banner being only four paces from our right skirmishers. Thirty paces in front of us was another ridge, parallel to the one we now occupied, but in order to reach it, the whole line would be exposed to view. The main body came up and formed close behind us. The banners seemed to be a decoy, and several of us went from our right, took about fifteen of them, which drew a tremendous hail of bullets from the redoubt, which relaxed in half a minute, when away we pushed, availing ourselves of History of the United States Marine Corps. 197 the opportunity to get to the next ridge, accomplishing the move with the loss of only one man, a Marine from the United States ship Alaska, although for several seconds exposed to a galling fire, which recommenced immediately after the rush began. Our lines were now only one hundred and twenty yards from the redoubt, but the abrupt slope of the hill and the weeds covered us very well. The firing now commenced rapidly from both sides ; ours increasing as the men settled comfortably, and their fire was effective, as the forty or fifty killed and wounded inside the redoubts show. The firing continued for only a few minutes, say four, amidst the melancholy songs of the enemy, their bearing being courageous in the ex treme, and they exposed themselves as far as the waist above the parapet fearlessly ; and as little parties of our forces advanced closer and closer down the steep ravine be tween us, some of them mounted the parapet and threw stones, etc., at us, uttering the while exclamations seemingly of defiance. One of these little parties of our forces, the very first to enter the redoubt, was led by our beloved messmate, the heroic, the brave McKee, who fell pierced with a bullet in a hand-to-hand struggle on the ramparts. The yellow cotton flag, about twelve feet square, with a large Chinese character in "black on the centre, thus " B. T.," which flew over the fort, was captured by the Marines. It was torn down by Corporal Brown, of the Colorado s guard, by my direc tion, while private Purvis, of the Alaska s guard, had his hands on the halliards a second or two before any one else, and deserves the credit of the capture. Corporal Brown deserves equally with him to be honorably mentioned for his cool ness and courage. The command, to a- man, acted in a very creditable manner; all de serve equal mention. The officers of Marines were Lieutenants Breese, Mullany, and McDonald, who were always to be found in the front. The wounded were soon attended to by the surgeon s corps, who removed them to the Monocacy, lying in the stream. The place was occupied all Sunday night, the artillery being posted on the heights, and commanding the rear approaches, the men bivouacking with their companies on the hills. Early Monday morning the entire force re-embarked on board the Monocacy, the Marines being the last to leave. The re-embarkation was accomplished in a masterly manner, in the space of an hour, no confusion whatever occurring, although the current was very strong, the rise of the tide being nearly twenty feet. The Monocacy then steamed to the fleet, some ten miles below, where we all rejoined our respective ships. Of the Marines, there was one killed and one severely wounded, the first being Private Dennis Harrigan, of the Benicia, and the wounded man Private Michael Owen, of the Colorado, shot through the groin as he was charging towards the redoubt, falling about forty paces from the parapet. The accoutrements and arms of the guard of this ship were returned, and no loss of property occurred. The expenditure of ammunition -was sixteen hundred cartridges, about forty rounds to each man. . . . 198 History of the United States Marine Corps. CHAPTER XXXI. 1871-74. Services in Boston Panama The Delaide Review at Key West The Grade of Brigadier-General abolished. DURING the great fire in Boston, which broke out on the night of the pth of November, 1872, the city authorities called on the commandant at the Navy- Yard for a force of Marines to aid the police in maintaining the peace, and preventing the wholesale robbery that was threatened by gangs of thieves who swarmed to the city. Lieutenant-Colonel Jones, commanding the post, placed the command of the force detailed, in answer to the request, in the hands of Captain Richard S. Collum. Between one and two o clock on the morning of the loth, Captain Collum started for the scene of duty with his detachment, consisting of First Lieutenants William Wallace, George M. Welles, three sergeants, two corporals, and nineteen privates. He marched directly to the City Hall, and, upon arrival, reported to the Hon. William Gaston, mayor, for such duty as he might require. Captain Collum was directed to march to the scene of the conflagration, with discretionary power to act as he might think best for the preservation of order and the public safety. At 2 o clock A.M. the force arrived at the point where their services were required. At 6 A.M., First Lieutenant J. H. Sherburne reported with a detachment of fifteen men from the United States ship Ohio. The Marines remained on duty until noon, when, the State militia having arrived, they returned to the barracks. In his report of the affair, Cap tain Collum said, " 1 would respectfully call your attention to the noble and gallant conduct of the men, who were placed in situations of extreme peril, and, by their steadiness and firmness in executing the orders given them, prevented confusion among the crowd of by-standers, and saved many lives. To First Lieutenants William Wallace, George M. Welles, and John H. Sherburne great praise is due for their untiring exertions in the performance of their duty. Always ready, willing, and prompt, their conduct merits my hearty commendation." At 2 o clock P.M., on the nth, Captain Collum received orders to take command of two companies of thirty men each, commanded by First Lieutenant William Wallace and Orderly Sergeant Francis Groll, and proceed to the subtreasury for further orders. Upon arrival, he was ordered to guard the removal of government funds from that building to the custom-house. After performing that duty, he returned with the command to the barracks. At 5 o clock P.M., of the same date, he History of the United States Marine Corps. 199 was ordered to take command of a detachment, consisting of one sergeant, one corporal, and twenty-two privates, and report to Postmaster William L. Burt for duty. First Lieutenant William Wallace was detailed to accompany him. As soon as they arrived, quarters were assigned them in the post-office building, the rear of which was much damaged by the fire, thereby exposing a large amount of public property to the depreda tions of the lawless persons then in the city. Sentinels were posted in the most exposed positions with loaded muskets, and this duty was con tinued for several days. In closing his report, Captain Collum says, "I cannot mention too highly the valuable aid and important services ren dered by First Lieutenant Wallace throughout the whole arduous duties we have performed, and the uniformly good conduct of the men under very trying circumstances." Postmaster Burt addressed a letter to Colonel Jones, after the fire, in which he said, " I desire to convey to Captain Collum and Brevet Cap tain Wallace of your command, and the men under them, who were as signed at my request as a guard to the subtreasury and post-office during the week of the great fire, my thanks for the service they rendered us. They remained without relief from Monday to Saturday night. Their discipline and soldierly bearing were marked, and they performed their duties thoroughly, gaining great credit from all our citizens." General Zeilin, in acknowledging the receipt of Colonel Jones s report, says, "I have to say that the conduct of those comprising the detachment is a matter of pride and gratification to me. I had learned from other sources of the discipline and soldierly conduct, as well as of the efficient aid rendered by the detachment, on this occasion, and I desire you will extend to Captain Collum, Lieutenants Wallace and Welles, as also to the non-commissioned officers and privates of the detachment, my thanks and most complimentary recognition of their services. And I further desire to say, that the promptitude displayed in responding to the call for the services of the Marines, and their efficiency and discipline in ren dering such service, speak most highly for the energy and zeal of their commanding officer." 1873. At the time of the destructive fire in Boston, May 30, when the famous Globe Theatre and other valuable buildings were burned, the city authorities again called on the Marines for aid ; and in obedience to an order received by Colonel Jones from Commodore Parrott, com mandant of the station, Captain Collum assumed command of a detach ment, consisting of First Lieutenant William Wallace, Second Lieutenants J. C. Shailer and J. T. Brodhead, four sergeants, three corporals, and fifty-nine privates, and proceeded to the City Hall, where orders were received from the Hon. H. L. Pierce, mayor. At 2 o clock P.M. the detachment was reinforced by fifteen men from the guard of the United States ship Ohio, under the command of First Lieutenant J. H- 2OO History of the United States Marine Corps. Sherburne ; also twenty-one men from the guard of the United States ship Powhatan, in charge of a sergeant. At 3 o clock P.M. they were relieved by a detachment of the Fifth Artillery until 5 o clock p.M. r when they again went on duty and remained until the next morning. The streets within their lines were thoroughly patrolled during the night, and the utmost vigilance was observed. Captain Collum thus closes his. report to Colonel Jones : " With great gratification, I respectfully present for your favorable consideration the men of the command, who won the respect of all by their uniformly good conduct, vigilance, and soldierly bearing. To First Lieutenants William Wallace and J. H. Sherburne and Second Lieutenants J. C. Shailer and J. T. Brodhead my hearty thanks are due for their promptitude and the able manner with which they conducted the arduous duties assigned them." General Zeilin expressed great satisfaction on the receipt of Colonel Jones s report, and wrote to that officer as follows : " It affords me great satisfaction to express to you my thanks for the uniform good conduct and promptitude of the men under your command. On all occasions,, when called upon, have they maintained the past renown of the Corps. You will please express to Captain Collum, the officers and men in his charge, my thanks for the good conduct, vigilance, and soldierly bearing displayed by them on all occasions." The city government of Boston officially recognized the services of the Marines, and Mayor Pierce sent the following to Commodore Parrott : "I have great pleasure in com plying with the request of the City Council to communicate to you the thanks of the city government and citizens of Boston for the very valu able services rendered by Captain Richard S. Collum, Lieutenants William Wallace, J. H. Sherburne, J. C. Shailer, and J. T. Brodhead, and men under their command attached to the Marine Corps, in preserving order and protecting property during and after the fire." Rear-Admiral Steadman, on arriving at Panama, May 7, 1873, found hostilities in progress between the opposing parties contending for possession of the government of the state of Panama, and, at the request of the United States consul and a number of influential American and other foreign citizens, sent on shore a force of two hundred Marines and sailors, with four pieces of artillery. A portion of this force was with drawn on the nth, and the remainder on the 22d, all differences having been settled. A second landing was made September 24, under the orders of Rear-Admiral Almy, the revolutionary movements having been renewed. A force of one hundred and thirty Marines and sailors, well armed and equipped, was landed, and was afterwards increased to one hundred and ninety men. Detachments were posted to protect the American consulate, and other American houses and American property. The landing parties were from the Pensacola and Benicia, the latter vessel belonging to the North Pacific Station. Hostilities ceased October 8, History of the United States Marine Corps. 201 and the force was withdrawn, excepting a detachment of thirty men, which was left a few days longer, to guard the depot and the railroad, should the troubles revive. The landing of these detachments during the two emergencies, while quieting the fears of foreign residents, secured the safe transit of the passengers and their effects, and of the freight and specie of four lines of steamers, two of which were not of our nationality, depending on this road for prompt transportation. The officers and men who composed the landing parties received the commendation of their respective commanders-in-chief for the creditable and admirable manner in which they discharged their duty. The detachment of Marines, numbering twenty-two, was under the command of Second Lieutenant James D Hervilly. On the 25th of June, the Delaide, an Italian merchant vessel, lying in the harbor of Callao, Peru, was discovered to be on fire. The flames gained such headway that her crew were powerless to overcome them. As the vessel was loaded with explosive and combustible materials, it was feared that the shipping in the crowded harbor would be greatly damaged, and possibly many lives lost, unless the progress of the flames could be checked. At this juncture several of the officers and men of the United States ship St. Mary s volunteered their assistance. Among these was Captain P. C. Pope, fleet-marine officer of the squadron. The volun teers were entirely successful in extinguishing the flames ; not, however, without severe exertion and great danger. Captain Pope, with the other officers, was the recipient of a letter of thanks from the Minister of for eign affairs of Italy, by order of the king, for his distinguished services on that occasion. This was transmitted to him in a complimentary letter from the Navy Department, accompanied by the following letter from Admiral Almy, addressed to Captain Pope personally : " It affords me much gratification to transmit to you a copy of a letter from the Italian Minister at Washington to the Department of State, conveying the thanks of the Italian government to yourself and other officers for gal lant and skilful services rendered on the occasion of a fire on board of the Italian bark Delaide, in the port of Callao, on the 25th of June, 1873. I w iH ta ^ e tn i s occasion to add, that no more agreeable duty can ever fall to the lot of a true naval or Marine officer than that of relieving those who may be in imminent danger of shipwreck and destruction, to whatsoever nation they may belong. Under such circumstances the genuine man, of whatever profession he may be, knows no nationality. To him, all belong to the same family. These sentiments seem to have actuated you in your spirited behavior upon the occasion of the fire on board of the Italian bark Delaide." 1874. On the 24th of January, 1874, the harbor of Key West, Florida, presented an unusual scene. There was assembled one of the largest and most imposing fleets since the great fleet of Admiral Porter 2O2 History of the United States Marine Corps. in 1864. Vessels had been recalled from the different squadrons in an ticipation of war with Spain, growing out of the Virginius affair. This difficulty having been settled, it was determined, before ordering the vessels to their stations, to exercise the fleet in squadron tactics, apply the teachings of the torpedo system, landing in surf-boats, target prac tice, and exercise the Marines of the fleet in battalion movements on the island, under the command of the fleet-marine officer, Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel Charles Heywood. The Marines were landed in conjunction with the sailors of the fleet, and on several occasions by themselves. A large number of citizens from different parts of the country assembled at Key West, as well as many officers of the army and Navy, to witness these drills on sea and land. The sailors exhibited remarkable proficiency, and the battalion under the command of Colonel Heywood won the applause, not only of civilians, but of the officers of the two services. The precision in marching, the physique of the men, the evolutions,. and the perfection in the manual delighted the distinguished veterans who were there as spectators. The following is the roster of the battalion : Captain and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Heywood, colonel ; Captain George W. Collier, lieutenant-colonel ; Captain Frank Munroe, major; Lieutenant William F. Zeilin, adjutant; Dr. Robert A. Mar- mion, surgeon; George A. Deering, paymaster. Company A: Captain W. R. Brown, four sergeants, one drummer, one fifer, forty-eight cor porals and privates. Company B : Captain W. B. Remey, four sergeants, one drummer, one fifer, forty-eight corporals and privates. Company C : First Lieutenant and Brevet Captain G. B. Haycock, five sergeants, one drummer, one fifer, forty-eight corporals and privates. Company D : First Lieutenant E. R. Robinson, four sergeants, one drummer, one fifer, forty-eight corporals and privates. Company E : First Lieutenant F. H. Harrington, four sergeants, one drummer, one fifer, forty-eight corporals and privates. Company F : Second Lieutenant G. C. Good- loe, four sergeants, one drummer, one fifer, forty-eight corporals and privates. Company G : Second Lieutenant B. R. Russell, four sergeants, one drummer, one fifer, forty-eight corporals and privates. Company H : Second Lieutenant R. D. Wainwright, four sergeants, one drummer, one fifer, forty-eight corporals and privates. Company I : Second Lieu tenant F. Scott, four sergeants, one drummer, one fifer, forty-eight corporals and privates. Company K: Second Lieutenant D. Whipple, four sergeants, one drummer, one fifer, forty-eight corporals and privates. On the 6th of June, 1874, the grade of brigadier-general was abolished, and it was provided that " thereafter the commandant shall have the rank and pay of a colonel, and shall be appointed by selection by the President from the officers of said corps." History of the United States Marine Corps. 203 CHAPTER XXXII. 1877. The Labor Riots Services of the First Battalion.* IN 1877, tne terrible and unprecedented labor riots, which paralyzed business in nine States, and led to wholesale arson and murder, culmi nating in Pittsburg, called all of the available regular forces into the field. Colonel Charles G. McCawley, commandant of the corps, received orders from the Secretary of the Navy, at 3 A.M. of Saturday, the 2ist of July, to have all the marines available in Washington ready to move to Baltimore, Maryland, at a movement s notice. The following was the strength of the battalion at this time: Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Heywood, commanding; First Lieutenant, B. R. Russell, adjutant. Passed Assistant-Surgeon A. M. Owen, United States Navy ; Passed Assistant-Surgeon T. D. Myers, United States Navy ; Captain G. W. Col lier, First Lieutenant Aulick Palmer, Second Lieutenant W. S. Schenck, Second Lieutenant J. T. Brodhead, and one hundred and twenty-seven non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates. At 6 P.M. orders came to proceed to the Baltimore and Ohio Depot, and take a special train for Camden Station, Baltimore. With great alacrity the battalion marched to the depot, to learn that no engineer could be obtained to run the locomotive. After a delay of an hour, a man was found who said that he would undertake it if promised protec tion. Threats were made that the troops would not be permitted to leave the city. Lieutenant Russell and ten men were placed upon the engine and tender with loaded rifles, and instructions to shoot any one who attempted to interfere with the train in the slightest degree. In five minutes the force was embarked and the cars moving. An instant later, three torpedoes exploded under the locomotive and caused a momentary sensation ; but the mob fell back and contented itself with shouting. Meantime, the train proceeded very cautiously, stopping at way-stations to receive advices from the authorities in Baltimore, who were fearful of surprise or accident. At the bridges it was halted, and the structures examined before attempting to cross ; scouts were sent out to reconnoitre suspected localities, and upon entering the city all the lights were ex- * Captain Cochrane in United Service Magazine. 2O4 History of the United States Marine Corps. tinguished, and the train stole quietly up to a point within a square of its destination. Before starting, the following despatch was sent : WASHINGTON DEPOT, July 21, 1877. GOVERNOR CARROLL, CITY HALL, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND : Will leave immediately for Baltimore with Marines. COLONEL HEYWOOD, Commanding Battalion. And upon reaching the Relay House the governor was notified of their safe arrival. There Colonel Heywood found three despatches, as follows : (i) CAMDEN STATION, July 21, 1877. COMMANDER TROOPS ON TROOP TRAIN: Better be prepared for action between Relay House and Camden Station. T. FITZGERALD. (2) COMMANDER TROOP TRAIN : Hold train till F. O. T. FITZGERALD. (3) COLONEL HEYWOOD, COMMANDING MARINES: Come to Camden Station as soon as possible. Report to General Herbert. JOHN LEE CARROLL, Governor. Upon receipt of the last the trains continued, and arrived without acci dent at 11.30 P.M. An aid of Governor Carroll s met them with the following letter : BALTIMORE, July 21, 1877. COLONEL HEYWOOD, COMMANDING MARINES: SIR, I am in receipt of your despatch announcing the departure of the Marines, and have to request, on arrival, that they proceed to Fort McHenry, to support General Barry s Artillery in case it should be called to the city. Colonel Gilmor will deliver this note, and will furnish you any further information you may require. I remain your obedient servant, JOHN LEE CARROLL, Governor. With this document came verbal orders to disperse the mob around the depot, and in less than ten minutes the battalion was advancing in double time, and the turbulent rabble, which for hours had been cheering the strikers, hissing the police, and groaning the railroad company, was fleeing before it. The police, who behaved gallantly, charged almost simultaneously and captured over a hundred of the principals, which made their prisoners for the day aggregate upward of three hundred. The Marines then marched around the station, clearing all of its ap proaches simply by their advent, and after a short halt again started for the enemy, guided by a detail of policemen and detectives. For several hours the battalion marched through the worst portions of the city with- History of the United States Marine Corps. 205 out molestation. Not a stone or brick was thrown, and the crowds broke upon its approach, which was an agreeable surprise. At last it halted in the vicinity of Fort McHenry, where they found Brevet Major- General W. F. Barry, United States army, with Ramsay s battery of the Second Artillery awaiting them. The battalion faced about, and after being so disposed, with skirmishers ahead and on the flanks, as to have the two pieces of artillery guarded on all sides, marched back to the Camden depot, which was reached at 3.30 A.M. The fire-bells had been ringing nearly all night, and the sky was lighted by the blaze of burning build ings, cars, and lumber-yards. When the rioters were driven away from the depot it was not believed that their deviltry had been entirely checked, and so it proved. They had resorted to the torch. At four o clock Company A, Captain Collier and Lieutenant Schenck, was detailed to go to Mount Clair Station, the principal oil and cattle depot of the road, and disperse a mob which was burning oil-trains. A locomotive with two passenger cars was placed at its disposal ; and Colonel Harry Gilmor, police commissioner, accompanied as a guide and representative of the municipality. A dozen men were stationed in the cab and on the engine, with the usual orders about obstruction of the road or interference with the train. The crowd at the depot threatened to shoot the engineer, and swore that the train should never reach Mount Clair; but it did. At Camden Junction, one mile from Mount Clair, several thousand noisy and excited men and women were found collected about some burning oil-cars, but they gave way to the Marines, who, de ploying as skirmishers, drove the rioters back to the Frederick road, and then pulled apart the consuming trains. They were insolent and defiant, but made no assault. After performing this duty Captain Collier and a part o/ the company returned and found a guard regularly mounted, and thirteen sentry posts established in the streets leading to the depot. The men having been on duty all night, with muskets in their hands and blankets over their shoulders, were marched to the Eutaw House, at 9.30 A.M., for breakfast, and there were allowed to sleep by companies on the platforms of the depot. The Fifth Maryland Regiment, which had be haved so handsomely on the 2oth, was also quartered at the depot, with their wounded in a hospital-car inside of the yard. Lieutenant Schenck was left with thirty men and six of the Metro politan police to protect the bridge and workshops at Camden Junction, where another mob was threatening arson. He succeeded in saving the property, and remained until 7.30 P.M., when he was relieved by a bat talion of one hundred and fifty artillerymen from New York, under Major H. G. Gibson, of the Third Artillery. Owing to the threatening de meanor of this crowd, Lieutenant Schenck was obliged to keep up a cordon of eighteen sentinels and the utmost vigilance, and several times had to use force to press the aggressive rioters back. 206 History of the United States Marine Corps. At 3 A.M., the following despatch was received: WASHINGTON, D.C., July 22, 1877. COLONEL CHARLES HEYWOOD, U.S. M.C., BALTIMORE: SIR, You will proceed, by command of General Hancock, with the Marines under your command to Philadelphia. R. W. THOMPSON, Secretary of the Navy. General W. S. Hancock, commanding the Division of the Atlantic, accompanied by his staff, had arrived in Baltimore on Sunday morning, and made Barnum s Hotel his head-quarters. Finding that peace was partially restored, and the police, militia, and regulars, now represented by portions of the Second and Third Artillery, some general service troops under Lieutenant Sage, Eleventh Infantry, and a detachment of engineers commanded by Major Abbott, were sufficient to control the mobs, it was decided to send the Marines to Philadelphia, which was now having its turn and seriously threatened. It was desired to get off at daylight, but, for some cause, the necessary transportation was not furnished until about nine o clock. This gave the men an opportunity to breakfast and better prepare them for the journey. A special train received them, and at noon they were opposite the United States Arsenal, in Philadelphia, where Officer Taggart, of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad Company, met them, and reported to Colonel Heywood that the track was torn up and blockaded on the Pennsylvania Railroad to prevent their passage. The battalion was then disembarked and was soon en route for West Philadelphia. It was met by large crowds of roughs; but, as in Balti more, they made way for the troops, and contented themselves with threats. Upon crossing the Schuylkill, an oil-train was discovered to be on fire upon a branch road near the Blockley Almshouse. The rioters, getting word of the coming of the Marines, moved off towards the buildings of the Pennsylvania Railroad, which caused a change to be made in the direction of the column, which then drove the miscreants before* it as far as the new passenger depot, through which it passed, and continued up the tracks to the round-house. At this point they climbed the bluff on the west side, and, having stationed a guard, again drove back the crowd, now numbering thousands, to the first line of houses beyond the Callowhill Street bridge. A line of pickets was established, and the hill-top permanently occupied, as it is a commanding position, overlooking the round-houses, tracks, and depots. About 2 P.M., General Hancock and staff and Colonel Thomas A. Scott, presi dent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, visited the bivouac, and inspected the posts of the sentinels. The day was a very warm one, and the march from the arsenal so dusty that the command presented a sorry History of the United States Marine Corps. 207 sight. Neither officers nor men had their clothes off since leaving Wash ington (three days and two nights before), and the former were very much gratified when some of the good people living within the lines in vited them to their houses and tables, and extended bathing facilities. The mayor of Philadelphia, Hon. W. S. Stokley, and his chief of police also visited the camp, and presented a letter of introduction to Colonel Heywood from General Hancock, in which he was informed that in the event of further riotous proceedings the Marines were to act as a posse comitatus, under the orders of the mayor, for the preservation of the peace. Mr. Stokley cautioned him to loolt out for trouble soon, possibly that night. Here seemed to be a fair prospect of repeating the Baltimore experiences, but the police managed several rushes by the crowd to cross the bridge without asking for help. The men slept upon the ground, and the officers upon a neighboring porch, and next morn ing all hands were wet from dew, but there was no complaint. On the 24th, Brevet Major-General Brannan, United States army, lieutenant- colonel First Artillery, arrived, and assumed command of all the united forces in Philadelphia, by order of General Hancock, who had his head quarters, temporarily, at the St. George Hotel, and three companies of the Third Artillery joined the Marines. Passenger trains ran as usual, but no freight was moved. That night was passed as the previous one, but next day tents began to arrive. Captain H. B. Lowry, assistant quartermaster, United States Marine Corps, reported for duty, and Mr. Geo. W. Childs, with great kindness, sent each man a present of a pipe and a supply of tobacco, and the officers some liquid nourishment. Mr. James Paul also sent for the medical department some superior wines, whiskeys, and brandy, and Colonel Heywood received the following very encouraging despatch : HEAD-QUARTERS, PHILADELPHIA, July 25, 1877. COLONEL HEYWOOD, COMMANDING UNITED STATES MARINES, MARINE CAMP, WEST PHILADELPHIA : Is there anything I can do for you in the way of commissary supplies or other matters to make your command comfortable ? You have performed important services, which I shall recognize in a proper manner when I find more time. HANCOCK, Major- General. On the 26th fifty-five "A" tents were received, and were at once pitched in regular order, giving much needed shelter from the scorching sun, and the camp was christened " Camp Scott." On the 27th, Lieutenants C. P. Porter and R. D. Wainwright, with a company of fifty-four men, joined the battalion through a misapprehen sion in issuing orders, as they were intended for the Washington Arsenal. General Hancock, therefore, ordered them back as far as Baltimore to report to General Barry. The admirable behavior of the men had now 2o8 History of the United States Marine Corps. become a subject of remark, particularly as up to this time all hands were confined most stringently to the limits of the camp with arduous patrol and guard duties. The city police guarded the front of the depot, with orders to call on the Marines if they needed assistance, and their deter mined conduct, backed by the moral effect of the presence of the artillery and Marines, no doubt prevented any further outbreak. A mass-meeting of workingmen, advertised to be held in Kensington, on Saturday night, the 28th of July, was such a failure that it virtually marked the end of the strikes in Philadelphia. On the ist of August the only disorder remaining in Pennsylvania was in the coal regions, and the troops stationed at Reading, fifty-eight miles from Philadelphia, being needed there, it was determined to relieve them with Marines. Colonel Heywood was thereupon ordered to provide his command with ten days rations and two hundred rounds of ammunition, and pro ceed to that point by special train. A ride of two hours up the valley of the Schuylkill brought them to Reading, where they were warmly welcomed. The men were quartered in some sheds attached to the railroad buildings, and the officers were allowed to retain the Pullman car in which they came, and that night obtained the first really good sound sleep since leaving Washington. The following day, the principal men of the community, including the mayor, the Hon. Heister Clymer, member of Congress, and Mr. G. A. Nichols, vice-president of the Reading Railroad, called upon the officers and bade them welcome. At sundown the dress-parade drew thousands of visitors to the camp at the depot, and public curiosity seemed unable to satisfy itself. Every evening witnessed the same ceremony, and the interest and attendance increased until the local papers estimated the numbers present "as high as five thousand." The routine as to fatigue duties, formations, inspections, roll-calls, etc., was almost as minutely conformed to as in permanent garrison, and it was, without question, this strict discipline which gained the battalion such substantial and gratifying recognition from the people and from the military authorities. At the head-quarters of the Military Division of the Atlantic it was never lost sight of. Before getting fairly settled the following telegram came: PHILADELPHIA, August 3, 1877. COLONEL HEYWOOD, COMMANDING MARINES, READING, PENNSYLVANIA : If I can assist you in procuring supplies of clothing, medicine, ammunition, or any other supplies you may stand in need of, let me know, and I will be glad to do so. HANCOCK, Major- General. Colonel Heywood replied, " I am not in want of supplies of any kind at present. If I should need anything I shall accept your kind offer." History of the United States Marine Corps. 209 A few days after this, Colonel and Surgeon John M. Cuyler, of General Hancock s staff, and medical director of the division, visited the battalion to inquire into its comfort and wants, by order of the general, whose distinguished kindness and solicitude for the Marines at all times while under his command, as well as his subsequent most generous appreciation of their services in the official papers which are to follow, will long be remembered. Dr. Cuyler examined the temporary hospital, its con veniences, stores, appliances, etc., very carefully, but found no patients. He also inspected the men and their quarters, including an improvised bath-room in a tent, the cooking utensils, and arrangements, and said that everything was scrupulously clean and neat, and that he had nothing to suggest. On the 1 2th, General Hancock again manifested his deep interest by sending General Easton, the quartermaster-general of the division, to Heading, to see if he could do anything for the Marines ; owing, how ever, to the admirable arrangements in the quartermaster s department, by Captain Lowry, he found them in need of nothing, contented and happy. On the i3th, Colonel Heywood was officially informed that " the division commander intends to express in formal orders, before you are relieved at Reading, his high appreciation of the valuable services and good conduct of the officers and men of your command. Should his intention through accident not be acted on before your departure, it will only be delayed for a brief period." The organization of this battalion was as follows : Major and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Heywood, commanding; First Lieutenant B. R. Russell, adjutant ; Captain and Assistant-Quartermaster H. B. Lowry, quartermaster ; Passed Assistant-Surgeon A. M. Owen, surgeon ; Passed Assistant-Surgeon T. D. Myers, assistant surgeon ; J. W. Herbert, first-class apothecary; First Sergeant Charles Lombardy, surgeon-major ; Sergeant Henry Ulean, quartermaster-sergeant. Company A: Captain George W. Collier, commanding; Second Lieu tenant W. S. Schenck, three sergeants, five corporals, one drummer, one fifer, and twenty-nine privates. Total, thirty-nine. Company B : First Lieutenant Aulick Palmer, commanding ; Second Lieutenant J. T. Brodhead, three sergeants, four corporals, and thirty privates. Total, thirty-seven. Company C : First Lieutenant A. C. Kelton, commanding ; Second Lieutenant Jesup Nicholson, two sergeants, four corporals, and thirty- one privates. Total, thirty-seven. Upon leaving Reading it was difficult to discover upon which side the regret was greater. A short and sudden campaign, begun in danger, privation, and fatigue, had ended in security and rest. The citizens of Pennsylvania had treated the strangers so well that in their behalf each man would have fought as three. The approbation of all superior officers 2io History of the United States Marine Corps. had been won, the railroad authorities had been hospitable and attentive, in every quarter they had met with appreciation and commendation, and, although in triumph returning, they were yet sorry, as soldiers, that " the strikers war" was over. Before the departure of the First Battalion from Reading, Colonel Heywood and his command received the following complimentary order from head-quarters : HEAD-QUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ATLANTIC, NEW YORK CITY, August 13, 1877. GENERAL ORDERS No. 46. The Marines now at Reading, Pennsylvania, under command of Colonel Heywood, when relieved by the detachment of United States artillery, ordered there for that pur pose, will proceed to the Marine Barracks, Washington, District of Columbia, reporting to the proper naval authorities. The major-general commanding desires to express his high appreciation of the excellent conduct and soldierly qualities of the Marines during the entire period of the recent disorders. Citizens and soldiers are united in admiration of the soldierly bearing, excellent discipline, and devotion to duty displayed by them while at Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Reading. A copy of this order will be forwarded to the Honorable Secretary of the Navy, that he may be informed of the valuable services and arduous duties rendered by the Marines while serving in the Military Division of the Atlantic. By command of Major-General Hancock. (Signed) JOHN S. WHARTON, Captain Nineteenth Infantry, Ac? g Ass* t Adj^t- General, Official. (Signed) JOHN S. WHARTON, Captain Nineteenth Infantry, Aide-de-Camp. COLONEL HEYWOOD, United States Marines. Colonel Heywood was again the recipient, two months later, of a complimentary extract from the report of General Hancock to the adju tant-general of the army, as follows : HEAD-QUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ATLANTIC, NEW YORK, October 26, 1877. To MAJOR CHARLES HEYWOOD, UNITED STATES MARINES, MARINE BARRACKS, WASHINGTON, D.C. : SIR, I am directed by Major-General Hancock to furnish you with the following extract from a special report made by him on the 24th inst. to the adjutant-general of the army : HEAD-QUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ATLANTIC, NEW YORK CITY, October 24, 1877. To THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL, U. S. ARMY, WASHINGTON, D.C. : SIR, fr******-*** While all the officers are entitled to commendation in their respective spheres, I deem it incumbent upon me to mention the names of the following, who held commands at CAPTAIN WILLIAM B. REMEY, JUDGE-ADVOCATE-GENERAL OF THE NAVY, WITH THE RANK OF COLONEL. History of the United States Marine Corps. 2 1 1 important points during the disturbances, and certain staff-officers as well, whose services were especially valuable. MAJOR CHARLES HEYWOOD, United States Marines. jfr********* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, (Signed) WINFIELD S. HANCOCK, Major- General Commanding Division. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, (Signed) JAMES B. FRY, Assistant Adjutant- Genera I. CHAPTER XXXIII. The Labor Riots Services of the Second Battalion Separate Detachments.* THE Second Battalion of Marines was commanded by Captain and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel James Forney, and composed of men belong ing to the Norfolk Barracks, to the monitor fleet, and to the several ships of the North Atlantic Squadron. During the night of July 26 it had marched from the head-quarters of the Corps to the Washington Arsenal to replace the artillery force of Major McMillan, United States army, which had gone north by rail in the afternoon. On the morning of that day reports came of a strike among the employes of the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad, who up to that time had stood firm, thus pre serving a line of communication with Baltimore. A heavy special train of regular troops was being made up to pass north over the road, and their commander, fearing interference at the tunnels and the long bridge over the Anacostia River, or eastern branch of the Potomac, points easily obstructed, requested that guards of Marines be stationed there. Accord ingly, First Lieutenant H. C. Cochrane, with a detachment of thirty-five men, was sent to the bridge near the naval magazine, and First Lieutenant F. A. Mullany and Second Lieutenant G. F. Elliott, with similar detach ments, to the tunnels. The bridge was examined, and, being found secure, sentinels were posted and possession held until the train had safely passed. The battalion under the command of Colonel Forney, after being joined by the companies of Captain H. J. Bishop and First Lieutenant H. H. Coston, numbered one hundred and sixty officers and men. Sentinels were promptly posted at the main entrance of the arsenal, along the water front, and over the principal buildings, and the Marines, with their marvellous aptitude for any condition of service, entered at once upon garrison duties. Next day the battalion was reported to Major-General John M. Schofield, United States army, who had been assigned to the command of the District of Columbia during the emergency, and re- * Captain Cochrane in United Service Magazine. 2 1 2 History of the United States Marine Corps. mained undisturbed until the morning of the 28th, when it was ordered to the Baltimore Depot by the general, to be in readiness to proceed to Baltimore, which city was still restless. A small company, under First Lieutenant F. A. Mullany, was detached and sent back for the protection of the arsenal, which had been left unguarded, and at night, owing to the receipt of more pacific advices, Colonel Forney was instructed to return with the others and await developments. Early on the morning of the 2Qth the following telegram was received : WAR DEPARTMENT, A.G.O., . WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 5.30 A.M. COLONEL FORNEY, COMMANDING DETACHMENT OF MARINES : Hold your detachment in readiness to proceed to the depot, as it is possible it may be needed on the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. (Signed) T. M. VINCENT, A.A.G. At noon orders to move came, and at 3 P.M. the battalion was in Baltimore, when it was reinforced by First Lieutenant C. P. Porter s company, which had been sent back from Philadelphia by order of Gen eral Hancock. Colonel Forney reported to Brevet Major-General W. F. Barry, United States army, who directed him to join Lieutenant-Colonel and Brevet Major-General R. B. Ayres, Third Artillery, the commanding officer of a post established at Camden Station, who assigned the com panies to quarters on the platform of the depot, and the officers to a sleeping-car. Later in the day General Ayres notified Colonel Forney to detail ten non-commissioned officers and seventy-five privates for the purpose of guarding twenty-five freight trains, which were to be started the following day with the hope of getting them as far as Martinsburg, West Virginia. General Barry s order to General Ayres, prescribing the details of this important duty is as follows : HEAD QUARTERS UNITED STATES TROOPS, CAMDEN STATION, BALTIMORE, MD., July 29, 1877. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL R. B. AYRES, THIRD ARTILLERY, COMMANDING POST : COLONEL, The colonel commanding directs, inasmuch as the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company proposes to start twenty-five trains westward to-morrow morning, commencing at IO A.M. that you have in readiness at 9.30 A.M. a guard of seventy-five men and a sufficient number of officers to be distributed among these trains as guards. The men will be provided with one day s cooked rations. A locomotive engine and car will be at this station at 9.30 A.M. to-morrow, to take the whole party to Riverside Station, from which place the freight trains will start, and where the guards will be dis tributed among the various trains by the senior officer of the detail. This guard will return from either Martinsburg or Cumberland on the first eastward-bound freight trains, acting as guards to them. The senior officer will be instructed that no train is to start without a guard. Very Respectfully, (Signed) CLARENCE O. HOWARD, First Lieutenant and Adjutant, Second Artillery. History of the United States Marine Corps. 2 1 3 This order was referred to Colonel Forney to execute, with an endorse ment by General Ayres, requiring him to have three commissioned officers ready to accompany the detail, which was to be in light marching order, with forty rounds of ammunition per man. The companies of Captain Bishop and First Lieutenant Porter were selected, and Lieutenant W. P. Biddle, the third officer. Captain Bishop was instructed by General Ayres as follows: "Send two marines on each locomotive, and scatter your command in detach ments through the twenty-five trains. Fire on any man who attempts to desert his engine, and on anybody who interferes with the trains." Extra ammunition was issued to each man, and what could not be car ried in the cartridge-boxes was stowed in the knapsacks. They took the train designated in General Barry s order and proceeded to Riverside Station, where was assembled a large force of the strikers and their sym pathizers. The twenty-five trains were made up without interruption, and the Marines distributed as prescribed. Lieutenant Porter was sent in the first train with twelve men, Lieutenant Biddle in a later one, and Cap tain Bishop, with the last detachment, embarked on the 25th. The engineers and firemen were looked upon with more or less suspicion by the railroad company, and many of them were new men. Only a few days before, the strikers in the towns of Keyser and Graf- ton had declared that the road should not be opened, and Governor Mathews had in consequence called on the President for more troops. Companies E, D, and I, Fifth Artillery, were sent from Baltimore in re sponse, and it was this disposition which caused the battalion of Marines to be sent from the Washington Arsenal to replace them. Knowledge of their declaration caused it to be feared that some of the trains would be fired into, or be thrown from the track, by the co-strikers, who were seen in groups along the road, and had many opportunities for doing serious mischief afforded them by the numerous bridges, cuts, curves, and tunnels for which the road is famous. The well-disposed people along the route seemed glad of the presence of the Marines, and cheered lustily, and after a twelve hours run all the trains reached Martinsburg safely. The last got in at midnight, and the Marines, who less than ten days before had been pacing their monotonous beats on ship-board, hundreds of miles away, thus found themselves in the mountains of Vir ginia, and in the streets of the little city where the greatest labor strike in history had its origin. The opening of the road to this point having been confirmed, the eastward-bound trains were made ready, and at 2 A.M. next day Lieutenant Porter started back with a convoy. At day light Lieutenant Biddle followed, and at 9 A.M. Captain Bishop again brought up the rear. Baltimore was reached without accident or inci dent, and the captain had the pleasure of being complimented by General 214 History of the United States Marine Corps. Ayres upon the success of the expedition, with request to convey the general s thanks to his command. It was then learned that at about the same hour of the night that they reached Martinsburg a train on the next western division of the railroad had been thrown from the track by rioters while transporting troops between Keyser and Piedmont, severely wounding a soldier named Hamilton, of Battery E, Second Artillery, and slightly wounding several others. Colonel Forney was again ordered, August i, to make a detail for service as train-escort, and on the 2d, Lieutenant G. F. Elliott, one non commissioned officer, and five privates were sent to guard the paymaster of the road from Baltimore to Martinsburg, with funds to pay off the employes. This duty was successfully performed, and upon his return Lieutenant Elliott rejoined the battalion at Fort McHenry, to which point it had proceeded at noon of the 2d, by order of the Secretary of War. While at the fort the battalion performed the usual garrison duties, with daily drills, parade, guard-mounting, etc. Each night, until the 6th of August, it was considered necessary to send a special detail, con sisting of one officer, two non-commissioned officers, and eighteen privates, to guard the grain-elevators and wharves of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Locust Point from retreat until reveille, which duty was performed by Lieutenants Coston, Elliott, L. C. Webster, and Biddle. The roster of the battalion at this time was as follows : Captain and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel James Forney, commanding ; First Lieutenant G. F. Elliott, adjutant; Assistant-Surgeon E. H. Green, surgeon; First Sergeant H. Carlisle, sergeant-major; Sergeant J. E. Dudley, quartermaster-sergeant. Company A : Captain H. J. Bishop, com manding; Second Lieutenant L. C. Webster, three sergeants, five corporals, one drummer, one fifer, thirty-four privates : total, forty- four. Company B: First Lieutenant H. H. Coston, commanding; Second Lieutenaht W. P. Biddle, two sergeants, five corporals, one drum mer, one fifer, thirty-four privates: total, forty-three. Company C: First Lieutenant C. P. Porter, commanding ; two sergeants, four corpo rals, one drummer, one fifer, thirty-five privates : total, forty-three. Company D : First Lieutenant R. J. Wainwright, commanding ; two sergeants, four corporals, one drummer, one fifer, thirty-seven privates : total, forty-five. General Order No. 45, August 15, announced that the "Marine bat talion would be relieved and proceed to Washington by rail at- 4 P.M." In this order General Barry said, "The colonel commanding the United States troops in and near Baltimore avails himself of the present occasion to express in this public manner the recognition of Major-General Han cock, and of himself, of the valuable services rendered by the various History of the United States Marine Corps. 215 detachments of United States Marines while serving with the army in this command." At four o clock the battalion marched out of the fort and returned to head-quarters, where it was preceded only a short time by the battalion of Colonel Heywood, from Pennsylvania. The company which garrisoned the Washington Arsenal was com posed of two detachments, one of twenty-five men, under Lieutenant Mullany, and the other of two sergeants, two corporals, and twenty-five privates, under Lieutenant H. C. Cochrane. The composition of the detachment of Marines was highly illustrative of the mobility of the service. Fifty-four enlisted men represented the head-quarters of the Corps, the Norfolk Barracks, the frigate Franklin, the steam-sloops Hartford, Powhatan, Plymouth, Ossipee, and Swatara, and the ironclads Ajax, Saugus, Lehigh, Mahopac, Manhattan, and Catskill, fourteen different commands, and yet, in three days, no per son could have told that they had not served together for years. On the afternoon of August 9 the companies of seamen were embarked on their respective ships, and Lieutenant Cochrane detached from the com mand of the Marines, and ordered back to the Plymouth, being relieved by Captain Hamilton s battery of the Second Artillery. The guard at the United States Arsenal, at Watervliet, New York, being very small and insufficient for its protecfion, Captain F. H. Corrie was ordered at 5 P.M., July 24, to report to Captain D. L. Braine, United States Navy, commanding the Colorado. At midnight, Captain Corrie left the New York Navy- Yard, on the steam-tug Fathomer, with Lieutenant Henry Whiting and fifty men, detailed from the guard of the Colorado. Captain Corrie s orders were marked "confidential," and enjoined upon him to use all the means in his power to protect the government property at the place for which he was destined. To con ceal all knowledge of this movement, the tug was ordered to steam up the Hudson River under cover of night, and at daylight land at the nearest town, to transfer the Marines to the morning express bound north. This was done, and the company was landed at Dobb s Ferry, a small station twenty-two miles from New York. Discovering that the express train did not usually stop, authority was asked, which was promptly granted, and an extra car attached for their use. At Pough- keepsie trouble was expected. A large mob was found at the depot, some of whom got on the platform of the car containing the Marines, and looked in to get their measure. The spokesman turned and said, " Well, them fellers look like reg lars; guess we don t want nothin to do with them," and got off. Another said to Captain Corrie, " Where are you going?" He replied, " Up the road." Next, " And what are you going to do?" "Obey orders." This was altogether too in definite, and he retired. 216 History of the United States Marine Corps. No attack was attempted, and at 2 P.M. the company reached West Troy safely, and marched to the arsenal. The company remained at the arsenal until the 20th of August, when, in obedience to a telegraphic order, Captain Corrie returned with his command to New York. Gen eral Hagner, the commandant of the arsenal, in post orders, acknowl edged u the satisfactory manner in which the duties assigned to the Ma rine detachment had been performed," and in his order to Captain Corrie, said, " It gives me pleasure to add, in wishing yourself and Lieutenant Whiting a safe return to your regular station, my personal acknowledgments for our very agreeable social intercourse." General Hancock, in special order No. 189, remarked, The division com mander is gratified to announce that Colonel Peter V. Hagner, com manding Watervliet Arsenal, has commended the officers and men of this detachment for their cheerful assistance and soldier-like conduct in discharge of the duties assigned them." The important arsenal at Frankford, in Philadelphia, was almost as defenceless as that at Watervliet, and in a much more exposed condition. On July 22, Colonel Thomas A. Scott, president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, informed Captain C. H. Welles, commandant of the League Island yard, that he had evidence that an attempt would be made by the rioters to secure arms and ammunition from the Frankford Arsenal. Captain Welles acted promptly, and detailed Captain W. R. Brown, of the Corps, to proceed with fifty Marines, forty rounds of ammunition, and one field-piece, on the steam-tug Pilgrim to the arsenal. He also ordered Captain Adams, commanding the training-ship Constitution, to send a party of Marines, under Lieutenant J. B. Breese, to the naval magazine at Fort Mifflin. An extra guard of Marines, under First Lieu tenant S. K. Allen, was stationed at the main gate of the yard with a field-howitzer. Captain Brown, Lieutenant George T. Bates, and the detachment arrived, and were quartered in the grounds. The Ma rines remained one month at Frankford, and returned to League Island August 21. Major Whittemore, the commandant of the arsenal, in his order for the detachment to return, expressed his " thanks to the commander, and the men composing it, for the services rendered by them when most needed." Captain Brown and his detachment were specially mentioned in General Hancock s order No. 189. Before disbandment, the First and Second Battalions were consoli dated, under the command of Colonel Heywood, for a street parade and review by the Hon. R. W. Thompson, Secretary of the Navy. Eight companies, in fatigue uniform, numbering over three hundred and fifty men, marched from the head-quarters barracks up Pennsylvania Avenue to the Navy Department, on Seventeenth Street, and gave a marching History of the United States Marine Corps. 217 salute to Secretary Thompson, the several chiefs of bureau, and Colonel Charles G. McCawley, commandant of the corps, who were assembled on the west steps of the building. The Marine Band, fifty-two pieces, and a drum corps of twenty-two pieces accompanied them, and the papers of the day spoke highly of the precision of the marching, as well as of the fine order of the arms and other equipments of the entire command. The Secretary issued the following congratulatory letter : NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 17, 1877. SIR, The Department has received from Major-General Hancock an official order, wherein he bestows the highest praise upon the Marines who have just returned from Maryland and Pennsylvania, under command of Major and Lieutenant-Colonel by Brevet Heywood and Captain and Lieutenant-Colonel by Brevet Forney. The major- general expresses his high appreciation of the excellent conduct and soldierly qualities of both officers and men, and adds that citizens and soldiers are united in admiration of the soldierly bearing, excellent discipline, and devotion to duty displayed by them while at Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Reading. The Secretary of War also forwarded to the Department a copy of a report from Colo nel and Surgeon J. M. Cuyler, medical director of the Division of the Atlantic, who, in accordance with instructions, inspected the sanitary condition of the Marines at Reading, Pennsylvania, in which Medical- Director Cuyler says, " The sanitary state of the command is excellent, and the officers evidently take great pride in looking after the health and comfort of the men. I do not recollect of ever having seen a more soldierly set of men, or a more orderly set, proving that they are under most excellent discipline. These men seemed to be so well taken care of by their officers that I really cannot see what the major-general commanding can do to add to their health and comfort. It is quite remarkable that men performing such service are able to keep themselves and their arms, etc., so very clean and neat." This was to be expected from the well-established character of the Marines, but is none the less gratifying to the Department, and it desires to express through you to both officers and men its high appreciation of them, and to assure them of its readi ness to co-operate in the adoption of any measure necessary to their comfort and an increase of their efficiency. They are a most important arm of the national defence, and the readiness with which they have responded to the recent summons of the De partment to aid in the suppression of unlawful combinations of men, no less than their proficiency in discipline, prove that they may confidently be relied upon whenever the public exigency shall call them into active service. Very respectfully, R. W. THOMPSON, Secretary of the Navy. COLONEL CHARLES G. MCCAWLEY, Commandant of the Marine Corps, Washington, D. C. 21 8 History of the United States Marine Corps. . CHAPTER XXXIV. 1878-82. Universal Exposition Marines at Alexandria. IN 1878, during the Universal Exposition at Paris, a company of Ma rines, under Lieutenants B. R. Russell and W. F. Zeilin, were sent out in the Constitution for duty in that city. They had charge of the American Department, and the Hon. R. C. McCormick, commissioner-general for the United States, reported to the Navy Department that " their excellent conduct, both on and off duty, were spoken of in the most complimentary terms by the French authorities, by the citizens of Paris, and the visitors of the Exposition," and at the ceremonies attending the distribution of prizes, in October, their military bearing elicited " a grand outburst of enthusiasm, and they throughout reflected honor upon our flag by their admirable performance of an important duty in a foreign land." 1882. After a lapse of seventy-seven years a detachment of Marines again demonstrated their efficiency and gallantry amid scenes of riot and bloodshed in the Land of the Pyramids. Much surprise had been excited by the apparent supineness of the French and English naval forces in the harbor of Alexandria on the occasion of the serious outbreak in that city on the nth of June, 1882, and which resulted in the destruction of the greater part of the European quarter and the death or wounding of more than two hundred European residents. The outbreak was in no sense an ordinary disturbance of the peace. Its promoters and agents were Egyptian soldiers, its fury was directed almost exclusively against European residents, and included in its havoc civil and military functionaries of the very powers whose guns frowned voice- lessly upon the scene. Whatever the reason, whether military or diplo matic, for the inaction of the forces, it was none the less a painful ordeal for the gallant men who lay that Sunday afternoon in the harbor of Alexandria undergoing a harder battle with their knightly impulses than any that Egyptian fellaheen could have offered them. The flag-ship Lancaster, Captain B. Gherardi, bearing the flag of Rear- Ad mi ral J. W. A. Nicholson, arrived on the 2yth of June at Alexandria. It was found that the English admiral was making preparations to administer condign punishment to Arabi Pacha and his troops. The Lancaster became a refuge for men, women, and children, and her decks were crowded with those unfortunate and innocent foreigners residing in the city. On the nth were enacted those scenes of horror so graphically described by the newspapers of the day, pillaging, conflagrations, rapine, etc. It became necessary, therefore, that armed forces should occupy the city as soon as possible, and the naval representatives of the different nationalities responded promptly. On the i4th a detachment History of the United States Marine Corps. 219 of naval artillery, under the command of Lieutenant-Commander Good rich, consisting of Lieutenants Hutchins and Graham, Midshipmen Dent and Capeau, sixty-nine sailors and two Catlings ; also a detachment of Marines, under the command of Captain H. C. Cochrane, consisting of Lieutenants F. L. Denny and L. W. T. Waller, and sixty non-com missioned officers, musicians, and privates, landed and marched through hot and smoky streets, filled with debris from fallen walls and merchan dise from plundered shops, and lined with burning stores and dwellings. They finally reached the Grand Square of Mehemet Ali, and occupied the building containing the American consulate. Their presence was im mediately felt and recognized. They were the first troops in the centre of the city, which they thoroughly patrolled, having sentinels posted at the bourse, telegraph offices, and banks that had not been pillaged. On the morning of the i5th the majority of the force was withdrawn, leaving on shore Lieutenant Hutchins, Master Burnett, Midshipman Dent, two sailors, with one Catling, Lieutenants Denny and Waller, in command of twenty-five Marines. This detachment was withdrawn on the iSth, with the exception of Lieutenant Denny and six Marines, who remained as a guard to the consulate until the 241)1. Information was received during our occupation that Arabi Pacha was returning with a large force to attack the city. The French and Italians hastened back to their vessels, leaving the English and American Ma rines and sailors to receive the rumored night attack. The correspondent of the London Times, at Alexandria, telegraphed as follows : " Lord Charles Beresford states that without the assistance of the American Marines he would have been unable to discharge the numerous duties of suppressing fires, preventing looting, burying the dead, and clearing the streets." Colburn s United Service Magazine for September, of that year, has the following note: "But the Americans did not limit their friendly ac tion to expressions of sympathy. After Arabi s retreat to Kafir Dowar, it was rumored that he intended to attack Alexandria in force ; on learn ing which the other nationalities prudently withdrew to their ships. The American Marines, however, sixty in number, expressed their determina tion to stick by the British and take their chances, and, small as was their number, and great as was the risk, they did stick as long as was necessary." Under date of October 24, 1882, the following letter was addressed to Lieutenant Denny, from Eaton Square, London : It gives me great pleasure to testify to your very valuable services and true courage during those irksome, terrible days after the bombardment of Alexandria. I can con- fidently say that without the services of American troops order could not have been re stored, and the great fires in the city subdued. To Lieutenant Hutchins, and you, and your smart, faithful force great credit is due. ... I have represented these facts to my government. . . . (Signed) CHARLES BERESFORD. 22O History of the United States Marine Corps. CHAPTER XXXV. 1885. The Expedition to Panama. IN accordance with the terms of the treaty of 1848 with New Grenada, now one of the Colombian states, the United States of America guaran teed the protection of traffic across the Isthmus of Panama. The political complication which resulted in the revolution of 1885 may be briefly stated as follows : The president of each of the eight states forming the United States of Colombia, as well as the national executive, are elected for terms of two years. Each state is independent in the management of its local affairs. The elections in Panama occurred in the summer of 1884, ar >d two- candidates were balloted for, viz., Seflors Arosemena and Lambert. The former is said to have had the support of the government at Bogota. Although the results of the balloting were disputed, it was claimed that Senor Lambert had been elected. The Constitutional Assembly, composed of thirty-two members, met on the 6th of January, 1885, decided that there had been no election, and proceeded to elect a president, as provided for by law. General Santo Domingo Vila, who came to the Isthmus in November, 1884, as a fiscal agent of the general government to examine into the contracts between the Panama Railroad Company and the state, was chosen president of the state of Panama January 7, 1885, by the Con stitutional Assembly. Senors Arosemena and Vivas Leon were chosen or appointed first designado and second designado. The office and duties of the designado are similar to those of vice- president, and in the event of the death or absence of the president they succeed successively to the presidency. The other officers of the state government, such as secretary of state, governor of Panama, prefects, etc., are appointed by the president. The commander-in-chief of the Colombian (national) forces is appointed from Bogota, and that office was filled by General Gonima. The steamer Boyaca, which later on performed valuable service for the national government, was lying off Panama, formed part of Gonima s force, and was commanded by Colonel Ulloa. In February a portion of the national forces stationed on the Isthmus was sent to Buenaventura, the seaport of the state of Cauca, about three hundred miles south of Panama, to aid in suppressing the revolution which had broken out in that state. About the ist of March, General History of the United States Marine Corps. 221 Vila, obtaining two months leave of absence, sailed himself with more national troops for Carthagena, to help suppress the rebellion in the state of Bolivar. The strength of the national forces having been thus reduced in Panama, those who were discontented with the result of the election took the opportunity to attempt a revolution. First Designado Arosemena had succeeded to the presidency of the state in the absence of Santo Domingo Vila, and General Gonima, the commander-in-chief, was in Colon. General Aizpuru, who had been president of the state of Panama for one term, in 1874, and who had served in the national legislature, was recognized as the leader of the liberal party in the state. On the i6th of March he made a demonstration against the government, which caused Sefior Arosemena to take refuge on her British Majesty s ship Heroine, then lying off Panama; broke open cars, opened and blocked switches, obstructed the road, prevented repairs to the same, cut the telegraph wires, seized and held railroad employes, claimed the right to exercise a censorship over the telegrams, and made it necessary to close the transit. General Gonima, hearing of this demonstration on the part of Aizpuru, proceeded by train to Panama with the national force then stationed at Colon. When Gonima arrived, on the iyth of March, Aizpuru retired from the city, and Sefior Arosemena returned from the Heroine. Colon was now without troops. Prestan, a Haytien negro, with a trace of white blood, the leader of a faction of the radical wing of the liberal party, took advantage of the opportunity and seized that city. Aizpuru and Prestan were pronounced in their dislike to all foreigners on the Isthmus, especially to the Americans living there, and this feeling was made use of to incite their adherents and hold them together. About the 2oth of March, Arosemena resigned. Vivas Leon should then, in the absence of Santo Domingo Vila, have succeeded to the presi dency of Panama, but was prevented by General Gonima, who declared himself the "Military and Civil Chief of Panama." This title and office are established by law; the national government may, under certain circumstances, make such an appointment. It is very question able, however, whether General Gonima had a right to seize the reins of government, more particularly since the second designado, Seiior Vivas Leon, was in Panama, and should, according to precedent and law, have succeeded to the presidency. On the night of the 3oth of March, General Gonima sent Colonel Ulloa (then commanding the Boyaca) by train to Colon, with a portion of the troops in Panama, to put down Prestan s revolution. In order to prevent a conflict within the limits of Colon, Mr. Burt, the superin tendent of the Panama Railroad Company, notified Colonel Ulloa that he must disembark at Monkey Hill, about two miles outside of Colon. 222 History of the United States Marine Corps. This was also made necessary by Prestan, who, hearing of the departure of national troops, went out with his force to meet Ulloa, tearing up the railroad tracks between Colon and Monkey Hill. The two forces, numbering about one hundred and fifty men each, met on the Panama side of Monkey Hill. After a short conflict Prestan was driven from his position into Colon and behind his barricades in that city. After fighting for several hours on the morning of April i, the insurgents were dislodged and put to flight by the national forces, led with great gallantry by Colonel Ulloa and his second . in command, Colonel Broun, who was chief of police at Panama. Both officers were severely wounded in the engagement. During the conflict the city was fired by the insurgents and destroyed. The departure of Colonel Ulloa and his command from Panama still further reduced the force in that city; and on the day of the fight in Colon, April i, Aizpuru, with the ammunition taken on the i6th of the preceding month from a sealed car in transit to Central America, cap tured Panama. General Gonima, with less than one hundred soldiers in the cuartel, made a gallant defence, and held out for some time against a much larger force. He finally surrendered to Aizpuru to prevent the destruction of the cuartel by dynamite taken from contractors employed by the canal company and used for blasting. When General Gonima surrendered, the Boyaca was included in the stipulations, but Sefior Jose Obaldia, who was in command of her, refused to be governed by the terms of the surrender, and sailed for Buenaventura, then held by the national government. General Aizpuru, having seized the government, declared himself president of the state of Panama, and filled the offices with his friends. Colonel Ulloa, with less than one hundred national troops, held Colon ; the rest of the Isthmus included in the zone of transit was held by the insurgents under Aizpuru. This was the condition of affairs upon the arrival of the First Battalion of Marines at Colan, in the Pacific Mail Steamship Company s steamer City of Para, on the nth of April, 1885. On Thursday, April 2, at 12 M., an order was received by Colonel- Commandant C. G. McCawley from the Navy Department to detail a battalion of Marines to sail the next day on the City of Para for Colon. Within twenty-four hours after the receipt of the telegraphic order, this battalion, organized from officers and men detached from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, sailed in the City of Para from New York, fully equipped, commanded by Brevet Lieuten ant-Colonel Charles Heywood, United States Marine Corps, a veteran of the last war, who came out of that war brevetted twice for distinguished gallantry in the presence of the enemy. The battalion arrived at Colon on the night of the nth, and dis- History of the United States Marine Corps. 223 embarked the next morning at six o clock, in obedience to the following order : UNITED STATES FLAG-SHIP TENNESSEE (first rate), AsriNWALL, U.S.C., April n, 1885. SIR, Proceed to Panama with the battalion of Marines under your command, for the protection of American lives and property in that vicinity. The details of this service are left to your discretion. Panama is now in the hands of the revolutionary forces, and it is feared that if the place is attacked by the regular Colombian troops these revolutionists will attempt to destroy the city, or portions of it, by burning. As the burning of Panama would in volve the destruction of much American and other foreign property, you will prevent it if possible. Please advise Captain Norton, commanding United States ship Shenandoah, now at Panama, of your arrival there. I enclose herewith a copy of my telegraphic instructions from the department, and also some extracts of a sworn protest by Mr. George A. Burt, general superintendent of the Panama Railroad Company, for your information. I have detailed a Galling gun and a 12-pounder S. B. howitzer, with officers and crew, for service with your command. The officers are directed to report to you. Very respectfully, JAS. E. JOUETT, Rear- Admiral, Commanding U. S. Naval Force on N. A. Station, MAJOR CHARLES HEYWOOD, U.S.M.C., Commanding Marine Battalion, Isthmus of Panama. At six o clock the same night, Colonel Heywood, with the First Bat talion, occupied the railroad company s buildings at the Panama end of the line, forty-seven and a half miles distant, situated outside the walls of the city, and the transit was opened. When the battalion arrived at Panama, the city was convulsed, and great excitement ensued. The Marines were confronted by a desperate and turbulent mob, but, owing to the firm bearing and formidable appearance of these troops, an attack was not made by the insurgents as was apprehended. The transit was kept open by a detachment on every train, and, although attempts were made by the insurgents to attack the trains at various points, a few well-directed shots, together with the admirable discipline of the men, prevented any disaster. Although the Marines were scattered along the coast from Maine to Florida, a second battalion was quickly detailed and equipped, and sailed in the steamer Acapulco, on Tuesday, April 7, under command of Captain J. H. Higbee, United States Marine Corps. With this battalion also sailed a detachment of one hundred and fifty sailors, the whole under command of Commander B. H. McCalla, United States Navy, in accordance with the following order : 224 History of the United States Marine Corps. NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, April 5, 1885. SIR, You will proceed with a detachment of Marines and blue.jackets, per Pacific Mail steamer Acapulco to Aspinwall and report to the senior naval officer present for duty in connection with opening the transit and protecting and caring for the lives and property of American citizens upon the Isthmus of Panama. You will have command of the entire force sent from New York for the above purpose, subject to the orders of the admiral commanding the North Atlantic Squadron, or of the senior officer present, the force sent by the City of Para and by the Acapulco being considered as your par ticular command. You will take every precaution to protect the health and lives of the officers and men p aced under you, and while taking all the necessary steps to have your command in the highest state of efficiency, you will expose it to the trying climate of the Isthmus no more than is absolutely necessary. Very respectfully, W. C. WHITNEY, Secretary of the Navy. COMMANDER BOWMAN H. MCCALLA, U.S.N., Navy- Yard, New York. The Acapulco came to anchor off Colon at 9 P.M. of the i5th of April. During that day, in order to prepare for landing at once in case of necessity, two days rations were served out, and the ammunition-boxes of the 3-inch rifles and Catlings were supplied with shell, shrapnel, and small-arm ammunition. Each man carried forty cartridges, his blanket rolled with a change of clothing, canteens, and haversacks. Early the following morning the Acapulco hauled alongside Wharf No. i of the Panama Railroad Company, which had been partially re built, and at nine o clock Rear-Admiral Jouett inspected the command, expressing himself as well pleased with its appearance. Rear-Admiral Jouett had arrived on the afternoon of the loth of April, in the flag-ship Tennessee, accompanied by the Swatara. The Marine garrison stationed at Pensacola, Captain R. L. Meade, Second Lieutenant Arthur H. Clark, seven non-commissioned officers, twenty-eight privates, and two musicians came down in the flag-ship. The following order was issued by Rear-Admiral Jouett : NORTH ATLANTIC STATION, UNITED STATES FLAG-SHIP TENNESSEE (first rate), ASPINWALL, U.S.C., April 15, 1885. SIR, By direction of the Navy Department you will please assume command of the forces which have been sent from New York by steamer for the protection of American interests on the Isthmus of Panama. You will also include in your command all the forces which have been landed from the North Atlantic Squadron. You will land the men now on board the Acapulco at your own discretion, as soon as they can be properly accommodated on shore. The transit is open and trains have been running regularly since the nth instant. Aspinwall is held by the Colombian troops, and Panama is in the hands of the insurgents. History of the United States Marine Corps. 225 I enclose for your information a memorandum showing the number and disposition of the forces on shore ; also copies of a squadron general order relative to sanitary precau tions to be observed, and of my orders to Lieutenant Colahan and Colonel Heywood. Very respectfully, JAS. E. JOUETT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding U. S. Naval Force on N. A. Station. COMMANDER B. II. MCCALLA, U.S.N., Pacific Mail Steamer Acapulco, Aspinwall, U.S.C. On the 1 6th the following communication was addressed to Commander McCalla by Rear-Admiral Jouett : NORTH ATLANTIC STATION, UNITED STATES FLAG-SHIP TENNESSEE (first rate), ASPINWALL, U.S.C., April 16, 1885. SIR, I send enclosed for your information a copy of my instructions from the honor able Secretary of the Navy relative to the purpose for which our government has sent so extensive an expedition to the Isthmus of Panama, together with a copy of a letter which I addressed, upon my arrival here, to Colonel Ramon Ulloa, of the Colombian Guard, the only representative of the constitutional government of Colombia who was in this vicinity at that time. You will please require your command to carefully comply with the Department s instructions relative to the conduct of our forces while they remain on the Isthmus. As I have already informed you, the city of Panama is now in the hands of the revo lutionary forces, commanded by one Aizpuru, who assumes the title of president of the state. I do not wish to recognize the authority of the said Aizpuru in any way. The regular Colombian forces have recently been very successful in the interior of Colombia, and I trust they will soon come to this Isthmus, re-establish the authority of the constitutional government, afford adequate security to life and property, and enforce order. It is rumored that Aizpuru has threatened to burn Panama in case the government forces attack him there. As the burning of Panama would cause the destruction of much property belonging to Americans, interrupt the transit, besides being an act of vandalism, you will prevent it, if possible, with the force under your command. I gave orders to this effect to Colonel Heywood before you assumed command of the force on the Isthmus. I also learn, by rumor, that there are a number of evil-disposed persons at Matachin. You will, therefore, please direct the officer commanding that post to be vigilant, in order that excesses may be prevented in that vicinity. I do not intend to allow any arms or ammunition to be introduced into this country during the present disturbance. It is reported to me that one hundred and forty-five boxes of cartridges have recently been landed here for parties on the Isthmus by the steamer City of Para. I shall have them sent back to New York by the same steamer. You will please see that all freight arriving at the Isthmus is examined by some officer of your command, and will not allow arms or ammunition to be landed without my authority. In order to preserve the strict neutrality of the Isthmus of Panama, and to avoid in terruption to the transit, you will please prevent any insurgent force from landing or operating in this vicinity. 226 History of the United States Marine Corps. Please keep me fully informed in regard to all matters affecting your command and our interests on the Isthmus. Send daily sick report. Very respectfully, JAS. E. JOUETT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding U. S. Naval Force on N. A. Station. COMMANDER B. H. MCCALLA, U.S.N., Commanding Naval Force, Isthmus of Panama. In obedience to the general instructions received from Rear-Admiral Jouett, the following orders were issued : HEAD-QUARTERS U. S. NAVAL FORCE ON THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA, COLON, April 16, 1885. SIR, Proceed to Matachin, in a special train that will be provided by the Panama Railroad Company to follow the 3 P.M., with the company now under your command, and relieve Lieutenant Impey and the garrison now at that place. I have directed the commanding officers of a section of artillery and of a Gatling gun to report to you as part of your command. Your duty will be to keep the transit open, to protect the lives and property of Amer ican citizens, and to have your command in the highest state of efficiency. Take every precaution to preserve the health and lives of your command. Prohibit the use of wines, spirituous and malt liquors. Dispense with all unnecessary ceremony and parades. Instruct your men in the early morning and late in the after noon, avoiding the sun in the middle of the day. Take with you three thousand rounds of rifle ammunition in excess of what has been served out. I enclose for your guidance a copy of " Notes on Sanitary Precautions" and a copy of General Order No. 15, North Atlantic Station. Very respectfully, B. H. McCALLA, Commanding U. S. Naval Force on the Isthmus of Panama. CAPTAIN R. W. HUNTINGTON, U.S.M.C., Commanding Company A, Second Battalion U. S. Marines, Colon. HEAD-QUARTERS U. S. NAVAL FORCE ON THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA, COLON, April 16, 1885. SIR, You will relieve the command at Garrison No. I at 5.30 to-day. You will dis pose of your force so as to protect the water approach to Colon. A 3-inch rifle with thirty rounds shrapnel, twenty rounds shell, and the necessary primers and fuses will be issued to you. Place a commissioned officer in charge of this gun, and direct him to instruct in its use the men necessary to work it. Issue forty rounds of ammunition to each man, and take one thousand rounds additional. Protect the lives and property of American citi zens. Do not expose your men to the sun in the middle of the day. Instruct them early in the morning and late in the afternoon, and take every precaution to protect the health and lives of your command. Prohibit the use of wines, spirituous and malt liquors. Enclosed you will find for your guidance General Order No. I5> North Atlantic Station, and " Notes on Sanitary Precautions." Continue to carry out the instructions now in force at Garrison No. I. Very respectfully, B. H. MCCALLA, Commanding U. S. Naval Force on the Isthmus of Panama. CAPTAIN R. S. COLLUM, U.S.M.C., Commanding Company JB, Second Battalion, Colon. History of the United States Marine Corps. 227 HEAD-QUARTERS U. S. NAVAL FORCE ON THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA, COLON, April 16, 1885. SIR, Order Captain George C. Reid, with his company, to report to Lieutenant Mason for duty in connection with the protection of trains between Colon and Panama; with the remaining two companies of Second Battalion relieve Nos. 2 and 3 garrisons at 5.30 P.M. to-day. Acquaint yourself with the disposition of the naval forces in the vicinity of Colon, as well as the approaches to that place. Garrison No. 3 is head-quarters. In my absence you will have command of the entire naval force at Colon. Your duty is to protect the lives and property of American citizens. There is a force of one hundred men of the Colombian government in Aspinwall. Carry out the orders now in force in the garrison. Prohibit the use of all wines, spirituous and malt liquors in your command, and take every precaution to pro tect the lives and health of your officers and men. Avoid unnecessary parades and ceremonies. Keep your men out of the sun in the middle of the day as much as pos sible. Instruct them in the early morning and late in the afternoon. Issue forty pounds of ammunition to each man and take one thousand rounds extra with you for each company. I enclose for your guidance copies of General Order No. 15 and " Notes on Sanitary Precautions." One Galling gun with one thousand rounds and caisson will be assigned to you. Be pleased to place it in charge of a commissioned officer and direct him to instruct the men necessary to its use. Very Respectfully, B. H. McCALLA, Commander, Commanding U. S. Naval Force. CAPTAIN J. H. HIGBEE, U.S.M.C., Commanding Second Battalion Marines. HEAD-QUARTERS U. S. NAVAL FORCE ON THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA, COLON, April 17, 1885. SIR, You will relieve Lieutenant Hosley, in command of No. 4 garrison, at 5.30 to-day, taking with you the remainder of your battalion. Protect the lives and property of American citizens. Take every precaution to protect the health and lives of your command. Keep your men out of the sun in the middle of the day. Instruct them early in the morning or late in the evening, and avoid all unnecessary parades and ceremonies. Prohibit the use of wines, spirituous and malt liquors. Enclosed you will find for your guidance General Order No. 15, North Atlantic Station, and " Notes on Sanitary Precautions." Acquaint yourself with the regulations in force at the garrison and carry them out until further orders. With regard to this garrison, the importance of guarding the causeway by which an insurgent force would be apt to approach is called to your attention. Very Respectfully, B. H. McCALLA, Commanding U. S. Naval Force on the Isthmus of Panama. LIEUTENANT C. O. ALLIBONE, U.S.N., Commanding Catling Battalion, Colon. HEAD-QUARTERS U. S. NAVAL FORCE ON THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA, COLON, April 16, 1885. SIR, You will relieve Lieutenant Kimball in command of the train guards in time to place guards on the early train to-morrow morning. Captain George C. Reid, United States Marine Corps, has been directed to report to you with the company 15 228 History of the United States Marine Corps. under his command. In addition, you will have the two remaining sections of your battalion. Acquaint yourself with the duties now performed by Lieutenant KimbalPs command. Keep the transit open. Protect the lives and property of Americans. Enforce the regulations of the railroad company. Consult with Mr. Burt, the superintendent of the Panama Railroad, and do anything in your power to aid him and the officials of the trains in guaranteeing safe conduct to passenger and freight. Take every precau tion to preserve the health and lives of your command. Omit unnecessary ceremonies and parades. Prohibit the use of wines, spirituous and malt liquors. Protect the men from the sun as much as possible in the middle of the day, instructing them early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Your attention is called to the necessity of ex ercising tact in the important duty assigned to you. Enclosed you will find for your guidance General Order No 15, North Atlantic Station, and " Notes on Sanitary Precautions." Very respectfully, B. H. McCALLA, Commanding U. S. Naval Force on the Isthmus of Panama. LIEUTENANT T. B. M. MASON, U.S.N., Commanding J3attalion of Rifled Guns, Colon. At 3 P.M., Captain Huntington departed with his company, by special train, for Matachin. At 4 P.M. the remainder of the Second Battalion and the detachment of sailors disembarked, and at 5.30 P.M. were dis tributed as follows : COLON GARRISON. Captain J. H. Higbee, United States Marine Corps, commanding ; First Lieutenant W. F. Spicer, United States Marine Corps, adjutant. Post I. Captain R. S. Collum, United States Marine Corps, com manding; First Lieutenant S. H. Gibson, United States Marine Corps, and Second Lieutenant H. K. Oilman, United States Marine Corps; Company B, Second Battalion, fifty men, and one 3-inch B. L. R. Post 2. First Lieutenant F. H. Harrington, United States Marine Corps, commanding ; First Lieutenant Henry Whiting, United States Marine Corps ; Company E, Second Battalion, fifty men. Post j. Lieutenant T. B. M. Mason, United States Navy, command ing; Lieutenant Wainwright Kellogg, United States Navy ; Ensign H. M. Witzel, United States Navy, and thirty-one blue-jackets and one Catling. Captain W. S. Muse, United States Marine Corps; First Lieu tenant R. Wallach, United States Marine Corps ; Second Lieutenant F. E. Sutton, United States Marine Corps ; Company C, Second Battalion, fifty men. Captain G. C. Reid, United States Marine Corps; First Lieutenant W. F. Spicer, United States Marine Corps ; Second Lieu tenant S. L. Jackson, United States Marine Corps; Company D, Second Battalion, fifty men. Post 4. Lieutenant C. O. Allibone, United States Navy, command ing ; Junior Lieutenant C. J. Badger, United States Navy ; Gunner J. J. Walsh, United States Navy ; fifty blue-jackets, one Gatling, one 3-inch B. L. R. History of the United States Marine Corps. 229 Armored car, Hotchkiss Rev. Cannon, one Gatling, one S. B. howitzer. Paymaster Stephen Rand, United States Navy, clerk, and yeoman. Passed Assistant-Surgeon Robert Whiting, United States Navy, and apothecary. GARRISONS OF MATACHIN DISTRICT. Captain R. W. Huntington, United States Marine Corps, command ing. Matachin Post. Second Lieutenant Carroll Mercer, United States Marine Corps, thirty-nine Marines ; Junior Lieutenant J. C. Colwell, thirty-eight blue-jackets, one Gatling, and one 3-inch B. L. R. San Pablo Post. First Lieutenant George F. Elliott, United States Marine Corps, commanding, thirteen Marines ; Junior Lieutenant Alex ander Sharp, twelve blue-jackets, one i2-pounder S. B. The forces were now disposed on the Isthmus as follows : Commander B. H. McCalla, commanding United States naval force. Personal Staff. Lieutenant W. S. Cowles, United States Navy; Lieutenant W. H. Reeder, United States Navy. General Staff. Paymaster Stephen Rand, Jr., United States Navy ; Passed Assistant-Surgeon Robert Whiting, United States Navy. NAVAL BRIGADE. Head-quarters , Panama. Major and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Heywood, United States Marine Corps, commanding ; First Lieutenant H. G. Ellsworth, United States Marine Corps, adjutant-general ; First Lieutenant A. C. Kelton, United States Marine Corps, brigade commissary and quarter master; Passed Assistant-Surgeon F. N. Ogden, United States Navy, surgeon ; Assistant-Surgeon M. H. Crawford, United States Navy. PANAMA GARRISON. First Battalion. Captain R. L. Meade, United States Marine Corps, commanding; Second Lieutenant F. E. Sutton, adjutant; Sergeant M. Harrington, sergeant-major. Company A : Captain E. P. Meeker, commanding ; Second Lieutenant T. G. Fillette ; three sergeants, five corporals, one drummer, one fifer, forty-two privates. Company B : Captain L. E. Fagan, commanding; three sergeants, five corporals, one drummer, one fifer, forty-one privates. Company C : Captain H. C. Cochrane, commanding; First Lieutenant F. L. Denny; four sergeants, five corporals, forty-one privates. Company D : First Lieutenant O. C. Berryman, commanding; First Lieutenant W. C. Turner; three ser geants, four corporals, forty-one privates. Company E : First Lieutenant 230 History of the United States Marine Corps. Jesup Nicholson, commanding ; Second Lieutenant A. H. Clark ; three sergeants, four corporals, one drummer, one fifer, forty-one privates. COLON GARRISON. Second Battalion. Captain J. H. Higbee, United States Marine Corps, commanding ; First Lieutenant William F. Spicer, adjutant ; First sergeant E. G. Arnot, sergeant-major. Company A : Captain R. W. Huntington, commanding (Matachin District) ; First Lieutenant G. F. Elliott; Second Lieutenant Carroll Mercer; four sergeants, four corporals, one drummer, one fifer, forty privates. Company B : Captain R. S. Collum, commanding; First Lieutenant S. H. Gibson; Second Lieutenant H. K. Gilman ; four sergeants, four corporals, one drummer, one fifer, forty privates. Company C : Captain William S. Muse, com manding ; First Lieutenant Richard Wallach ; four sergeants, four cor porals, one drummer, one fifer, forty privates. Company D : Captain G. C. Reid, commanding ; Second Lieutenant S. L. Jackson ; five ser geants, four corporals, one drummer, one fifer, thirty-nine privates. Company E: First Lieutenant F. H. Harrington, commanding; First Lieutenant Henry Whiting ; four sergeants, four corporals, one fifer, forty privates. THIRD BATTALION. From Vessels on the North Atlantic Station, Colon. Captain J. M. T. Young, United States Marine Corps, commanding; First Lieutenant C. M. Perkins, adjutant. First Sergeant R. McClure, sergeant-major. Company A: First Lieutenant M. C. Goodrell, commanding; three sergeants, three corporals, one drummer, one fifer, twenty-six privates. Company B : First Lieutenant L. J. Gulick, commanding; two sergeants, three corporals, one drummer, one fifer, twenty-six privates. Company C : Second Lieutenant C. A. Doyen, commanding; two sergeants, three corporals, one drummer, one fifer, twenty-six privates. Independent Company from the United States Ship Shenandoah, Pacific Station, Panama. First Lieutenant T. N. Wood, commanding; two sergeants, two corporals, one drummer, one fifer, eighteen privates. Independent Company from the United States Ship Iroquois, Pacific Station. First Lieutenant H. C. Fisher, United States Marine Corps, commanding ; two sergeants, two corporals, one drummer, one fifer, eighteen privates. Battalion of Gatling Guns. Lieutenant C. O. Allibone, commanding. First Section: Lieutenant C. J. Badger, United States Navy; twenty- three seamen. Second Section: Gunner J. J. Walsh, United States Navy ; twenty-four seamen. Third Section : Lieutenant Alexander Sharp, United States Navy ; twenty-six seamen. History of the United States Marine Corps. 231 Gatling Detachment from United States Ship Alliance. Naval Cadet C. P. Pltmkett, United States Navy, commanding; twenty seamen. Detachment from United States Ship Shenandoah. Lieutenant E. M. Hughes, commanding; Ensign J. H. Oliver, United States Navy; 3-inch breech-loading rifle, .twenty seamen; i2-pounder howitzer, twenty sea men ; Gatling gun, twenty seamen. Battalion of 3 -inch Rifles, Lieutenant T. B. M. Mason, United States Navy, commanding. First Section : Lieutenant Wainwright Kellog, United States Navy ; twenty-five seamen. Second Section : Lieutenant J. C. Colwell, United States Navy ; twenty-six seamen. Third Section : Ensign H. M. Witzel, United States Navy; twenty-six seamen. Artillery Detachment from United States Ship Swatara. Lieutenant F. E. Sawyer, United States Navy, commanding ; Naval Cadet J. K. Seymour, United States Navy; twenty-two seamen. Force at Camp Jouett (during occupation of the city). Lieutenant L. Young, United States Navy, commanding ; thirty seamen. On the morning of the 2ist of April, Commander McCalla transferred his head-quarters from Colon to Panama. On the same day Admiral Jouett inspected the several garrisons, and returned to Colon on the same afternoon. At this time it was reported that the national troops at Buenaventura were being embarked in the iron steamer Guayaquil. On that day Captain Higbee was directed to order Companies B and D, Second Bat talion, under the command of Captain Collum, to proceed to Panama by the three-o clock train. After the arrival of these companies, they, with a Gatling from the Alliance, Lieutenant Sawyer, United States Navy, and a howitzer from the Swatara, Ensign Plunkett, United States Navy, all under the command of Captain Collum, were quartered at night in cars at the new passenger station, extending our lines to the bridge crossing the railroad. On the 23d information was received that seven hundred national troops had embarked in the Boyaca, the hulk Guayaquil, and a schooner, with a tow of three whale-boats to land the men at Panama. Commander McCalla says that, "On the 24th it was reported that barricades were being erected in the streets of Panama, an indication that General Aizpuru would resist the national forces, and that fighting in the streets would follow." At 11.55 A - M - our consul-general called on Commander McCalla, and notified him that two barricades were being erected at certain points, and that in consequence communication would be cut off with the Central and South American cable office. Commander McCalla considered it necessary, therefore, to occupy the city, and he notified Rear-Admiral Jouett of his intention. Captain Higbee was directed to send the entire force at Colon by special train. At one o clock the disposition of the force for an entry into Panama was 232 History of the United States Marine Corps. completed, and as soon as the boats from the Shenandoah were in sight, Colonel Heywood was ordered to advance with his whole force, and occupy the positions in the city as indicated by previous orders. Tanks of powder and a Farmer s dynamo-machine, with wire and fuzes, had been obtained from the Shenandoah, to be used, if necessary, to blow up the buildings. The advance was made in three columns. The right column, under the command of Captain Collum, composed of Companies B, First Lieutenant Gibson, Second Lieutenant Oilman, D, Captain Reid, Second Lieutenant Jackson, Second Battalion, one field piece and one Gatling, Lieutenant Sawyer, United States Navy, and Cadet Plunkett, United States Navy, advanced from the new passenger station at the bridge, along the chemin de la Savanne, and the Carrera del Isthme, to the Plaza Santa Anna. The centre column, under the command of Captain Meade, composed of Companies C, Captain Cochrane, First Lieutenant Denny, E, First Lieutenant Nicholson, Second Lieutenant Clark, First Battalion, one field-piece and one Gatling gun, Ensign Witzel, United States Navy, and Cadet Seymour, United States Navy, advanced from its position at the Panama Railroad Company s buildings to the cable office by the Carrera de Colon. The left column, under the immediate com mand of the brigade-commander, Colonel Heywood, composed of Companies A, Captain Meeker, Second Lieutenant Fillette, B, Captain Fagan, First Battalion, one 3-inch rifle and one Gatling gun, Lieu tenant Hughes, United States Navy, and Ensign Oliver, United States Navy, advanced, by a street running parallel with the beach, to the Plaza Alfaro ; thence by the Carrera de Cordova to the American con sulate and the Pacific Mail office. The advance was made without music, by the right flank, deployed for street firing, a distance of one yard between each file, the front and rear ranks marching as close as possible to the houses on either side and the artillery in the centre. Each man carried eighty rounds; the artillery was ready for action, and four men, on the right of each company, carried axes slung. The Plaza Santa Anna, a part of the city occupied by the worst classes, was reached by the right column, and the cathedral occupied without meeting resist ance. A barricade in the Carrera de Caldas was captured by the column under captain Meade and destroyed. It was made of heavy wooden posts set in the ground three feet apart, connected by boarding to be backed by earth. A barricade in the Carrera de Ricuarte, constructed of sand-bags, was overcome by Colonel Heywood, occupied, and a Gatling mounted behind it trained on a cuartel garrisoned by three hundred insurgents. In the Cathedral de Santa Anna a howitzer was placed in position, loaded with shrapnel, at the front entrance, and a Gatling at the rear trained on a cuartel of insurgents. The insurgent president, Rafael History of the United States Marine Corps. 233 Aizpuru, and his secretaries of war and state were arrested by Colonel Heywood near the consulate of the United States, and confined in the Grand Central Hotel, in the custody of Lieutenant Reeder, United States Navy, with a guard from Company A, First Battalion. While the military necessity for the occupation of the city has been much criticised, yet the plan was boldly conceived, and the execution of this conception was brilliantly and successfully carried out by Colonel Heywood. In thirty minutes from the time the signal was made the United States forces had complete possession of the city. The force was now disposed as follows : Head-quarters, Commander McCalla, with his staff, occupied the Grand Central Hotel. Head-quarters of the brigade, Colonel Heywood, with his staff, occupied the American consulate. Company C, First Battalion, Captain Cochrane, was at the Cable Company s office; Company E, of the First Battalion, Lieutenant Nicholson, a short Gatling, and twenty sailors, under Ensign H. M. Witzel, were at the sand-bag barricade in the Carrera de Ricuarte; Com pany B, First Battalion, Captain Fagan, was stationed at the consulate; Company A, First Battalion, Captain Meeker, was stationed at the Pacific Mail Company s office, as also the commanding officer of the First Battalion, Captain Meade ; Lieutenant Hughes, United States Navy, with twenty sailors and a short Gatling, was stationed at the junction of the Carrera de Sucre and the Cathedral Plaza. Ensign Oliver, United States Navy, with twenty sailors and a 3-inch breech- loading rifle, was stationed at the junction of the Carrera de Sucre and the Carrera de Cordova. Captain Colhim occupied the Plaza Santa Anna, the most important position in the city, with Company B, Second Battalion, Lieutenants Gibson and Gilman ; Company D, First Battalion, Lieutenant O. C. Berryman, forty sailors with two pieces of artillery, Junior Lieutenant F. E. Sawyer, United States Navy, and Naval Cadet Seymour, United States Navy. A line of sentries was posted from the Plaza Santa Anna along the Carrera Chiriqui to the bay, and another along the Carrera de Bocas Toro to the sea, the former connecting with a line running parallel with the bay to Camp Jouett. At Camp Jouett there were the detachments of Marines from the Shenandoah and Iroquois, under Lieutenants Wood and Fisher, and a detachment of sailors under Lieutenant Lucien Young, United States Navy. Lieutenant Mason, United States Navy, was placed in command at Camp Jouett. The garrison from Colon, consisting of Companies C, Captain Muse, and E, Lieutenant Harrington, Second Battalion, two sections of Gatling and two sections of rifled guns, under command of Lieutenant Allibone, United States Navy, arrived about 5 P.M. Before sunset a strong picket- line was thrown across the peninsula on which the city was built, ex- 234 History of the United States Marine Corps. tending from Camp Jouett to the shore on the south. This line was occu pied by Companies D, Captain Reid, and E, Lieutenant Harrington, three Catlings under Lieutenant Badger, Naval Cadet Plunkett, and Gun ner Walsh, the whole under the command of Lieutenant Allibone. Company C, Captain Muse, was sent to the office of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. About 7 P.M. there was a quarrel between some citizens in the Cathe dral Square, during which several shots were exchanged. The Gatling gun in the Calle Sucre, sufficiently elevated to clear the tops of the houses, was fired across the plaza, clearing it in a few seconds. In accordance with strict orders from Colonel Heywood, the city was thoroughly patrolled during the night, and no disturbance occurred. The Third Battalion, under the command of Captain Young, United States Marine Corps, arrived at Panama at 10 P.M., and was quartered for the night in the railroad-station. On the following day the commanding officer of the insurgent troops asked Commander McCalla if the force would be withdrawn to Camp Jouett, provided that a guarantee were given that no barricades should be erected, and that no street fighting should be permitted. An affirma tive reply was made, and, at the request of the officer, Commander McCalla saw General Aizpuru. He offered to give the guarantee before mentioned. An agreement was therefore signed by both parties. At 5.30 P.M. Company D, Captain Reid, and the Gatling from the Alliance, reported to Captain Collum, at the Plaza Santa Anna. The naval force was withdrawn from the city at 8 P.M., except the force in the Plaza Santa Anna, which remained until 9 P.M. The position at the railroad depot, occupied by Colonel Heywood when he opened the transit, was the best one strategically that could have been selected. From the new passenger station all roads leading from the city could be occupied in a very short time. On the 26th there was a fight between Jamaicans and Colombians, at Paraiso Station, seven and a half miles from Panama. The railroad offi cials reported that the station-house had been fired into the previous night, and that the workmen were in fear of their lives. Captain Reid, with his company, was sent to Paraiso to quell the disturbances there, which duty he performed successfully with great credit to himself and his command. Early on the morning of the 28th the Boyaca, with the canal tug, hulk Guayaquil, schooner, and three whale-boats were seen in the bay. Lieutenant Reeder was sent to call on the commander-in-chief to present the compliments of the commander of the forces, with a communication requesting the commander of the national forces not to land within our lines. Colonel Montoya, who had been appointed military and civil chief of History of the United States Marine Corps. 235 the state of Panama, was on board the Boyaca, as well as Colonel Reyes, the commander-in-chief of the military force, which consisted of about eight hundred men. Rear-Admiral Jouett having come to Panama on the afternoon of Tuesday, the 28th, on Wednesday Colonels Reyes, Montoya, and Aiz- puru, met in the railroad office, Rear-Admiral Jouett presiding at the conference. The conference resulted in an agreement being signed between the representatives of the Colombian government and Aizpuru, by which the latter was to surrender. At daylight on the morning of the 3oth the government troops landed at the railroad wharf and encamped near the bridge occupied by two companies of the Second Battalion. By the terms of this agreement the national troops marched into the city from their camp in the savannah, at i P.M., on Thursday the 3oth ; a battalion under Captain Collum, con sisting of Companies B, Lieutenant Gibson, and E, Lieutenant Har rington ; Second Battalion, one Gatling section and one B. L. R. section, Lieutenant Sawyer and Ensign Seymour, were drawn up on the road in front of the new passenger station, and presented arms as the Colombian force under Colonel Reyes marched past. The latter halted his command and returned the salute. On the arrival of Colonel Reyes at the palace, the Colombian flag was hoisted in Camp Jouett, and a national salute fired from head-quarters. On Friday, May i, the four companies of the Second Battalion and the Naval Artillery returned to Colon, and on the yth of May this expeditionary force sailed in the Pacific Mail steam ship Colon for New York, where it arrived on the i6th. GENERAL ORDER No. 19. NORTH ATLANTIC STATION, U. S. FLAG-SHIP TENNESSEE (first rate), ASPINWALL, U.S.C., May 7, 1885. The commander-in-chief takes great pleasure in expressing to all the officers and men of his command his high appreciation of their services on the Isthmus of Panama. Their strict attention to duty, their high state of discipline and efficiency, their prompt ness in emergencies, and, above all, their forbearance in delicate and critical situations, have won the respect and admiration of all. He will not fail to represent fully to the Navy Department how well all have done, and with what alacrity and devotion officers and men have hastened at every call of duty. He extends his sincere congratulations to all his command, that the object of their mission has been accomplished peacefully, and with honor to themselves and to their country. To those who are about to return to their homes he wishes a joyous meeting with their friends, and to each and all long life and happiness. This order will be read at muster on board each vessel of the squadron, and to the battalions on shore. JAS. E. JOUETT, Rear- Admiral, Commanding U. S. Naval Force on N. A. Station. 2 3 6 History of the United States Marine Corps. The First Battalion, the first to arrive and the last to leave the Isthmus, which was only when entire tranquillity had been restored, sailed in the Acapulco for New York, on the 22d of May. Before sailing, the following letter was addressed to Colonel Heywood by Admiral Jouett : ASPINWALL, U.S.C., May 22, 1885. COLONEL CHARLES HEYWOOD, U.S.M.C., COMMANDING MARINE BATTALION, ISTH MUS OF PANAMA: SIR Your departure from the Isthmus with your command gives me occasion to ex press my high estimation of the Marine battalion. You and your battalion came from home at the first sound of alarm, and you have done hard and honest work. The Marine battalion has been constantly at the front, where danger and disease were sure to come, first and always. When a conflict has seemed imminent, I have relied with most implicit confidence on that body of tried soldiers. No conflict has come, but I am well aware how nobly and steadily, through weary and anxious nights, exposed to a deadly climate, the Marines have guarded our country s interest. Please communicate to your command my grateful acknowledgment of their faithful service on the Isthmus of Panama, and accept my sincere thanks for your earnest and valuable assistance. (Signed) JAS. E. JOUETT, Rear-Admiral Commanding. The following table gives the total force of Marines under the com mand of Colonel Heywood during the occupation of the Isthmus : "** . | Is C 1 *rt -*J w V C C g a "O ( c *rt 1 d 3 ft l-i 8 & ft u | U rt Is o CJ fa en in c3 PL, H First Battalion I 6 17 21 3 -J 2O6 266 Second Battalion .... c 6 2 22 2O 4 5 199 763 Third Battalion 2 2 8 Q 7 j 78 106 First Independent Co. . . Second Independent Co. . I I 2 2 2 2 I I i i 18 18 25 25 10 16 7 51 56 12 13 519 685 Extract from official report of Commander McCalla : While all the officers did well, I feel it my duty to call the attention of the Depart ment to those who came under my immediate observation. Lieutenants Cowles and Reeder, of whose professional attainments I had formed the History of the United States Marine Corps. 237 highest opinion, were invaluable. My association with them on the Isthmus only served to increase my respect for their ability and qualifications as naval officers. Paymaster Rand proved himself thoroughly familiar with the duties required of him, and was most energetic in providing for the wants of the detachments stationed along the line. Passed Assistant-Surgeons Whiting and Ogden had not only their own legitimate duties to perform, but the work of apothecaries as well. Passed Assistant-Surgeons Percy, Drake, and Ashbridge, temporarily assigned to duty from the North Atlantic Squadron, were most watchful and attentive to the sick men under their care. Lieutenant-Colonel Heywood, whose reputation as a soldier is well known in the Navy, was constantly on the alert and was indefatigable in his efforts to prevent the garrison at Panama from being surprised. Captain Huntington, of whom I had formed a high opinion, com manded the district of Matachin in the most satisfactory manner. Lieutenant Allibone is one of the best officers I have ever known. It was only necessary to outline to him instructions to feel sure that the details would be thoroughly and promptly executed. Constantly looking after the welfare and comfort of his men, they were always in a high state of efficiency. Captain Collum proved himself in every way deserving of the high reputation he enjoys in the service. He was at all times to be depended upon, and when directed to hold the Plaza Santa Anna I knew it would be done. Captains Reid and Harrington proved themselves thoroughly familiar with the details of their pro fession. Lieutenant Elliott, who commanded the garrison of San Pablo under the general direction of Captain Huntington, is a remarkably good officer. Thrown upon his own resources, he at once established an excellent set of regulations for the govern ment of the post. . . . It was afterwards found necessary to increase the force under Lieutenant Elliott, and to order Second Lieutenant Gilman, from Colon to San Pablo. Lieutenant Oilman is a valuable and accomplished officer, always ready at a moment s notice to go where his services were required. . . . First Lieutenant A. C. Kelton, the brigade quartermaster, was always equal to the many and sometimes unusual demands made upon him. During the occupation of Panama he displayed great energy in supplying the various detachments with food. First Lieutenant F. C. Denny performed his duty thoroughly while in command of a platoon of his company in the hotel in which General Aizpuru was detained. My attention was called to the coolness of Ensign Witzell, who had charge of the Gatling gun at the barricade in front of the cuartel. Ensign James M. Oliver, attached to the Shenandoah, had been ill from the effects of fever for some days, and was directed to return to his ship for treatment on the morning of the 24th of April. To my surprise I found him at his gun in Panama during the night of the 24th, although such exposure was likely to cause serious effects. Such behavior is very commendable. The conduct and efficiency of the non-commissioned and petty officers are worthy of the highest praise. The behavior of the enlisted men was admirable ; less than three per cent, were found to be unreliable on duty or in camp. When the peculiar tempta tions to which they were subjected in the trying climate of the Isthmus are considered, this fact is highly creditable to them. In conclusion, I desire to state that I consider it a great honor to have commanded so fine a body of officers and men. Very respectfully your obedient servant, B. H. McCALLA, Commander U. S. Navy. HON. W. C. WHITNEY, Secretary of the Navy. 238 History of the United States Marine Corps. Consul-General Adamson has officially stated that the firm bearing, strict discipline, and splendid conduct of the Marines reflected great credit upon Colonel Heywood and his officers, and the presence of these fine troops allayed anxiety and distrust, enabling the foreign residents to feel that security which could not be obtained under any other circum stances. The commander of an English gunboat lying off Panama, when told that a brigade of Marines was in possession of the Isthmus, remarked that "tranquillity was then assured," that "he knew what they were, having seen a detachment of the Corps at Alexandria." CHAPTER XXXVI. 1889. Disaster at Apia, Samoa. ON the i5th and i6th of March, a hurricane of great force swept the waters of the harbor, in which were lying at anchor the following men- of-war : United States ships Trenton, Vandalia, and Nipsic ; H. B. M. ship Calliope, and H. I. G. M. ships Adler, Olga, and Eber. There were also a few merchant vessels and small craft. The Nipsic had the inner berth, and the Trenton (last to arrive) had the outer berth. The following are the official reports of the commanding officer of the Trenton and the executive officer of the Vandalia, the two American vessels sunk on that occasion : REPORT OF CAPTAIN N. H. FARQUHAR, COMMANDING UNITED STATES SHIP TRENTON. APIA, SAMOA, March 19, 1889. SIR, I have the honor to inform you that the United States flag-ship Trenton, under my command, was driven ashore in a hurricane on Saturday, March 16, about 8 P.M., alongside the wreck of the United States ship Vandalia in this harbor. The ship lias since filled with water and, in my opinion, has broken in two places, abreast the mizzen mast and near the smoke-stack. It is possible the ship might be floated to dock with the assistance of powerful pumps used by wrecking companies, but, as there are no facilities of this kind, she will be a total loss. On Thursday, March 14, the wind came out approximately from the southward, with much rain, the barometer slowly falling, being 29.70 at noon, 29.60 at midnight; the force of the wind from 2 to 4. During the mid-watch, March 15, got up steam, wind remaining in the same direction and varying from o to 4, the barometer falling from 29.60 to 29.56. At 4 A.M. the wind, and until 8 A.M., was from 2 to 6 in force, the barometer at 8 A.M. being 29.42. By noon, though the barometer fell to 29.30, the wind had not increased nor practi cally changed in direction. During this watch prepared to send down lower yards and house topmasts. From History of the United States Marine Corps. 239 meridian to 4 P.M. sent down lower yards, housed topmasts, and made preparations for bad weather. At I P.M. the wind was east, force I to 2, barometer 29.24; at 2 P.M. wind variable, force I to 2, barometer 29.20; at 3 P.M. wind northeast, force 2 to 4, barometer 29.20; at 4 P.M. wind north, force 4 to 7, barometer 29.29. This seemed to indicate that the gale had broken and that the wind would haul to the west. Instead, however, it backed to the northeast, barometer rising at 8 P.M., being 29.36, wind northeast, force 4 to 8. Up to this time the ship was moored with fifty-two fathoms on port bower, forty-five fathoms on starboard bower, with starboard sheet under foot. At 7.57 parted port bower chain, let go port sheet, steamed ahead, veering to sixty fathoms on it and star board bower. The barometer during this watch, 8 P.M. to midnight, was steady about 29.40, wind northeast by north to north- northeast, force 7 to 8. Midwatch of March 16, barometer 29.36 to 29.38, wind north-northeast, force 7 to 8, steaming ahead slowly to relieve strain upon anchors. At 6 A.M. barometer fell to 29.23, wind north by east, force 6 to 9, tremendous sea. About 7 A.M. wheel-ropes carried away, rudder broken in two pieces, so as to be useless. About 9 A.M. wind came out from north, force 8 to 10, barometer rising to 29.30 at II A.M. At 9.30 fires were extinguished by water in fire- room, which came from hawse-pipes, notwithstanding every precaution in the way of jackasses, hammocks, etc., having been used to keep the water out, but being, on the berth-deck, low down, and a full-bowed ship, it was impossible to keep the water out. The hand- as well as steam-pumps were going, with men bailing besides, and the hatches battened down. I attribute the loss of the ship primarily to the location of the hawse-pipes. I have several times reported officially against their location to the Navy Department. Up to noon the ship had dragged very little, if any; at noon, barometer 29.29, wind blowing hurricane from the north. At i P.M. the barometer fell to 29.19, the lowest reading, the hurricane continuing with the same force until about midnight, the barometer rising slowly, reaching 29.52 at that hour ; wind north-northwest. From 4 to 8 P.M., dragging slowly at times, set storm, mizzen, and mizzen-stay sail, with sheets amidships to prevent any sheering of the ship. About 3 P.M. parted port sheet chain, and shortly after starboard bower veered to ninety fathoms on remaining anchor. Shortly after 8 P.M. dropped alongside the Vandalia, took off her crew from the tops and rigging, and made fast to her. Pounding terribly all night, but the wreck of the Vandalia kept us off the reef. Notwithstanding every effort, could not keep the water down in the holds. About midnight the wind had somewhat abated. At daylight, the morning of the 1 7th, a line was sent to us from the shore. As much of the provisions as could be handled were gotten on the spar-deck. In the afternoon of the I7th, the water still gaining, it was deemed advisable to land the officers and crew. Permit me to express my most heart-felt thanks to you for your most valuable counsel and for keeping us in good cheer, particularly when in our greatest danger, by your good example. During these trying days the officers sustained the reputation that our Navy is proud of. The crew generally worked well. Lieutenant R. M. G. Brown, the navigator, was by my side the whole time, and to his excellent judgment, one time at least, the ship was cleared of a reef. Had we struck it I fear few of the four hundred and fifty people on board of the Trenton would be alive to-day. 240 History of the United States Marine Corps. Several officers and men were injured, but only one man killed, J. Hewlett, lands man, whose skull was broken by the sea. Very respectfully, N. H. FARQUHAR, Captain U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Flag-Ship Trenton. REAR-ADMIRAL L. A. KIMBERLY, U.S.Nt, Commanding U. S. Naval Force on Pacific Station. REPORT OF LIEUTENANT J. W. CARLIN, EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE VANDALIA. APIA, SAMOA, March 21, 1889. SIR, On the 1 5th and i6th of March a violent gale swept over Apia, wrecking and beaching every craft in the harbor except H. B. M. ship Calliope, a powerful steamer, which saved herself by going to sea. The gale was long foretold, and the Vandalia was prepared for heavy weather, having sent down lower yards, housed topmasts, and got up steam in obedience to signals from the flag-ship. We were moored with our anchors northeast by east, and southwest by west, forty-five fathoms on each chain, starboard anchor well over to the eastern reef. The shifts of wind previous to the final blow put an elbow in the hawse. When the strength of the gale came upon us we were directly in the hawse of the Calliope, rendering it injudicious to veer. All the vessels iri the harbor were to leeward of us except the Trenton. About mid night of the 1 5th we began to drag, and commenced to steam up to our anchors, and continued to steam, with but few intermissions, until we struck, the speed varying from eighteen to forty-two revolutions. The engines worked well, with the exception of a short time when the steam ran down to twenty-five pounds, caused by an accident to one of the boilers. We had on seven boilers of the eight, and they furnished all the steam the engines could use. We had but one sheet-anchor, and the stock of that was broken in the last gale. This anchor was held in reserve as long as possible, in expectation of the wind coming out from the northward and westward, but was let go about 2 AM. of the i6th, as near the weather reef as possible. At daylight we saw that the vessels in the inner harbor were in trouble. The Eber soon disappeared entirely, and the Adler struck the reef, the seas heaving her on top of it and capsizing her. The Calliope was our nearest neighbor, and from daylight until 9 A.M. we were in imminent danger of getting foul of each other, and also of striking the reef, being frequently within fifty feet of it, and sometimes within twenty feet. The current was so strong that spanker, helm, and two anchors on weather bow were not sufficient to bring the ship s head to wind. The seas were of immense force, and the steering-gear was carried away about 8 A.M. The ship was steered thereafter by the relieving tackles. The Calliope put to sea about 9 A.M., and one obstacle was removed from our path. Feeling that we must go on the reef if we remained where we were, we made every exertion to get into the inner harbor, hoping to escape the extraordinary current we had heretofore encountered. In doing so, we passed between the Olga and the lee reef with but a few feet to spare on either hand. We slipped the sheet-chain to avoid fouling the Olga s ground-tackle, and veered on both bowers to clear the ship herself. After passing the Olga we made strenuous ex ertions to bring her head to the wind, but they were of no avail, and the stern took the inner point of the reef at 10.45 A - M< The engines were kept going until we were con vinced that the ship was hard and fast. They were then stopped, safety-valves opened, and the firemen called on deck. The ship s head swung slowly to starboard, she began to fill and settle, and the rail was soon awash, the seas sweeping over her at a height of History of tlie United States Marine Corps. 241 fifteen feet above the rail. We were within two hundred yards of the shore, but the current was so strong and the seas so high that swimming was a reckless undertaking. We found the Nipsic beached and abandoned just inside of us. A line was got on board her, but more were drowned than saved. It was impossible to get a line to shore. There is no apparatus for throwing a line, and our buoys floated to seaward. E. M. Ham mar, seaman, attempted to carry a line, but was swept back against the ship and killed. Many men attempted to swim, but so many were drowned that the remainder were deterred. The commanding officer was washed overboard from the poop about half an hour after striking; his strength had been exhausted by constant work for so long a time, and he was unable to sustain the shock of the heavy seas. He was surrounded by officers and men and had been rescued several times, when a sea of unusual violence swept him, and all in his immediate vicinity, overboard. The crew then deserted the poop and forecastle, and took refuge in the tops and rigging, where they remained until about 8 P.M., eight hours. The Olga was driven on shore about 5 P.M. About dark the Trenton dragged down on us, and we expected her to carry away our masts and throw us into the sea, but she came down so gently, and was so expert in throwing us lines, that nearly all our men escaped from their perilous position in the rigging to the comparative safety of the Trenton s decks. The mizzenmast and the mainmast soon went by the board. In the morning the seas had gone down considerably and the crew was sent on shore in boats. The following is the list of the lost : C. M. Schoonmaker, captain ; Frank H. Arms, paymaster; F. E. Sutton, United States Marine Corps, first lieutenant; John Roche, pay- clerk ; George Murrage, boatswain s mate ; E. M. Hammar, seaman ; George Gorman, carpenter; M. Craigin, captain after-guard; William Brown, first quartermaster; T. G. Downey, paymaster s yeoman ; B. F. Davis, engineer s yeoman ; Thomas Riley, lands man ; John Kelly, ordinary seaman ; Henry Baker, landsman ; John Hanchett, sergeant ; Frank Lissman, sergeant; Michael Cashen, corporal ; Nicholas Kinsella, corporal; H. C. Gehring, private marine; Adolph Goldner, private marine, Frank Jones, private marine ; N. B. Green, bayman ; H. P. Stalman, bayman ; C. H. Hawkins, steerage stew ard ; G. H. Wells, private marine ; C. E. G. Stanford, landsman ; W. Bransbane, cabin steward ; Joseph Griffin, first-class fireman ; M. Erickson, ordinary seaman ; Thomas Kelley, second-class fireman ; W. Howat, coal-heaver; C. P. Kratzer, ordinary seaman ; M. H . Joseph, equipment yeoman ; George Jordan, private marine ; John Willford, private seaman; Henry Wixted, private marine; Aylmer Montgomerie, private marine; John Sims, private marine ; Charles Kraus, private marine ; Ah Keau, cabin cook ; Ah Pack, seamen s cook ; Ten Dang, landsman ; Yee Hor, wardroom cook. The Vandalia is a total loss. Her rail is awash, and she is filling with sand. There is nothing standing except the foremast. The safe has been brought on shore, but aside from that the articles recovered will be insignificant. The crew is at work doing every thing possible in the way of wrecking. All records having been lost, this report is devoid of data concerning wind, weather, barometer, etc. The loss of the Vandalia was due to the extreme violence of the gale, the great height of the seas, the extraordinary strength of the current, poor holding ground, and the unprotected condition of a small harbor fringed with coral reefs, and crowded with vessels. Very respectfully, J. W. CARLIN, Lieutenant U. S. Navy, Executive Officer U. S. S. Vandalia, Commanding Survivors. REAR-ADMIRAL L. A. KIMBERLY, U. S. NAVY, Commanding U. S. Naval Force on Pacific Station. 242 History of the United States Marine Corps. In a supplementary report Lieutenant Carlin commends Sergeant John Coleman and Private Carroll of the Marines for gallant conduct. These men and several others of the detachment volunteered for duty in the fire-room, and remained in the coal-bunkers, " where danger appalled the stoutest heart ." Sergeant Coleman had previously received a medal for " personal valor" at Corea, under Captain Tilton. By reference to the list of the lost it will be observed that one-half of the Marines of the Vandalia were drowned, including their promising young officer, Lieutenant Sutton, one of the star members in his class at the Naval Academy. The survivors of the two vessels were comfortably quartered on shore. The Marines, with their marvellous adaptability for service of any nature, were immediately placed in charge of the town, under the command of the senior officer of Marines, Captain R. W. Huntington, assisted by First Lieutenant T. G. Fillette. It is on record that Captain Huntington, Lieutenant Fillette, and the Marines under their command were commended for the faithful per formance of their duty under very trying circumstances. Without the steady and reliable discipline maintained by the Marines, trouble would have ensued, and it was to this small detachment of faith ful soldiers that the naval authorities were indebted for the maintenance of law and order. The following graphic description of the disaster is condensed from the sketch of John P. Dunning, Esq., correspondent at Samoa for the Associated Press, and published in the St. Nicholas for February, 1890. " The harbor in which the disaster occurred is a small semicircular bay, around the inner side of which lies the town of Apia. A coral reef, which is visible at low water, extends in front of the harbor from the eastern to the western extremity, a distance of nearly two miles. A break in this reef, probably a quarter of a mile wide, forms a gate-way to the harbor. The space within the bay where ships can lie at anchor is very small, as a shoal extends some distance out from the eastern shore, and on the other side another coral reef runs well out into the bay. " The American consulate is situated near the centre of the line of houses composing the town, and directly in front of it is a long strip of sandy beach. The war-vessels were anchored in the deep water in front of the American consulate. The Eber and Nipsic were nearest the shore. There were ten or twelve sailing vessels, principally small schooners, lying in the shallow water west of the men-of-war. "The storm was preceded by several weeks of bad weather, and on Friday, March 15, the wind increaseo) and there was every indication of a hard blow. The war-ships made preparation for it by lowering top masts and making all the spars secure, and steam was also raised to guard against the possibility of the anchors not holding. History of the United States Marine Corps. 243 " By eleven o clock at night, the wind had increased to a gale. The crews on most of the sailing vessels put out extra anchors and went ashore. Rain began to fall at midnight, and the wind increased in fury. Great waves were rolling in from the open ocean, and the pitching of the vessels was fearful. The Eber commenced to drag her anchors at midnight, and an hour later the Vandalia was also dragging. However, by using steam they succeeded in keeping well off the reef and away from the other vessels. The wind blew more and more strongly, and rain fell in torrents. By three o clock the situation had become alarm ing. Nearly every vessel in the harbor was dragging, and there was imminent danger of collisions. There was no thought of sleep on any of the ships, for every man was needed at his post. " On shore, the howling of the wind among the trees and houses, and the crash of .falling roofs, had aroused many persons from their beds, and figures were soon seen groping about the street looking for some spot sheltered from the tempest. The tide was coming in rapidly, and the surf was breaking all over the street, a hundred feet above the usual high- water mark. The spray was thrown high in the air and beat into the windows of houses nearest the shore. Rain fell like sleet, and men and women who were wandering about in the storm shielded their faces with small pieces of board or with any other article that could be used as a protection against the wind and sand. " I had spent the evening in-doors and had retired about eleven o clock. The house which I occupied was some distance from the shore and was surrounded by a thick growth of trees. Several of these had fallen with a crashing sound, and I found it impossible to sleep. I arose and deter mined to go down to the beach, for I felt that the vessels in the harbor must be in great danger. I reached the street with the greatest difficulty, for I had two treacherous little foot-bridges to cross, and the night was so dark and the force of the wind so great that I felt I was wandering about like a blind man. When I had walked down to the beach, I looked across the angry waters at the lights of the vessels and realized far more clearly than before that the storm was something terrible. I wandered along the beach for a distance of half a mile, thinking it pos sible that I might find some one, but the whole place seemed to be de serted. The only light visible on shore was at the American consulate. I found a solitary Marine on duty as a sentry there. I exchanged a few words with him and then retired to a temporary shelter for several hours, until a number of natives and a few white persons commenced to collect on the street. The natives seemed to know better than the rest that the storm would result in awful destruction. People soon gathered in little groups and peered out into the darkness across the sea of foaming waters. Fear was depicted upon every face. Men stood close together and shouted to make themselves heard above the roar of the tempest. 16 244 History of the United States Marine Corps. "Through the blackness of the night could be seen the lights of the men-of-war, and even above the rushing and roaring of the wind and waves, the shouting of the officers and men on board came faintly across the water. It could be seen that the vessels were dragging, as the lights were moving slowly in different directions and apparently crossing and recrossing each other. Every moment it seemed as if two or more of the great war-ships were about to come together, and the watchers on the beach waited in breathless anxiety to hear the crash of collision. "A little after five o clock, the first faint rays of dawn broke upon the scene and revealed a spectacle not often witnessed. The position of the vessels was entirely changed. They had been swept from their former moorings and were all bearing down in the direction of the inner reef. Black smoke was pouring from their funnels, showing that desperate efforts were being made to keep them up against the storm. The decks swarmed with men clinging to masts or to anything affording a hold. The hulls of the ships were tossing about like corks, and the decks were being deluged with water as every wave swept in from the open ocean. Several sailing vessels had gone ashore in the western part of the bay. The Trenton and Vandalia, being farther out from the shore than the other ships, were almost obscured by the blinding mist. The vessels most plainly visible were the Eber, Adler, and Nipsic. They were very close together and only a few yards from the reef. 4 The little gunboat Eber was making a desperate struggle, but every moment she was being driven nearer and nearer the reef. Her doom was certain. Suddenly she shot forward as if making a last effort to escape de struction. The current, however, bore her off to the right, and her bow struck the port quarter of the Nipsic, carrying away several feet of the Nip- sic s rail and one boat. The Eber then fell back and fouled with the Olga, and after that she seemed unable to make any effort to save herself. Awful seas broke over the little vessel as she swung around broadside to the wind. Presently she was lifted high on the crest of a great wave and hurled with awful force upon the reef. In an instant there was not a vestige of her to be seen. She struck fairly upon her bottom, rolled ovej towards the sea, and disappeared from view. Every timber must have been shattered, and half the poor creatures aboard of her crushed to death before they felt the waters closing above their heads. Hundreds of people were on the beach by this time, and the work of destruction had occurred within full view of them all. They stood for a moment appalled by the awful scene, and a cry of horror arose from the lips of every man who had seen nearly a hundred of his fellow-creatures perish in an instant. Then with one accord they all rushed to the water s edge nearest the point where the Eber had foundered. The natives ran into the surf far beyond the point where a white man could have lived, and stood waiting to save any one who might rise from the water. There was no thought of History of the United States Marine Corps. 245 the war between Germany and Samoa ; there was no sign of enmity against the people who had banished their king and carried him off to a lonely isle thousands of miles from his native land ; the savage forgot the oppression which a civilized people had placed upon him, and now held out his hand to save a human life, caring little whether it was that of friend or foe. "At first it seemed as if every man on the ill-fated steamer had gone to his death. Not even a hand appeared from the depths where the Eber sank. But the breakers on the reef had hidden a few struggling men who had come to the surface and struck out feebly for shore. " Presently a man was seen clinging to the piling of a small wharf near by. Willing hands soon grasped him and drew him up on shore. He was a young man with a handsome, boyish face, and wore the uniform of an officer. He proved to be Lieutenant Gaedeke, and was the only officer of the Eber who was saved. Lieutenant T. G. Fillette, the marine- officer of the Nipsic, who for several months had been stationed on shore in charge of the guard of Marines at the American consulate, took the German officer under his care. "Four sailors from the Eber were found struggling in the water near shore about the same time. They were quickly rescued by the natives and also taken to the American consulate. There were six officers and seventy men on the Eber when she struck the reef, and of these, five officers and sixty-six men were lost. "Lieutenant Gsedeke, the survivor, was almost heart-broken over the sad fate of his fellow-officers and men. He was the officer of the watch and was on the bridge when the Eber went down. He said that all the other officers were below, and he supposed they were crushed to death. It was about six o clock in the morning when the Eber foundered. "During the excitement attending that calamity the other vessels had been for the time forgotten ; but we soon noticed that the positions of several of them had become more alarming. The Adler had been swept across the bay, being for a moment in collision with the Olga. " She was now close to the reef, about two hundred yards west of the point where the Eber struck, and, broadside on, like the Eber, she was approaching her doom. "In half an hour she was lifted on top of the reef and turned com pletely over on her side. Nearly every man was thrown into the water. They had but a few feet to swim, however, to reach the deck, as almost the entire hull was out of water. Only twenty men were drowned when the steamer capsized. " The others clung to the guns and masts in safety, and as the bottom of the vessel was towards the storm, the men on the deck were well pro tected. Natives stretched a rope from the shore to the Adler during the day, and a number of sailors escaped by that means. But the rope 246 History of the United States Marine Corps. parted before all had left the vessel, and the others were not taken off until next day. They clung to the wreck during the long weary hours of the day and night, and were greatly exhausted when they finally reached the shore. "Just after the Adler struck, the attention of every one was directed towards the Nipsic. She was standing off the reef with her head to the wind, but the three anchors which she had out at the time were not holding, and the steamer was being beaten back towards the point where the Eber went down. It was only by the most skilful management that her officers and crew were saved from the same fate that befell the Eber. The Nipsic also narrowly escaped destruction by being run into by the Olga, and it was the blow she received from that vessel which finally sent her ashore. As she was trying to avoid a collision with the Olga, the little schooner Lily got in her track and was cut down. There were three men on the Lily, two of whom were drowned, but the third swam to the Olga and reached her deck in safety. " As the Nipsic s anchors were not holding, orders were given to attach a hawser to a heavy 8-inch rifle on the forecastle and throw the gun overboard. As the men were in the act of doing this, the Olga bore down on the Nipsic and struck her amidships with awful force. Her bowsprit passed over the side of the Nipsic and, after carrying away one boat and splintering the rail, came in contact with the smokestack, which was struck fairly in the centre and fell to the deck with a crash like thun der. For a moment it was difficult to realize what had happened, and great confusion followed. The crew believed the ship was going down, and men ran up in the rigging for safety. The iron smokestack rolled from side to side with every movement of the vessel until finally heavy blocks were placed under it. By that time the Nipsic had swung around and was approaching the reef. It was an anxious moment for all on board. They had seen the Eber strike a few yards from where they now were, and it seemed certain that they would go down in the same way. Having lost her smokestack, the vessel was unable to keep up her steam power. Captain Mullan was upon the bridge at the time, with Ensign H. P. Jones, the latter being the officer of the watch. The captain remained cool and collected during the dangerous moment. He saw that in another moment the Nipsic would be on the reef, and probably every man on board be lost. Any further attempt to save the vessel would be useless, so he gave the orders to beach her. The limited amount of steam which could still he carried was brought into use and her head was put around towards the shore. She had a straight course of about two hundred yards to the sandy beach in front of the American consulate. "There were then several hundred natives and about fifty white per sons, principally Americans and Englishmen, standing near the water s History of the United States Marine Corps. 247 edge watching the critical manoeuvres of the Nipsic, and I remember the feeling of dread which came over me as I saw the vessel running along side the dangerous reef, liable at any moment to be dashed to pieces upon it. As she came nearer the shore I could easily distinguish the faces of officers who were my personal friends, and I did not know but that I might be looking upon them for the last time. Near me were standing United States Vice-Consul Blacklock, and Ensign J. L. Purcell, an officer of the Nipsic, who had been on shore during the night. I could judge from their faces that their fears were the same as mine. But the Nipsic escaped the reef and her bow stuck fast in the sand about twenty yards from the water s edge. She then swung around, forming an acute angle with the line of the shore. " Just as the vessel struck, five sailors jumped into a boat and com menced to lower it, but the falls did not work properly and one end of the boat dropped, throwing the men into the water, and drowning all of them. Another boat, containing Dr. E. Z. Derr, the ship s surgeon, and a half-dozen sick men, was lowered in safety, but it capsized before it reached shore. "The men were within a few feet, however, of the natives who were standing waist-deep in the surf, and they were pulled up on the beach and taken to the consulate. Several men on the Nipsic ran to the rail and jumped overboard. All these reached the shore except two sailors, who were unable to swim through the current and were swept out into the bay and drowned. "By this time every man aboard had crowded to the forecastle. A line was thrown to the natives, and double hawsers were soon made fast from the vessel to the shore, and the natives and others gathered around the line to assist the men off. Seumanu Tafa, chief of Apia district, and Salu Anae, another chief, directed the natives in their work. The scene was one of intense excitement. The seas broke upon the stern of the Nipsic with awful force, and it seemed as if the vessel would be battered to pieces before the men on her decks could be saved. The waves were rolling high on the beach, and the undertow was so strong that the natives narrowly escaped being washed out into the bay. The rain continued to pour, and the clouds of flying sand grew thicker every moment. The voices of officers shouting to the men on deck were mingled with the loud cries and singing of the Samoans as they stood battling against the surf, risking their lives to save the American sailors. " To one who saw the noble work of these men during the storm it is a cause of wonder that they should be called savages by more enlightened races. There seemed to be no instinct of the savage in a man who could rush into that boiling torrent of water that broke upon the reef and place his own life in peril to save the helpless drowning men of a foreign country. 248 History of the United States Marine Corps. "While Americans and Germans were treated alike, it was plain that their sympathies were with the Americans, and they redoubled their efforts when they saw an opportunity to aid the men who represented a country which had insisted that their native government should not be interfered with by a foreign power. During the trying hours of that day they never faltered in their heroic efforts when it was possible to save a life. "As the Nipsic lay helpless on the beach, they gathered about the vessel and showed a determination to risk everything to save the officers and men aboard. Nearly all the American and English residents of Apia were on the shore in front of the consulate, and there seemed to be a willingness on the part of every man to render whatever assistance was in his power. Ensign Purcell of the Nipsic and several other Americans were up to their waists in the water ready to lend a hand to the men as they left the ship. The position was a most dangerous one, as the waves were washing far up on the beach and great pieces of floating wreckage were being swept back and forth. The force of the water was so strong that it was necessary to hold on firmly to the life-line which was stretched from the Nipsic s bow, and I remember once that my grasp upon the line was broken by an immense wave which completely enveloped me. I was thrown violently across the rope, and then as the water receded I was carried out with it. Fortunately, two natives caught me before I had gone too far, and with their assistance I grasped the line again. There was no attempt to leave the Nipsic in disorder. Captain Mullan and several other officers stood by the rail where the hawsers were made fast, and directed the movements of the men. They came down the ropes quickly, but the seas were rolling so high under the bows of the ship that the men were often entirely submerged and their hold upon the lines broken. Nothing but the noble efforts of the natives saved them from being swept out into the current and drowned. As soon as each man would come within reach, he would be grasped in the strong arms of half a dozen Samoans and carried out of the water. Captain Mullan insisted upon being the last man to leave the ship, and he finally found himself on the deck with Lieutenant John A. Shearman by his side. The captain, being unable to swim, did not care to descend the rope by means of his hands and legs, as all the others had done, so he procured an empty water-cask and attached it to the hawser. When he was seated in the cask, Lieutenant Shearman stood alone upon the deck and started his brave commander down the line. The young officer then climbed down the rope, and the Nipsic was left alone to battle with the waves. " The Nipsic, Adler, and Eber were the smallest war-ships in the harbor. The four large men-of-war, the Trenton, Calliope, Vandalia, and Olga, were still afloat and well off the reef. They remained in a comparatively safe position for two hours after the Nipsic was beached, History of the United States Marine Corps. 249 but persons on the shore were watching them intently all the time. About ten o clock in the morning the excitement on shore began to grow more intense as the Trenton was seen to be in a helpless condition. The great vessel was lying well out in the bay, and, with every wave that rolled in, her stern would be lifted out of the water, and it was seen that her rudder and propeller were both gone, and there was nothing but her anchors to hold her up against the unabated force of the storm. " The Vandalia and Calliope also were in dangerous positions, bearing back towards the reef near the point where lay the wreck of the Adler. Great waves were tossing the two vessels about, and they were coming closer together every minute. The Vandalia attempted to steam away, but in doing so a collision occurred. The iron prow of the Englishman was lifted high in the air and came down with full force upon the port quarter of the Vandalia. The jib-boom of the Calliope was carried away, and the heavy timbers of the Vandalia were shivered. Every man who stood upon the deck of the Vandalia near the point of collision was thrown from his feet by the shock. "A hole was torn below the rail, and water rushed into the cabin. It was impossible to ascertain the extent of the damage at the moment, but it seemed as if the Vandalia had received her death-blow. Men rushed up the hatches in the belief that the steamer was sinking, but they afterwards returned to their posts. Just after this collision, Captain Kane of the Calliope determined to make an effort to steam out of the har bor, as he saw that to remain in his present position would lead to another collision with the Vandalia or throw his vessel upon the reef. He accordingly gave orders to let go all anchors. The Calliope s head swung around to the wind and her engines were worked to their utmost power. The steamer seemed to stand still for a moment, and then the rapidly revolving propeller had its effect, for the vessel moved up slowly against the great waves which broke over her bows and flooded her decks from stem to stern. Clouds of black smoke poured from her funnel as more coal was thrown into the furnaces. Every tension was strained in her heroic struggle against the storm. She seemed to make her headway at first inch by inch, but her speed gradually increased until it became evident that she could clear the harbor. " This manoeuvre of the gallant British ship is regarded as one of the most daring in naval annals. It was the one desperate chance offered her commander to save his vessel and the three hundred lives aboard. An accident to the machinery at this critical moment would have meant certain death to all. Every pound of steam which the Calliope could possibly carry was crowded on, and down in the fire-rooms the men worked as they never had worked before. To clear the harbor, the Calliope had to pass between the Trenton and the reef, and it required the most skilful seamanship to avoid a collision with the Trenton, on the one 250 History of the United States Marine Corps. hand, or total destruction upon the reef, on the other. The Trenton s fires had gone out byjhat time, and she lay helpless almost in the path of the Calliope. The doom of the American flag-ship seemed but a question of a few hours. Nearly every man aboard felt that his vessel must soon be dashed to pieces, and that he would find a grave under the coral reef. The decks of the flag-ship were swarming with men, but, facing death as they were, they recognized the heroic struggle of the British ship, and as the latter passed within a few yards of them a great shout went up from over four hundred men aboard the Trenton. Three cheers for the Calliope! was the sound that reached the ears of the British tars as they passed out of the harbor in the teeth of the storm ; and the heart of every Englishman went out to the brave Amer ican sailors who gave that parting tribute to the Queen s ship. " A well-known London journal afterwards remarked: The cheer of the Trenton s men was the expression of an immortal courage. It was distressed manhood greeting triumphant manhood, the doomed saluting the saved. The English sailors returned the Trenton s cheer, and the Calliope passed safely out to sea, returning when the storm had abated. Captain Kane, her commander, in speaking of the incident afterwards, said, Those ringing cheers of the American flag-ship pierced deep into my heart, and I will ever remember that mighty outburst of fellow-feeling which, I felt, came from the bottom of the hearts of the gallant admiral and his men. Every man on board the Calliope felt as I did ; it made us work to win. I can only say, " God bless America and her noble sailors !" "When the excitement on the Vandalia which followed the collision with the Calliope had subsided, it was determined to beach the vessel. " Lieutenant J. W. Carlin, the executive officer, was practically in command, as Captain Schoonmaker had been thrown across the cabin the night before and severely injured. The captain was in a dazed and weakened condition, able to do little towards directing the movements of the ship ; but, notwithstanding his injuries, he faced the storm like a hero and stood by the side of his first officer until the sea finally swept him off to his death. Of all the officers who did their duty nobly in the face of danger, none received more commendation than Lieutenant Carlin. " Officers and men alike spoke of his conduct in the highest terms of praise, and said that his cool and calm demeanor kept the men at work when panic was almost breaking out among them. He had been on duty since the morning before, and had not tasted food in all that time. " The Vandalia was obliged to move along the edge of the reef, a dis tance of several hundred yards, in order to reach a point in front of the American consulate where it was thought safe to run her aground. " Every one on shore stood near the consulate and watched the vessel steam across the harbor. Her draught was greater than the Nipsic s, History of the United States Marine Corps. 25 1 and it was known that she would not be able to get very close to the shore. She came on until her bow stuck in the soft sand, about two hundred yards off shore and probably eighty yards from the stern of the Nipsic. " Her engines were stopped and the men in the engine-room and fire- room below were ordered on deck. The ship swung around broadside to the shore, and it was thought at first that her position was compara tively safe, as it was believed that the storm would abate in a few hours and that the two hundred and forty men aboard could be rescued then. " It was nearly eleven o clock when the Vandalia struck, and, not withstanding her easy, position, it soon became apparent that her officers and crew were in great danger. Nearly all the officers were on the poop-deck, but their faces could not be distinguished from the shore on account of the blinding mist. The men were scattered about on the gun-deck and on the forecastle, holding on to the masts and sides of the ship. In half an hour it was noticed that the vessel was settling down. Lying as she did, almost broadside to the wind, the seas broke over her furiously and poured down the hatches. " One by one the boats were torn from their davits and swept away. Efforts were made to fire lines ashore, but it was impossible to do so, as the ammunition was saturated with water. " One brave sailor, named F. M. Hammar, volunteered to swim through the surf with a line, in the hope that his comrades might be rescued in that way. It was an undertaking which seemed to mean certain death, for a boiling torrent of water, covered with floating wreckage, was rushing between the Vandalia and the shore. "Notwithstanding the peril of such an act, the man fastened a small cord to his body, stood by the rail a moment, and then plunged into the sea. He had hardly touched the water when he was thrown violently against the side of the ship and knocked into insensibility. " There was no possibility of saving him, and he drowned in sight of all who had witnessed his heroic action. "By noon the entire gun-deck of the Vandalia was under water, and from that time on the condition of those aboard was the most pitiable that can be imagined. "The torrents of water that swept over the ship knocked the men from their feet and threw them against the sides. Several were badly injured. Most of the men sought refuge in the rigging. A few officers still remained upon the poop-deck, but a number had gone aloft. The wind seemed to increase in fury, and as the hull of the steamer sank lower the force of the waves grew more violent. Men on shore were willing to render aid, but were powerless. " No boat could have lived a moment in the surf, and it was impossi ble to get a line to the vessel, as there was no firing-apparatus on shore. 252 History of the United States Marine Corps. " The remembrance of those hours when the sea was washing over the Vandalia has come to me many times since then, and the scene is as vivid as it was when I stood on the beach in that blinding storm and watched the awful spectacle. I recalled then that a few days previous Captain Schoonmaker had been ashore and had given me an invitation to go aboard the Vandalia and spend some time with him. Circum stances had prevented me from accepting his invitation at the time, but I had intended to avail myself of the opportunity of passing a few days at least on a man-of-war, and in fact had made arrangements to go aboard on the day before the hurricane, but the early stage of the storm had already set in then, and the bay was so rough that the ship could not be reached in a small boat with safety, so I had been obliged to postpone my visit. I confess that, as I watched the vessel that day and saw the waves sweeping men into the sea, I felt that I had had a fortunate escape. " When the distressed condition of the Vandalia became apparent, three officers of the Nipsic Lieutenant Shearman, and Ensigns Purcell and Jones made every effort to rescue the men ; and during the whole day and night, with the assistance of several other Americans and the natives, they labored incessantly to reach the doomed vessel and used every means to save the lives of the men. " A long hawser was procured, and three natives were found who were willing to venture out in the surf with a cord and attempt to reach the Vandalia. The men entered the water a quarter of a mile above the spot where the steamer lay, and struck out into the surf with the cord tied to their bodies. "Shouts of encouragement went up from the shore, and the Samoans struggled bravely to reach the sunken ship. But, expert swimmers as they were, they were unable to overcome the force of the current, which rushed down like a cataract between the Vandalia and the shore, and the men were thrown upon the beach without being able to get within a hundred yards of the vessel. Seumanu Tafa, their chief, urged the men to try again, and several other attempts were made, but without success. "It was now evident that many of those on the Vandalia would not be able to withstand the force of the waves much longer, and would be swept into the sea. Natives waded into the water, and stood just on the edge of the current ready to grasp any one who should float near them. The seas continued to break over the vessel, and it was not long before several men were washed over the side. As soon as they touched the water they swam for the Nipsic, where they grasped ropes hanging over the side and attempted to draw themselves on deck. A number suc ceeded in doing this, but others were so weak that, after hanging to the ropes a moment, their grasp was broken by the awful seas which crashed against the side of the vessel, and they would fall back into the current. History of the United States Marine Corps. 253 " The first man who came ashore was Chief-Engineer A. S. Greene. When he was washed from the deck of the Vandalia, he was fortunately able to catch a piece of floating wreckage. "He soon drifted into the current, and was swept down along the shore. The natives saw his head above the water, and they clasped each other s hands and formed a long line stretching out into the current. As the chief engineer swept by, the native farthest out grasped him by the arm and brought him to shore. "Just before he was rescued, another man, who had been washed from the Vandalia, was seen clinging to a rope by the side of the Nipsic. The waves had torn away all his clothing. " There were several Vandalia sailors aboard the Nipsic by this time, and he shouted to them to draw him up, but his voice was lost in the roar of the wind, and, after clinging to the rope a while longer, he let go and grasped a piece of board which was floating past him. He also was drawn into the current, and commenced to sweep along the shore. He was farther out than Chief-Engineer Greene had been, but the Samoans were making every effort to reach him, and had advanced so far into the current that they were almost carried away themselves. Just as the drowning man was within a few feet of the mouth of a small river, where another current would have swept him far out into the bay, the natives caught him and drew him ashore. He proved to be H. A. Wiley, a young naval cadet. He was carried to the consulate insensible, and it was only after great exertions that he was resuscitated. " It was not long after Greene and Wiley were washed overboard that the four officers who were drowned were swept from the deck. Captain Schoonmaker was clinging to the rail on the poop-deck. Lieutenant Carlin was standing by him trying to hold the captain on, as the latter was becoming weaker every minute. Every one on the deck saw that he could not stand against the rush of water much longer. No one knew it better than himself, and he several times remarked to those about him that he would have to go soon. Lieutenant Carlin tried to get him up in the rigging, but the captain said he was too weak to climb up, and would have to remain where he was as long as possible. He had no life- preserver ; one had been offered him several times, but he had refused it. At last a great wave submerged the poop-deck. Captain Schoon maker held on to the rail with all the strength he had left, but the torrent of water wrenched a machine-gun from its fastenings, and sent it whirling across the deck. The captain was bending down at the time, and the gun struck him on the head, and either killed him outright or knocked him insensible, for the wave swept him from the deck. He sank without a struggle, and was seen no more. "Paymaster Frank H. Arms and Pay- Clerk John Roche were lying upon the deck exhausted, but clinging with all the strength they possessed 254 History of the United States Marine Corps. to anything which came within their grasp. They were washed off to gether. The paymaster sank in a moment, but Roche drifted over to the stern of the Nipsic, where he grasped a rope. He was a large, fleshy man, and, being greatly exhausted, could not possibly draw himself up on the deck. His hold upon the rope was soon broken, but he continued to float under the stern of the Nipsic several minutes, wildly throwing out his arms in a vain attempt to clutch something. He finally sank under the vessel. Lieutenant Frank E. Sutton, the marine-officer, died in nearly the same way. Weakened by long exposure and the terrible strain to which he was subjected, he was unable to retain his hold longer, and was washed overboard and drowned. " During the remainder of the afternoon there followed a succession of awful scenes of death and suffering not soon to be forgotten. The storm had not abated in the least. The wind continued to blow with terrible force ; waves that seemed like mountains of water rolled in from the ocean and broke upon the reef and over the ill-fated Vandalia. The sheets of water which fell from the clouds, and the sand which was beaten up from the shore, struck like hail against the houses. White men who stood out in the storm were often obliged to seek shelter to escape the deluge of rain and sand, which cut the flesh like a knife, and even the natives would occasionally run for safety behind an upturned boat or a pile of wreckage. " The Vandalia continued to settle, and the few men who had not already taken to the rigging stood on the poop-deck or on the forecastle, as the vessel amidships was entirely under water. " Almost twenty-four hours had elapsed since anyone aboard had tasted food, and all were weak and faint from hunger and exposure. Men were now washed from the decks and rigging a half-dozen at a time, and a few, who felt that they were growing too weak to hold on, jumped into the water, determined to make one last effort to save themselves. 11 Nearly every man who jumped or was washed overboard succeeded in reaching the Nipsic, and a number of them climbed upon the deck by the aid of ropes. Those who reached the deck assisted others who were struggling in the water, and several lives were saved in that way. But many a poor fellow who reached the Nipsic s side was unable to hold on to a rope long enough to be drawn up, and the seas would wash him away and sweep him into the current. None of them came near enough to the shore to be reached by the natives, and those who once got into the current were carried out into the bay and drowned. " As I stood on the beach that afternoon, I saw a dozen men go down before my eyes. I was with Lieutenant Shearman and Ensigns Purcell and Jones, Nipsic officers, and Consul Blacklock nearly all the time. We had been dragging heavy hawsers up and down the beach all day, and had adopted every means in our power to render some assistance to the History of the United States Marine Corps. 255 drowning men. As we watched them struggling in the water, far beyond any human aid, I remember how we felt, that we must do something to reach them ; but we were powerless. We had seen a hundred German sailors go down early in the morning, and while we had recognized the horror of that calamity we were not impressed with the same feeling which came upon us as we saw men of our own country suffering the same fate. Here there was a bond of sympathy which appealed to us as Amer icans, and one who, in a foreign land, has ever seen such death and suffering befall his fellow countrymen can appreciate the feeling with which we watched those scenes in Apia harbor. "By three o clock the Vandalia was resting her whole length on the bottom, and the only part of her hull which stood out of water was the after part of the poop-deck and the forward part of the forecastle. Every man was in the rigging. As many as could be accommodated there had climbed into the tops and sunk down exhausted upon the small platforms. Others clung to. the ratlines and yards with the desperation of dying men, expecting every moment to be their last. Their arms and limbs were bruised and swollen by holding on to the rough ropes. A number had been greatly injured by falling about the decks, and many a poor creature was so benumbed with cold and exposure to the biting rain, and so weak from want of food, that he sank almost into insensibility, and cared not whether he lived or died. "More than one man who was clinging to the ratlines gave way under the terrible strain and fell to the deck, only to be washed over the sub merged side of the ship and drowned. "A hawser had been made fast from the deck of the Nipsic to the shore, and the Vandalia men who had escaped to the Nipsic reached shore in that way. " The Nipsic had by that time swung out straight from the shore, so that the distance between the two vessels was not more than fifty yards. A small rope was made fast from the foremast of the Vandalia to the stern of the Nipsic, and a few men escaped by it, but before all in the fore-rigging were rescued, the line parted, and could not afterwards be replaced. " The terrible scenes attending the wreck of the Vandalia had de tracted attention from the other two men-of-war which still remained afloat; but about four o clock in the afternoon the positions of the Trenton and Olga became most alarming. The flag-ship had been in a helpless condition for hours. "At ten o clock in the morning her rudder and propeller had been carried away by fouling with a piece of floating wreckage; and, to add to her discomfiture, great volumes of water poured in through the hawse-pipes (the large openings in the bow through which the anchor- chains pass). From ten o clock in the morning until six in the evening, 256 History of the United States Marine Corps. when she grounded, the Trenton held out against the storm without steam or rudder, and her escape from total destruction was miraculous. Admiral Kimberly, Captain Farquhar, and Lieutenant Brown, the navi gating officer, stood upon the bridge the whole day and directed the movements of the ship. For two hours before the fires were extinguished the water was rushing in through the hawse-pipes and pouring down the hatches into the fire-room and engine-room. The men at work there were in a most perilous position, as they were so far down below the deck that if the vessel had gone upon the reefs suddenly and sunk, they never could have escaped. Engineers Gait and Matthews were in charge of the engine-room during the time that the water was pouring down the hatches. All the men there stood at their posts until they were waist- deep in the water and the fires were extinguished. The berth-deck also was flooded, and efforts were made to close the hawse-pipes. Lieutenant "VV. H. Allen remained below all day superintending this work, but, though he was partially successful, the force of the water was so great that everything placed in the pipes was torn out. It was a most danger ous post, as the men stationed there had two decks above them, and in case the vessel should go down their escape was shut off. Allen and his men were deluged with the torrents of water which rushed in through the openings with every pitch of the vessel. It was necessary to. work the pumps early in the day, and this was kept up constantly. Men never fought against adverse circumstances with more desperation than the officers and men of the Trenton displayed during those hours when the flag-ship was beaten about by the gale. There was not an idle man on the ship. The entire supervision of affairs outside of the manoeuvring of the vessel fell upon Lieutenant-Commander H. W. Lyon, who afterwards received the commendation of his superior officers for the efficient ser vices which he rendered during the storm. Among the officers who rendered most valuable assistance were Lieutenants Graham, Scott, and Allen, and Ensign Blanden. "By the skilful use of a storm-sail, the Trenton kept well out in the harbor until the middle of the afternoon, and then she was forced over towards the eastern reef. Destruction seemed imminent, as the great vessel was pitching heavily, and her stern was but a few feet from the reef. This point was a quarter of a mile from shore, and if the Tren ton had struck the reef there, it is probable that not a life would have been saved. A skilful manoeuvre, which was suggested by Lieutenant Brown, saved the ship from destruction. Every man was ordered into the port rigging, and the compact mass of bodies was used as a sail. The wind struck against the men in the rigging and forced the vessel out into the bay again. She soon commenced to drift back against the Olga, which was still standing off the reef and holding up against the storm more successfully than any other vessel in the harbor had done. The History of the United States Marine Corps. 257 Trenton came slowly down on the Olga, and this time it seemed as if both vessels would be swept on the reef by the collision and crushed to pieces. People on the shore rushed to the water s edge and waited to hear the crash which would send to the bottom both men-of-war and their loads of human lives. Notwithstanding the dangerous situation of the ships, a patriotic incident occurred at this time which stirred the hearts of all who witnessed it. The storm had been raging so furiously all day that not a flag had been raised on any of the vessels. As the Trenton approached the Olga, an officer standing near Admiral Kimberly suggested that the flag be raised. The Admiral, whose whole attention had been absorbed in directing the movements of the ship, turned for a moment to the group of officers near him, and said, Yes, let the flag go up! " In an instant the stars and stripes floated from the gaff of the Trenton, and to those on shore it seemed as if the gallant ship knew she was doomed, and had determined to go down with the flag of her country floating above the storm. The Olga, seeing the approach of the Trenton, attempted to steam away, but just as she had commenced to move up against the wind, her bow came in contact with the starboard quarter of the flag-ship. The heavy timbers of the Trenton s quarter were shivered, several boats were torn from the davits, and the American flag, which had just been raised, was carried away and fell to the deck of the Olga. Fortunately, the vessels drifted apart after the collision, and no serious damage was done. The Olga steamed ahead towards the mud flats in the eastern part of the bay, and was soon hard and fast on the bottom. Not a life was lost, and several weeks later the ship was hauled off and saved. "The Trenton was not able to get out into the bay again after her collision with the Olga. She was now about two hundred feet from the sunken Vandalia, and was slowly drifting towards the shore. A new danger seemed to arise. The Trenton was sure to strike the Vandalia, and to those on shore it seemed that the huge hull of the flag-ship would crush the Vandalia to pieces and throw into the water the men still clinging to the rigging. It was now after five o clock, and the daylight was beginning to fade away. In a half-hour more the Trenton had drifted to within a few yards of the Vandalia s bow, and feelings hard to describe came to the hundreds who watched the vessels from the shore. "The memory of the closing incidents of that day will cling to me through life, for they were a spectacle such as few have ever seen. No American can recall those patriotic features without feeling a glowing pride in the naval heroes of his country. I was standing with others as far down on the beach as it was safe to be, watching the ships through the gathering darkness, and every incident that occurred came under my personal notice. 258 History of the United States Marine Corps. " Presently the last faint rays of daylight faded away, and night came down upon the awful scene. The storm was still raging with as much fury as at any time during the day. The poor creatures who had been clinging for hours to the rigging of the Vandalia were bruised and bleeding; but they held on with the desperation of men who were hang ing between life and death. The ropes had cut the flesh on their arms and legs, and their eyes were blinded by the salt spray which swept over them. Weak and exhausted as they were, they would be unable to stand the terrible strain much longer. They looked down at the angry waters below them, and knew that they had no strength left to battle with the waves. The final hour seemed to be upon them. The great black hull of the Trenton could be seen through the darkness, almost ready to crash into the stranded Vandalia and grind her to atoms. Suddenly a shout was borne across the waters. The Trenton was cheering the Vandalia. The sound of four hundred and fifty voices broke upon the air, and was heard above the roar of the tempest. Three cheers for the Vandalia ! was the cry that warmed the hearts of the dying men in the rigging. "The shout died away upon the storm, and there arose from the quivering masts of the sunken ship a response so feeble it was scarcely heard upon the shore. Men who felt that they were looking death in the face aroused themselves to the effort, and united in a faint cheer for the flag-ship. Those who were^ standing on the beach listened in silence, for that feeble cry was the saddest they had ever heard. Every heart was melted to pity. God help them ! was passed from one man to another. The cheer had hardly ceased when the sound of music came across the water. The Trenton s band was playing The Star-Spangled Banner/ The thousand men on sea and shore had never before heard strains of music at such a time as that. An indescribable feeling came over the Americans on the beach who listened to the notes of the national song mingled with the howling of the storm. " Men who had exhausted every means, during the whole of that awful day, of rendering some assistance to their comrades, now seemed inspired to greater effort. They ran about the beach eager to afford help, even at the risk of life itself. They looked despairingly at the roaring torrent of water that broke upon the shore, and knew that no boat could live in such a sea. Bravely as the Samoans had acted, there was not one of them who would again venture into the surf, where certain death would befall them. " Persons on shore were simply powerless, and there was nothing to do but remain on the beach ready to lend assistance in any possible way which might present itself. " But the collision of the Trenton and Vandalia, instead of crushing the latter vessel to pieces, proved to be the salvation of the men in the rigging. When the Trenton s stern finally struck the side of the Van- History of the United States Marine Corps. 259 dalia, there was no shock, and she swung around broadside to the sunken ship. This enabled the men on the Vandalia to escape to the deck of the Trenton, and in a short time they were all taken off. " By ten o clock at night the natives and nearly all the white persons who had watched the storm seemed to be satisfied that no further harm could come to the two ships ; and the shore, which had been thronged with people all day, was soon deserted. The three Nipsic offi cers and myself patrolled the beach all night in the hope of rescuing some one who might not have escaped to the Trenton. We found but one man, Ensign Ripley, who had jumped from the Vandalia before the Trenton touched her, and had reached the shore. He was lying on the beach exhausted and about to be washed out by the undertow when we came upon him and carried him to the consulate. The storm had abated at midnight, and when day dawned there was no further cause for alarm. The men were removed from the Trenton and provided with quarters on shore. " During the next few days the evidences of the great disaster could be seen on every side. In the harbor were the wrecks of four men-of-war, the Trenton, Vandalia, Adler, and Eber; and two others, the Nipsic and Olga, were hard and fast on the beach and were hauled off with great difficulty. The wrecks of ten sailing vessels also lay upon the reefs. On shore, houses and trees were blown down, and the beach was strewn with wreckage from one end of the town to the other. " Above the whole scene of destruction the stars and stripes and the flag of Rear-Admiral Kimberly floated from the shattered masts of the Trenton, as if to indicate that America was triumphant even above the storm. The American naval forces took entire control of the town, and a guard of Marines, under Captain R. W. Huntington, of the Trenton, and Lieutenant Fillette, of the Nipsic, was stationed in every locality to prevent any trouble which might arise on account of the great confusion which prevailed on shore. "A muster showed that one hundred and forty-four lives had been lost in the storm. Of these, ninety-one were from the German ships, Eber and Adler. The Vandalia had lost four officers and thirty-nine men, and the Nipsic had lost seven men. One man was killed on the Trenton by a piece of flying timber, and two victims from the schooner Lily were added to the list. 11 Not more than one-third of the bodies were recovered. The others were either swept under the coral reefs in the harbor, or washed far out to sea." * 17 260 History of the United States Marine Corps. CHAPTER XXXVII. THE PARIS EXPOSITION. 1889. ON the 1 3th of April a detachment of Marines, under the com mand of Captain H. C. Cochrane, United States Marine Corps, assisted by First Lieutenant P. St. C. Murphy, United States Marine Corps, sailed on the steamer La Gascoigne for duty at the Paris Exposition. The detachment reached Havre on the 2ist and Paris on the 22d. The Exposition opened on the 6th of May with imposing ceremonies, and the splendid detachment of American Marines received not only the applause of their countrymen, but the admiration of the foreigners present. The duty assigned the Marines was performed with faithfulness, soldierly exactitude, and firmness, and one of the interesting features of the Exposition was the American quarter, where could be seen daily these soldiers from the New World. On the Fourth of July the detachment marched from the Ecole Mili- taire, the barracks where they were quartered, to the grave of Lafayette. There, under the direction of Captain Cochrane and Lieutenant Murphy, and in the presence of a large multitude, the American Marines decorated with flowers the modest tomb of America} s hero. The following description of the ceremony is taken from Galignani s Messenger, of the 5th of July of that year : "This ceremony took place on Thursday morning, July 4, at ten o clock, at the small cemetery, attached to the convent of the Soeurs Blanches, Rue Picpus, where General Lafayette is buried. Dr. Thomas W. Evans, acting as chairman of the organizing committee, received at the gate of the convent the persons who came to take part in the ceremony. Among those present were the American Minister, Mr. Whitelaw Reid, General W. B. Franklin, Consul-General Rathbone, Dr. J. A. Tonner, Hon. Andrew D. White, Colonel Cody, Mr. N. Salisbury, Rev. Rowland B. Howard, Rev. Dr. Thurber, Mr. Ward De Lancey, General Meredith Read, Lieutenant H. D. Bomp, United States army, military attache to the American legation, etc. A little after ten the United States Marines from the exhibition grounds, under the command of Captain Cochrane, made their appearance, whereupon the procession was immediately organized. The Marines, with the stars and stripes floating, opened the march, followed closely by the representatives of the Lafayette family, Minister Whitelaw Reid, General Franklin, Dr. Thomas W. Evans, Consul-General Rathbone, and all the members of the organ izing committee, who were present, carrying flowers and beautiful wreaths, who were followed by the whole assembly. The procession History of the United States Marine Corps. 261 slowly marched to the tomb of General Lafayette, which is situated at some distance from the entrance of the convent, the funeral march being played by the buglers of the Marines. The Marines surrounded the modest tombstone, and reversed their rifles. The wreath-bearers then advanced, one by one, to deposit their floral offerings on the tomb. When the decoration was completed, M. Edmond de Lafayette, the grandson of the general, stepped forward, and in a few but touching words expressed, in the name of the Lafayette family and in his own, to all present, the sincerest and warmest thanks for this beautiful demon stration of the gratitude of the American people to their well-beloved relative. Captain Cochrane then drew up his command in line, and the United States Marines fired three volleys of musketry over the grave of the Franco-American hero. The whole ceremony in its simplicity was of a very imposing character, and will be remembered by all present as one of the most impressive demonstrations which has ever been made in France by foreigners in memory of a deceased French citizen. It will be an interesting fact to the many Americans who attended the ceremony, to know that they were very near some even upon American soil ; for at the time of the death of General Lafayette, the United States govern ment, as a testimony of gratitude to the deceased, sent to France some American earth, which, it was desired, should be mingled with the French soil, on the place where the body of the French general of the United States army was interred." On the ipth of November the detachment was honored by the presen tation of medals by the American exhibitors ; the officers medals being of gold and those of the men of bronze. Captain Cochrane, the com mander, also had conferred upon him the decoration of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, and complimented in general order upon return. (From Army and Navy Register, December 14, 1889.) "The following letter has been addressed by Secretary Tracy to the committee of American exhibitors at the Paris Exposition : "NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., December 6, 1889. " SIR, Colonel C. G. McCawley, commandant, United States Marine Corps, has sent to the Department a copy of a communication addressed to him under date of the 26th ultimo, by Captain H. C. Cochrane, United States Marine Corps, who commanded the detachment of Marines on guard duty in connection with the American exhibit at the Universal Exposition of 1889, at Paris, in which he gives an account of the presenta tion of commemoration medals, one of gold to each of the officers and one of bronze to each of the men of the detachment, by the American exhibitors. " Captain Cochrane refers to the presentation as an incident of unusual interest and as an event of the most gratifying character. That the members of the Marine detach ment should have been so highly esteemed by all with whom they came in contact, during their term of duty at the Exposition, is not only very gratifying to each and every one of them, but also to the Department and the Corps they represent. " They will bring with them the emblem of that esteem in the beautiful and appropriate 262 History of the United States Marine Corps. medals bestowed on them by their highly-intelligent and appreciative countrymen, and will long cherish the recollection of the kind words for and generous courtesies to them at all times, and especially on the brilliant occasion when they were recipients of such marked honors. The Department avails itself of this means of making known to the committee its appreciative sense of the distinction conferred on the detachment by the American exhibitors. " Very respectfully, " B. F. TRACY, " Secretary of the Navy. 11 JAMES ALLEN, ESQ., " Representative Pennsylvania Railroad Company, Secretary of Committee of American Exhibition" (From Galignani s Messenger, November 20, 1889.) 11 As a token of regard for the detachment of United States Marines, who have been on duty at the Paris Exposition, a fete was given in their honor last night by the American Exhibitors Committee, who had struck commemorative medals for distribution among the officers and men as a souvenir of their stay in this city. The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Somerville Tuck, United States assistant commissioner- general, in the spacious rooms of the Salons Delmonico, which were suitably ornamented with the stars and stripes and the French tricolor. It was hoped that the United States Minister, Mr. Whitelaw Reid, would be present, but at the last moment he wrote to Captain Cochrane as follows : " DEAR CAPTAIN, The physicians still think it best to keep me shut up, and as I could not go out to-day it would seem to be defying them to go out to-night. I am sorry not to be able to witness the deserved decoration of your splendid little body of men, of whom we have all been so proud during the last six months. "The Marines, who, as usual, presented a splendid appearance, were under the orders of Captain Cochrane and Lieutenant Murphy. There were present, besides the chairman, United States Consul-General Rathbone, Captain Maigret, representing the President of the republic; Lieutenant-Colonel Delorme, on behalf of the Minister of Marine ; M. Crosier, for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and some officers representing the Twenty-eighth Regiment of French Infantry, which served in Amer ica during the Revolution; Senator Lafayette, General Meredith Read, Messrs. Hammer, Miles, W. Stiassny, and James Allan, members of the committee ; General Young, Mr. Amory Austin, and Mr. Washington I. Adams, of the United States Commission ; Mr. J. B. Jackson, late of the United States Navy; Dr. Tonner; Mr. Williams, United States consul at Rouen ; Captain Zalinski of the United States Fifth Artillery; Mr. Ellis, private secretary to the United States Minister in Paris; Messrs. Jeffrey and Chanute, the deputation sent from Chicago to make a special report on the exhibition ; Messrs. Gunnell, Bickford, Collins, History of the United States Marine Corps. 263 Butterworth and Pfcilip Franklin, nephew of General Franklin, United States commissioner-general, who has returned to America ; M. Armand Dumaresq, the artist ; Mr. J. H. Hobson, Mr. Henry Haynie, Mr. Hatch, Mr. George Strong, and Mr. Small, of Baltimore, and many others. " Mr. Somerville Tuck, in opening the proceedings, addressed the offi cers and men as follows : " Among the many pleasant experiences which have fallen to my lot this summer, none equals this, when I have the honor to make a presen tation which is the object of our being here to night. A number of the exhibitors in the United States section have had the happy thought of uniting themselves for the purpose of showing their approval of the ser vice done by you, and determined that it should take the form of a diploma and commemorative medal. You represent a Corps, the most ancient in the military and naval organization of our country, and now well into the second century of its existence. Beginning with a bat talion it now equals a brigade, and bears the same proportion to our for tunately small warlike organization as the similar bodies of the Old World. Military in form, you serve almost entirely with the Navy, of which you form part, and to which you impart a military character. Yours is a corps which has also served with the army in the field, in our campaigns with foreign foes, against the Indians, in political and labor riots, at large conflagrations, and scarcely any event in our history can be recalled where the Marines have not been actors, and always to their renown and credit. I can recall the Tripolitan and Corean wars, the only occasions that United States troops captured a fort in the Old World, China, the Japan expedition, your landing at Alexandria, the Panama expedition, when within three hours every depot had its draft en route for New York to sail within twenty-four hours, and lastly Samoa, in this present year, when Marines volunteered for the fire-room, shovelled coal into the furnace of a sinking ship, the Vandalia, and those who reached the land instantaneously took up their duty. " Peace has its victories as well as war. Your Corps has always been selected upon the occasion of civic processions and solemnities. In 1878 you served here in a similar capacity. Let me quote the words of General Bullock, of Massachusetts, who was present on the occasion of the closing celebration in that year : " At the recent distribution of prizes, when the flag of our distant country came into the building under the guardian custody of those manly representatives of American discipline, you saw and heard and felt the plaudits which ran over the vast building with a freshness and heartiness which it seemed to me was accorded in no equal degree to any other nationality. It was the tribute of French men and Frenchwomen. I saw thousands of the women of France around me who rivalled the enthusiasm of the colder and sterner sex. It was the 264 History of the United States Marine Corps. spontaneous tribute of Frenchmen and Frenchwomen to the fond recol lections of the past. The memories of D Estaing and Franklin, of La fayette and Washington, floated in the very air." History repeats itself, and no words of mine could more fully describe your reception and appearance and the applause given you on the 2oth of September last. " With such a record as yours, it was natural that the commission, of which I was a member, should have applied for your detail at this exhi bition. Your commandant responded with the alacrity characteristic of your Corps. His choice of your officers was particularly happy. Your captain I have had the privilege of knowing for many years, a modest gentleman and gallant soldier, who will bravely bear always the cross which came to him from the executive of this our sister great republic, and which has the great and exceptional merit of having been conferred and not sought. Your lieutenant I met for the first time when I had the pleasure of receiving you at Havre ; but he was not unknown to me, and the coincidence was a most singular one. At the time the Navy Depart ment requested your detail, I met a lieutenant of the Navy, an old friend, and, saying to him I had outgrown or lost sight of my old officer friends in your Corps, and had no idea of the selection that might be made, he replied that there was a gentleman and officer who had been so courteous and so considerate to him on his last court-martial (my friend has a record of about two in every five years) that he would like very much to see him get the billet. The name was mentioned; I could do nothing, knowing the etiquette which forbids the applying for any particular officer for details of this kind; but I was most happy to know that my friend s desire had been fulfilled when I was presented to your lieutenant upon the steamer in the roads of Havre. " The gentlemen who have made this testimonial preserve their ano nymity to such a degree that I know only the secretary of the manifesta tion, and must to him, therefore, and for you, express my official and per sonal gratitude for this graceful recognition of services well and faithfully done. No medal was ever more worthily bestowed, and in years to come it will be to you all a beautiful souvenir of the important part borne by you in this great triumph of labor and industry, which has allayed party strife at home, promoted international conciliation, and by assembling the nations of the earth in friendly intercourse brought so much nearer the time when there will be peace on earth and good will to men. " In conclusion, permit me to express my pleasure at welcoming here to-night the officers of the Twenty-eighth of the Line, a regiment which stood shoulder to shoulder with our line in the days that tried men s souls, which helped us to become the old republic of the New World, and brought back from America principles which have expanded until France is to-day the new but eternal republic of the Old World. History of the United States Marine Corps. 265 " The medals and diplomas having been distributed, the kindness which prompted the testimonials was acknowledged in a spirited and humorous speech by Captain Cochrane, who also paid a tribute to the magnificent hospitality dispensed by the Paris municipality. " Senator Lafayette, who spoke in English, was enthusiastically cheered. He thanked the committee for inviting him to be present on such an in teresting occasion, and congratulated the officers and men upon the rewards which they had so thoroughly deserved. He hoped they would keep in their hearts the best remembrance of France and the French ; and he wished them a happy and safe return to their country, that land of liberty, prosperity, and progress, the land of Washington." The following is the general order of the commandant of the Corps, publishing the letters of General W. B. Franklin, commissioner-general of the United States, and of the Hon. B. F. Tracy, Secretary of the Navy, in relation to the detachment : GENERAL ORDER No. i. HEAD-QUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, WASHINGTON D. C, January 10, 1890. It is with great pleasure that the following letters of General W. B. Franklin, com missioner-general of the United States to the Universal Exposition of 1889, at Paris, and the Hon. Secretary of the Navy, referring to the soldierly bearing and excellent conduct of the detachment of Marines lately on duty at that Exposition, are published to the officers and enlisted men of the United States Marine Corps. C. G. McCAWLEY, Colonel- Commandant. NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, January 9, 1890. SIR, The department takes pleasure in enclosing a copy of a communication, ad dressed to it under date of the jd instant, by the Secretary of State, accompanied by a copy of a letter from General W. B. Franklin, commissioner-general to the Paris Exposition, commendatory of the detachment of Marines at the Paris Exposition. Very respectfully, B. F. TRACY, Secretary of the Navy. COLONEL C. G. MCCAWLEY, Commandant Marine Corps Head-qiiarters. OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES COMMISSIONER-GENERAL, PARIS EXPOSITION OF 1889, HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT, December 28, 1889. SIR, I have been officially informed that the detachment of United States Marines, under the command of Captain Henry Clay Cochrane, United States Marine Corps, assisted by Lieutenant P. St. C. Murphy, of the same Corps, which you were so kind as to detail for service at the Paris Universal Exposition of 1889, has returned to the United States, arriving at New York on the 24th instant. I make the following statement concerning them. 266 History of the United States Marine Corps. Their behavior during the Exposition and after its close was in all respects what it ought to have been ; they were admirable in discipline ; their conduct was irreproach able ; their performance of duty was excellent. Their soldierly bearing and military appearance were far ahead of these qualities of any troops which I saw at the Exposition or in Paris. When they appeared as a body they were enthusiastically received, and it was the unanimous opinion, not only of those connected with the United States Commission, but of the citizens of the United States who visited the Exposition, that their presence added dignity to the United States ex hibit, and that they did honor to their country and their flag. Captain Cochrane and Lieutenant Murphy not only performed their duties admirably as the officers of the detachment, but were of great assistance to me in various other duties that they were kind enough to undertake. The French authorities of the War Department were very kind in their reception of them, and in transporting them and in furnishing their quarters in the barracks of the Ecole Militaire, with French troops. In fact, all French troops treated them as com rades, and the relations between these soldiers and them were of the pleasantest kind. Dr. J. A. Tonner, a citizen of the United States, resident in Paris, and medical attache of the United States Commission, attended the detachment professionally with out compensation. It gives me pleasure to acknowledge his efficient and patriotic service. I thank you for having given me the opportunity of close acquaintance with such excellent troops. Respectfully yours, (Signed) W. B. FRANKLIN, United States Commissioner- General. HON. B. F. TRACY, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Through Department of State. History of the United States Marine Corps. 267 CONCLUSION. This record of the principal public services of the Corps for one hundred and fifteen years exhibits an infinite variety, and give some idea of the great utility and mobility of this important arm of the national defence. These qualities have helped to secure for them the highest commendations of the most famous commanders of any age, and when, in 1866, a proposition was made to abolish the Corps as such and transfer it to the army, Congress was overwhelmed with the recorded views of such old heroes as Hull, Decatur, Bainbridge, Biddle, Parker, Perry, Morris, Stockton, Shubrick, and Tatnall, and of later days, Farragut, Porter, Rowan, Stringham, Paulding, Dupont, Sands, Rodgers, Foote, Davis, Worden, and Dahlgren, a mighty list, which might be much further extended. "As a result, the House Committee on Naval Affairs, charged with the resolution, not only reported adversely, but went so far as to say, * From the beginning this Corps seems to have satisfactorily fulfilled the purposes of its organization, and no good reason appears either for abolishing it or transferring it to the army ; on the contrary, the com mittee recommend that its organization as a separate Corps be preserved and strengthened, and that its commandant shall have the rank of brigadier-general. " Congress has nineteen times, by joint resolution, tendered its thanks to the Marines, or expressed its high sense of their valor and good con duct, and the greatest generals have added their tributes to those of the naval commanders." The services of the Marines during the Civil War were recognized by the government by conferring brevets on twenty-two officers. " Medals of Honor" were also conferred on nine sergeants, five corporals, and two privates for the Corean expedition. Medals were conferred on three corporals and four privates, and nine privates received " Honorable mention." In times of riot and disorder, when the police have been unequal to suppress violence, the Marines have been loyal and faithful in maintain ing the supremacy of the law, and in all cases when, in emergencies, they have been called upon to take the field as a part of the military force of the country, their steady discipline and valor have been attested. APPENDIX. PART I. REGISTER OF OFFICERS FROM 1798 TO 1891, 270 Appendix. REMARKS. i *g S OO" GO 1 I 11 II I IllS II s P5 p o p p p |5 5 * gned in October, 1812. I April 14, 1841. gned Jan. 22, 1821. gned April 1, 1830. gned May 31, 1802. I August 26, 1809. appearance in Register 1806. gned in November, 1815. Illl Isll BREVET RANK. t!PSii.ft M) ll HI III fi ^t-: "aS" : " ^ BRIGADIER- GENERAL. i 1. i! COLONEL. >> 0> co 8 *f Ij 6 "f LIEUTENANT- COLONEL. ^* (. a j ; .S ^"1 O CO rH 6 P MAJOR. oT >> -50o" I 5 *tt CO O 00 00 00 I II i g t c H D - f < rH CO ^ CO i-T co" rjT CD" CO *j > k t III S co :r a -l-s FIRST LIEU TENANT. O3 t- <*< O O OS O f-( CO O of o" co" eT IM" 4J~ 1 S- S <5 <) i-j CQ *-S IN <M 00 00 oo S 1 i t- 7 CO I! co"o" rf a et 1-5 ~5 ^- | 04 i goo SECOND LIEU TENANT. ! j I 00 O * i-c t- O O rH CO ^ t- CO CO CO 00 of *" co" i-T co" to fe. - S ^ ^ <S !8 IT a er 5 iingi Ssiss Slls llllHl J||sj bb^> a tl COMMANDANTS. William W. Burrows- Franklin Wharton 1 i -g j ? >> rj 3 a S H N S ! 1 111 tf! 5 8 1 < ^ igt ii! M^ii is i- I^I M . Sill fit 3 .? Si ||| 11 lilg lllll 1111 1 i * c c 1 o" i -3 s= BSe Register of Officers from 1798 to 1891. ) 13 ]o 4 ^ ^ CO u " S* 1 I* "3S B c p 1 s co" . rH CO o" t^O ~"<D ) eu t-^ CO t-^ co 271 .S4S* "** S3. S .5 *T3 iflMl 12 I GO O <M . <* Tf * r <o o~i ~o~Tjr : Gc^ocTocT oo <N (N CO iH ; ,-H r-i r-i rH gf <v ;ii? GCOr-XOCGO^GCOOOO ft 00 lO * rH SSi ??S "Mr-. 2 {"" . . . . 2 ^ 1 g jf 1 a -- O O O g g ;?5M 272 Appendix. BRE RA P; O > " GADI NERA IEUT COLO ST LIEU ENANT. Oi (N*CO rH Bl coVn- EU . llSS f" oft" soo" O.Q S s-SfcS"^ a-ts >>*? >> >> \8 S 11 II 1 w c Sl^| ^ 6" tf fill Illl H-ga5 SsS^ggo =^ = ^ 3 s^s"l W*^J s Iflii 111 = a s 5 ja" g a Register of Officers from 1 798 #? 1891. 273 Resigned Sept. 13, 1815. Died Sept. 15, 1823. Died Dec. 26, 1825. Last appearance in Register 1806. Re-signed April 28, 1812. Disl.nnded Am- 2S 1K17 P E A.t *4 . S * -t *.**" c4 i-^T oo ^cT 1 ^ o 11 ill iyiJlLi 1 lit 1 fa ll ill t i!! SM * tllss 1 I : : H 1 "3 j I I s 00 a rH ir^ rH 3 S5 i v$ p I gf I O iO M rH rJ tJ I "3 i S rn" oT f 1 (M 00 | llss r*< CO O 00 ^0 00 1 ^ rH r 00 00 OC I i- y oo oo 111 June 19, 1819 n g E* g <" oo" -"jJ" < r3 si Scf II b,>> J^ - x ~ i - ~ Illl ii i co" 1 June 18, ] Ar>r. 12. 1 o p c- ^ ~ cjw I l KJ si ii 0000 *00 lil si ?.- ~ ( ssIiSilS S S rH O (MO O O r- rH (M t- t- t- 00 OO 00 OO OO 00 L o, 1K= > "**" ? o CM" co CD"OC ^*^? a ^ s s a 31 f-Sr,l-5 <f6, r- .7- ^ 1 r^^O^c/2^5^i^: O rH 1 ^ s- ^^ -* ~of i-H o \h =3J fil : a c 56 a s && s c T> = -= a c 000000 : : : OO PC III Iff! Devlin. John S f^Jpjc J&^sijsi Ijfijff?] JE S 1 ^ S <i p P P - | Edwards, James L Edelin, James Edson, Alvin Ela, F. P Ellsworth, H. G Elliott, George F 274 Appendix. REMARKS. o d 00 00 I. i. g s -c^i rf s lS - 2" s . g|J &"o- ^^ 5-g g . | || ^.ft;*^ l|^| ,$:s |s |a|| || f.l | 1 fl ytlll! fill 111 ill fill 111 BREVET RANK. 3 . -M sS 3 . | S 3Sr?|- ^ lift 1 fill c 1 fi BRIGADIER- GENERAL. i i i i i j i ! ! : i : : : : : : : : : : : COLONEL. ocT i : : |i i : : : : ! : LIEUTENANT- COLONEL. GO 1 1 ! i j ! 1 i i i : : MAJOR. CO rH rH oo" rH 1 1 1 * ^ CO 1 i ! s : : o 0> 3 J" s ! I S i "3 (M "3 rH CAPTAIN. CO t^- CO O iT CO** CO** Cf. rH CM r- >> b 1 1 1 j me 18, 1814 to 4J ^ 00 l" : 1 is cc a CO ^ 00 CC CO" C CM GN ^ > S -H* <{ Hi .1-5 r-5 O -ft P . I-H CO CO OiO OO t^ CM i < CO * O C 00 00 00 COCO 00 CO 00 00 CO 00 00 rH CO i CO CO 00 00 CO 00 cS at o oo o co r < -^ O2 t~ CO FIRST L TENAN rH 00 rH IO O r- -f * CO CO rH rH rH rH (M (M rH IM rH 3 <u <o "5 *3 e jS ^ <E Ci. * < ft ftO r,cS<Jfe<c o, * 5 n 00 1C CO CO CX3 II III . - a rH CO O C3^ OOl^-rHOCOrHCO lOOCMrH NCOO COOO rHrHr-l^o COCO CO 00 00 Jt~ 00 00 00 00 00 CO CO CO 00 CO CO 00 000000 CO 00 00 00 CO 00 GO COCO SECOND I TENAN i- - O **> t~ C of COt-"^^-^-^-^" gq <M (N t-" o-T*r COCO CO 00 * II II -8 II g-&i|*| ^|P r^ HS O r?iS r, 02 CO rH Z S "3 pH | -5S<) r,r, ^^23* S NAMES. ^ I -i pjj s M i N &H i M H H j M j M >s rf } 5s iMilii w- U* 11 d -J^ iw : |o . 2 g ii 6d iWSii -S^fe fH*s ri|J9 r?S| ^-H. "4 1 H :-I ^si b i^. y^f ^:i fe fe:- ^:- ^ J3 _ ^ y H _ w ,tf O > s - <-" * C pC T" "S S ,* ^ aj ^ - - S^ j2^ S ,g ^rrj ^cu O "- ^o^jS O g f 3 fl 2 c3C3 a cS SO 00 HH ^ fS pEtr SEr?fer?r? feril^fe f^frH O O O O O C O OOO Register of Officers from 1798 to 1891. 275 93 >> ;::::::>- : : : C : : : : *- :::::::: : : : ft . i = 1 1 I 1 g- . F p i ! I ! ! *j <N s*t- : : : ^ OD & | H ^ t * : : c i I : : I : : : : : : i i i i i i i : : : : : i i 1 i 1 j j MM M : : : : : : : 1 : : : : : : : : : : : i ! i i ; i ! i ; i : : : i i : ! OC i i i N] iii i i i ! i i i i i i i i ; i i j j t c i \\ \\\ HI I i : : 00 : : : : : : : : : <l I i \\ ill ||! 1 < :::::: : : j j | j 5 : . . 9 . . : : : c : : : >:::::: : : c :::::: : : S : { j a S ^ >"! O rH . . . . . rH lO . i 11 iss i i Si 1 IIS S OC (M ^ *P oo oo : : : co t oo oo : III 1 Gull i ,-T co : co oo" : : cc CD i oo rH ft "* 00 00" III II ill i i II 5 rH CO O 1C <M ) CO 1- t~ O rH 00 OC 00 00 00 i-4 10 IT- 1C CD i- r-l (M lO -^ O 1C CO O oo oor-P- . OOCCXMOO coco i <o s ;c O * i 10 Ic OC 00 OCOO OC > rH C<f SO * rjT H rH rH rH ft 2 Q^ Q, Q, i ill ill P r^ t^ < : P-5 < C ^ S l-^l-, s rQ o s r-l CO rH -s-^g ^ Ocglfi 1 -S rH O5 1C rH O T 00 CO 00 CO JO 00 00 1 111 iiisS 1 i iSissis iiii 11 liiSS 1 Illill 1 fO COr^CO g; 10 ^^^ ^ : :J3 Sq2"*3 W 1004 ^ g^S rH^^rnJE 4^11 i! IIJ ni i fiyfijN iiii il^ ti 111 11 1 lit If (! Ifl I 1 8 276 Appendix. REMARKS. s" s s s ^ -II ^ S" 2 . ^ S ~3 .S !i S"J d . o -of ^"o" * ^i" *J**,.3> *S "5 S3 _- & o3 .Jif.J* ^.2 ^^ P.^ -o ^ TJ fcS:^ ^EcSc 5s_ &c fe fe bo 6 b/O il Major Mar. 8, 1862 ;Lt. Col. Aug. 5, 1864. >> g . ^ *r^ : : P ^0 II Hi ills 1 s u -o BRIGADIER- GENERAL. : i : " I i M 1! i : : : ! : : i i i COLONEL. : i i nil : : ! ; i i : : : : : :S" : : : : : : : : ^ : . : :g LIEUTENANT- COLONEL. 00 fcH : : : :g : : : :cS ; : : : : jo" : : : :^" : : : : i : : : " : i i IS i : : o M o O s 1 oo" . . - - ,...., L : . : U> 3 II - CAPTAIN. ico" : 1 sf 1 jj 5 5 "3 1-5 01 S H 3 53 i * : FIRST LIEU TENANT. 8" i i i ii il r-< CO O oo oo : oo CO 00 OO O O O I O OC t^OOOOOO 00 Illil ^ -Z oo" to : r-T : : i - 1 I i il i C4 i-H 9s| ;i SECOND LIEU TENANT. i f c ^-i^H CDCCJiO 1 ^) O O <> OTCtO OO O O i < rf< u 0000 00000000 t- 00 GO 00 CO GO 00 OO CO 00 GO OO Ot O 0^ 00 CJ 1C "i 00 00 P X 00 OC lO iCiOOJ ^OiO 1 * 1 ill 111 ili 5 i-H 00 M r^ O*lO <N~ i-irHCC CO* M^ICOt- 5 = =t3 k 2J2s s "s w "3 J2S a ^ H<1^O SS-?l-5 HjO-S >-S S^<Sl- S 3 * S ^ r | : : : : : : j j jlj jt I i 1 1! n M WBH KWSS i j J !M U 1 1 i ! ! "U N 5d >iS| ^. J N i= : , FJ -.! nil -fi ywii [}! 11! Illi SIS Kane,T. P Karmany, L Keene, Newton Kellopg, Lyman Kennedy, II. W Kennedy. Philin C Register of Officers from 1798 to 1891. 277 ll !!!!!! 1 11 si p ^ p ^ ^ pt. Oct. 30, 831 ; Major an. 2, 1847. ptain April 2, 1833. ,H- 00" a 278 Appendix. VET NK. <N 00 1 J . ii 11 . O d .5 .s <N e~g> " ""* 06 " - ,{2 o>* ~ g f S3 coV- 1 w ^ ~ aoii-e-S* -o -a -o -o TS S>*i I . i Ji s 1 iS-S ll<Jp|-2 S S SS g 3 51.2.I1 igfc .s-Soj^ggP *=<= = &fc.l fc t ; -s US ? ||l Sff-SjIl-slSil : : |3 ^oo" IEUNT- COLONEL. 8 a" <0 ST LI NANT O oo II III COND LI TENANT OC r-l ^ SD oc ce lili 00 CO 00 CO 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 CO OT ^sss till 11114 ^ ^fc - j M ji.^^T3 rp3 . : M "J*. lo-S^ ; -P^ d K* ^ ^ ifisfilll cWoWWOca :vS^|g^ |ai H K a J 3iw*ftK III l! 11 ^ ^iinr ! l!g i! ! IIU i = J i =^ UJj i |B. o -.^ c gt: W B :^S -|-gl8H| fe .i|2 s -|-J-e^|J fc-t- tKX^^^ 00 **- 1 OCOOOES30S Register of Officers from 1798 &? 1891. 2/9 I ss|s;|jg=2 S J&-2 S5 is tltift I! uj p-p 2 s s a 1 t -t a :& : : ci*i^s OO "i ! ; J f^-^ - ^ CO* 45 : 3 S f ^ fci 3 ^2 ^ ,3 = 6 : 1.2 s S : : : : i i |a : : : eS-2, | 1 j j J a i i j : : : : i ! I epted by the De co = { * 1 "* (M . HJH . . 05 S 2 00 S IS S sT : " S is J ?** t ; I o jj bb p p< : s -s S Q "5 o 1 3 -x; I <M y 111 i <# * S3 O5 CC X OO OO g 1 II Ci JO i II 1 1 I 1 O X i r ! B ? 2 > > III \f i oToo iH" oo" i-H CO 1* 1 D. CO II COrl ll g D Zj indered to join with the rani > ? < rH 77 / _- r; ^ 1 i i * j ^ i i i-J CO CO O t-- oc<xoc s Isl 11 1 Ills Hi 1 sliig r oc *";= ; := S S J: e .:-. ss v a SS 05 S3^ to of;N"* r> rl 5<l g^rJ 9 T > > i s II > r ^ 1 III cS cS r S S 1 I I &&, 1 III ll >- S Q "^ S >? ^ O o ^^ > !l : : : tn : : : : a 1 ! iJa 1 II r S : - d, : : S * ++ i .2 .2 g J < S* 02 - t^ : ^ x ^ 5 :^ C g< : ! f 21111^. ^ i Si ^ ^ "i"!^ s - a - I*1 H 1| S ^> ? ^ s~^- d- -^ 1 1 1 1 w -~- ^ a | o"^-s - ^ii^. "*U H ic" ^5 3^. JOB ! T -2 "o rfo "o "3 "o "3 "3 af ^ "o c 2 * r S S "I ^-s J2 - af ~ af-- "~ " 280 Appendix. REMARKS. Dismissed July 10, 1837. Died Feb. 7, 1812. In service. In service. Diprt t SOA Anril 4. 1858 ^.g g |g .4 ^ . j! 1 lllllUlill I ft|if|f!!fl i s 1- 3 - Eg" 1 rH ^-W ^ y|^i - c^ -""j^ - ^ -g +jj^c ""Ig .^rrr" 1 "!, ^ | S^ -g rH . 5 E^o g. ^^ I- c^ c< l S ^S>^ ? C S .^* g QQ s8g^S-S.4J S o-o g o gdw e a.s.i= E!.^o E SS = S* Ec llilpililil ! llllii!l BREVET BANK. 0^ Ifljl i i 1 ia BRIGADIER- GENERAL. : : : : : : : COLONEL. i j : LIEUTENANT- COLONEL. C) : : -s MAJOR. oo * j \ : CAPTAIN. 000030 oo S S a ^* aS 3 Ills 1 /, til! ! -i ~ i tt <*! OO > - a ?+ w FIRST LIEU- TKNANT. g B iS mi i s 00 1 00 00 -- r oo I ii COOO <N g II I 1 be x ^ >> > i C "c > <3 o 5 < PH < g ^ < June 18, ll ^ . - I \ \ . \ 7 7 oo O j* as o ?3 5o o oo cooo t- ce oo oo t- i 1 00 OO OC OC IS 5 i :t 1 1 x / ii SSI SECOND I TENAN V f a f c 7 1 <% Q S 02 < ^ S a Illlll 1 1 Jill 11 1= r ?= - r ^T-? O C" ; 1 1 -t c tf -r 5: ? -: "< A "> u NAMES. Powers, Darius C Prime. Joshua : : ::: : : i i : : i i 1 ! Richardson, Benj Riddle, R. B Rich, Jabez C Rio-rrs. Mvron f! .... : : i K b H- tf : ^ f5 a jj ~7. Saltmarch, B. G Schaumburgh, J. W... Schermerhorn, J Schenck, W. S.t Sevier, Alexander Register of Officers from 1798 to 1891. 281 ^" ^l I 1>;l a; M IM 02 oToToToo 55 a] ,7. -7 -A x -A -A x o! 55 35 55 I * 2 ~ 2 j 5 2 = S Joiajolojojol Eo oial-JQ rt => 5 S 3 cc CA. cc a, x cc 282 Appendix. REMARKS. .a -"TO II c t-^3 7g 73 73 73 ^ T: c a c a oo = ;= != i is C.S.A.J In service. Died Aug. 31, 1890. Killed in battle Sept. 13, 1847. Dismissed May 4, 1861 ; joined C. S. A.J Dismissed June 21, 1861 ; joined C. S. A.| Resigned in 1812. Died Dec. 11, 1883. III lit ifSlllNliltriffiii 1 Kftft ft ft ftft ftP^ft ft ft Mtfft P5 WMHCSft ft BREVET RANK. ST a| P !i S2 5 - 6^ t 3 " i c : 35 0^ u o" 1st Lt. Sept. 8, 1863; Capt. Jan. 14, 1865 BRIGADIER- GENERAL. : ; COLONEL. : LIEUTENANT- COLONEL. MAJOR. 00 S 05 I us 1 cS CAPTAIN. K. O GO June 18, 1814 s -5 11 a s" II i 11 5 s"? *.. i ^ ! | i" 1 i" sf a" 1 1 1 eo" S > > FIRST LIEU TENANT. GO ill 1 t- I 00 t- t- -ti ir 00 X 1 OC CO O O CO OO CC X 1 10 e<" i-^ CO c. a jH CO K i . * 1 es c i g ^ !5 kC -/ ro gg 11 ^ >> -*>> to" S. 1 II s" ^ 01 s. >- < ? 1 -r I c 1 1 . li S* CO t- i -J< GO Or-" XI GO 00 X O Ol "*< O t- ^0 CC * -^ ^ lO O5 CD O if CO CO T r-l (M IT 00 00 CX r- ^ 1 June 14, 1862 SECOND L TENAN1 O C 54 gg s D ^ ^ O C ;* S-^jz; ^ ^ u >, j; 1- i; > s s ss ?- |. J <1 S CO >-S 5 0" OS o S 5 Z S >2 NAMES. *^ C - i * S3 : - : ^ * a -jljl: c l 1 gltf J s "s s: -f ~ X CO CG O2 6- : : : : K = i : : : I : : i u - i l jit i ^ ! W 5 ! I M - 3 3^ o SSe^nSScg, g 2gg tf I ll I & 1 111 & i Urquehart, John Wallace, William Register of Officers from 1798 to 1891. 283 o-d II is og sS s" S g"f %J s .g =i 2 a *> -w.fi .a T3 e **< b p 3 O CB 0> * M T |2 <O Ofe * e g. S S g-g -g-g g-a fas-s Is s * . ilpjl - HRMMH MROO OP HO OM MWi-iO OOOOi4i-Hi-* l -H^OMOO M O PH W PH 8! Ml ig a ^> : > Ml. ; oo : ^ fj 3S S*" 4J 115 ! Us ! IS-*-" Is" J o S -o -o o V > 1 : : : : i j : : : ! i CO tj Q HI oo cT (N I lr-1 } s S S o" o" 1 1 oo n |H CC S S S I-( 1 1 1 00 00 06" r-T S 1 > ! II tii S si ii ii 1 82 3 30 OC 00 CO i /. "7 11 ~ QO 1 I 111 t! II oo ooeo i-iio co~5~^ 2 C C >> > c C *- 3 || s9 || Q^S o t r *) i- X c- ;-* r* ecf id JJJJi Ill CO X 00 OC C ~ Is || / Sg 1 1 HOCOCOiO ^fiOOT^ . . . j_; i.0 S- CB eS J^i -s -sfe OS>-s rH (M i-H c<> .. .CD . 9 * ? 2 o 00%-Tco- t-T; III 1; r _ > - N ? _ -t- >j > "="= _ _ 1 OSOCK * S |dn- < ^ g | ^ Wales, Samuel.. Wait, Marmaduke Waller, L. W. T Wainwright, R. D Wainwright, R. D Washburne, I. H Ward. A. W S ^^ d I i II II If 1 t $1 H ii i Webster, F.D Webster, Le Roy C Weed, Elijah J.* West, Edward L 5| 2 S >> = H ^5 fe ^ "*. 2 o >% " t-" 2 |ll5l : fe : : : i J d j : C TH ^ 1 1 Ilia 284 Appendix. REMARKS. 3 ^ S _ CC Tjj . jj t-J CO 10 ^ ^ 5 r l r ^,00 rH _ 00 00 CO S S^ ^ S S S.SS Ori d , .2 13 -a -o o .> s "i | Iflf 1 - IfS S S i -| || D S BREVET BANK. ^. . p^ : : :::::: : :a^ : i i ; ; ; 15 i 6 BRIGADIER- GENERAL. i i i i : : : : : : : COLONEL. LIEUTENANT- COLONEL. MAJOR. . : : ; : : : : CAPTAIN. . rH . . .*# . . . i 1 Ill M : "si: 1-5 . i i ; !/2 FIRST LIEU TENANT. CD . r-i i to : i "g- =, co < 11 i of o* : lO . 00 t- * . ^ : co o CD ; SECOND LIEU TENANT. oooo oooooooooo : COOOGO oo oo oo oo "-o oc 1 II ill CN OQ r^ r-* <M r- NAMES. : : :::::: : : : : : : : : i : : : : : 1 III i y III! ; f M M to be w bo H - j 5 p 5 5 5 5 : - 5 O O O O O O S 4 >H ^H >H b >H ^M SI Thanks, Medals, and Swords awarded to the Corps. 285 PART II. THANKS, MEDALS, AND SWORDS AWARDED TO THE CORPS. CAPTURE of the French frigate Insurgente, by the United States frigate Constellation, February i, 1799 : Lieutenant Bartholomew Clinch. Constellation in action with the French ship-of-war La Vengeance, February i, 1800: Lieutenant Bartholomew Clinch. Capture of the Tripolitan ship-of-war Tripoli, by the United States schooner Enterprise, August i, 1801 : Lieutenant E. S. Lane. Capture and destruction of a Tripolitan frigate, the Philadelphia, of forty-four guns, in the harbor of Tripoli, by the United States ketch Intrepid, February 16, 1804. The following men volunteered : Sergeant Solomon Wren, Corporal Duncan Mansfield, Privates James Noble, John Quinn, Isaac Campbell, Reuben O Brian, William Pepper, J. Wols- frandoff. The attacks on the city and harbor of Tripoli in July, August, and September, , 1804 : Captain John Hall, Lieutenant Robert Greenleaf, Lieutenant John Johnson. Killed before Tripoli, August 7, 1804: Sergeant John Meredith, Private Nathaniel Holmes. Constitution in action with the Guerriere, August 19, 1812: First Lieutenant William S. Bush (killed), Second Lieutenant John Contee. United States in action with the Macedonian, October 25, 1812: Lieutenant William Anderson, Lieutenant James L. Edwards. Capture of the Detroit and Caledonia, October 8, 1812 : First Lieu tenant William H. Freeman, Second Lieutenant John Contee. Victory on Lake Erie, September 10, 1813: Lawrence, First Lieu tenant John Brooks (killed), Sergeant James Tull, Sergeant William S. Johnson. Caledonia, Sergeant Joseph Beckley, Sergeant James Artis. Scorpion, Corporal Joseph Berry. Porcupine, Corporal David Little. Trippe, Corporal John Brown. Tigress, Corporal William Webster. Niagara, Captain George Stockton, Lieutenant John Heddleston, Ser geant Jonathan Curtis, Sergeant Sanford A. Mason. Wasp, in action with the Reindeer, June 28, 1814, Sergeant William O. Barnes. Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to present to Captain Thomas Truxtun a gold medal, emblematical of the late action between the United States frigate Constellation, of thirty- eight guns, and the French ship-of-war La Vengeance, of fifty-four; in testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of his gallantry and good conduct in the above engagement, wherein an example was exhib ited by the captain, officers, sailors, and Marines, honorable to the American name, and instructive to its rising Navy. Approved March 29, 1800. 286 Appendix. Resolved, That they entertain a high sense of the gallant conduct of Lieutenant Sterett, and the other officers, seamen, and Marines, on board the schooner Enterprise, in the capture of a Tripolitan corsair of fourteen guns and eighty men. That the President of the United States be requested to present Lieu tenant Sterett a sword, commemorative of the aforesaid heroic action ; and that one month s pay be allowed to all the other officers, seamen, and Marines who were on board the Enterprise when the aforesaid action took place. Approved February 3, 1802. Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to pre sent, in the name of Congress, to Captain Stephen Decatur, a sword, and to each of the officers and crew of the United States ketch Intrepid two months pay, as testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of the gallantry, good conduct, and services of Captain Decatur, the officers and crew, of the said ketch, in attacking, in the harbor of Tripoli, and destroying, a Tripolitan frigate of forty-four guns. Approved November 27, 1804.. Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be, and the same are hereby, presented to Commodore Edward Preble, and through him to the offi cers, petty officers, seamen, and Marines attached to the squadron under his command, for their gallantry and good conduct displayed in the several attacks on the town, batteries, and naval force of Tripoli, in the year 1804. That the President of the United States be requested to cause a gold medal to be struck, emblematical of the attacks on the town, batteries, and naval force of Tripoli by the squadron under Commodore s Preble s command, and present it to Commodore Preble in such a manner as, in his opinion, will be most honorable to him; and that the President be further requested to cause a sword to be presented to each of the com missioned officers and midshipmen who have distinguished themselves in the several attacks. That one month s pay be allowed, exclusive of the common allowance, to all the petty officers, seamen, and Marines of the squadron who so gloriously supported the honor of the American flag, under the orders of their gallant commander, in the several attacks. That the President of the United States be also requested to com municate to the parents, or other near relatives, of Captain Richard Somers, Lieutenants Henry Wadsworth, James Decatur, James R. Cald- well, Joseph Israel, and Midshipman John Sword Dorsey, the deep regret which Congress feels for the loss of those gallant men, whose conduct ought to be regarded as an example to future generations. Approved March 3, 1805. Thanks, Medals, and Swords awarded to the Corps. 287 Resolved, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, requested to present to Captain Hull, of the frigate Constitution, Cap tain Decatur, of the frigate United States, and Captain Jones, of the sloop-of-war Wasp, each a gold medal, with suitable emblems and devices ; and a silver medal, with like emblems and devices, to each commissioned officer of the aforesaid vessels, in testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of the gallantry, good conduct, and services of the cap tains, officers, and crews of the aforesaid vessels, in their respective conflicts with the British frigates, the Guerriere and the Macedonian, and the sloop-of war Frolic ; and the President is also requested to present a silver medal, with like emblems and devices, to the nearest male rel ative of Lieutenant Bush, and one of the nearest male relatives of Lieutenant Funk, in testimony of gallantry and merit of those deceased officers, in whom their country has sustained a loss much to be regretted. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, re quested to present to Lieutenant Elliot, of the Navy of the United States, an elegant sword, with suitable emblems and devices, in testimony of the just sense entertained by Congress of his gallantry and good conduct in boarding and capturing the British brigs Detroit and Caledonia, while anchored under the protection of Fort Erie. Approved January 29, 1813. Resolved, Be it enacted, etc., that the President of the United States be, and is hereby authorized, to have distributed as prize money, to Cap tain Isaac Hull, of the frigate Constitution, his officers and crew, the sum of fifty thousand dollars, for the capture and destruction of the British frigate Guerriere, and the like sum, in like manner, to Captain William Bainbridge, his officers and crew, for the capture and destruction of the British frigate Java ; the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars, in like manner, to Captain Jacob Jones, of the sloop-of-war Wasp, his officers and crew, for the capture of the British sloop-of-war Frolic ; and that the sum of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, be, and the same is hereby, appropriated for the purposes aforesaid. Approved March 3, 1813. Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be, and the same are hereby, presented to Captain Thomas Macdonough, and, through him, to the officers, petty officers, seamen, Marines, and infantry serving as Marines, attached to the squadron under his command, for the decisive and splendid victory gained on Lake Champlain, on the eleventh of Sep tember, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fourteen, over a British squadron of superior force. That the President of the United States be requested to cause gold medals to be struck, emblematical of the action between the two squad rons, and to present them to Captain Macdonough and Captain Robert 288 Appendix. Henley, and also to Lieutenant Stephen Cassin, in such manner as may be most favorable to them ; and that the President be further requested to present a silver medal, with suitable emblems and devices, to each of the commissioned officers of the Navy and Army serving on board, and a sword to each of the midshipmen and sailing-masters who so nobly distinguished themselves in that memorable conflict. That the President of the United States be requested to present a silver medal, with like emblems and devices, to the nearest male relative of Lieutenant Peter Gamble, and of Lieutenant John Stansbury, and to communicate to them the deep regret which Congress feels for the loss of those gallant men, whose names ought to live in the recollection and affection of a grateful country. That three months pay be allowed, exclusive of the common allow ance, to all the petty officers, seamen, Marines, and infantry serving as Marines, who so gloriously supported the honor of the American flag on that memorable day. Approved October 20, 1814. Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be, and the same are hereby, presented to Captain Oliver Hazard Perry, and through him to the officers, seamen, Marines, and infantry serving as such, attached to the squadron under his command, for the decisive and glorious victory gained on Lake Erie, on the tenth of September, in the year eighteen hundred and thirteen, over a British squadron of superior force. That the President of the United States be requested to cause gold medals to be struck, emblematical of the action between the two squad rons, and to present them to Captain Perry and Captain Jesse D. Elliott, in such manner as will be most honorable to them ; and that the President be further requested to present a silver medal, with suitable emblems and devices, to each of the commissioned officers, either of the Navy or army, serving on board, and a sword to each of the midshipmen and sailing- masters who so nobly distinguished themselves on that memorable day. That the President of the United States be requested to present a silver medal, with like emblems and devices, to the nearest male relative of Lieutenant John Brooke, of the Marines, and a sword to the nearest male relatives of Midshipmen Henry Laub and Thomas Claxton, Jr., and to communicate to them the deep regret which Congress feels for the loss of those gallant men whose names ought to live in the recollection and affection of a grateful country, and whose conduct ought to be regarded as an example to future generations. That three months pay be allowed, exclusively of the common allow ance, to all the petty officers, seamen, Marines, and infantry serving as ;such, who so gloriously supported the honor of the American flag, under the orders of their gallant commander, on that signal occasion. Approved January 6, 1814. Thanks, Medals, and Swords awarded to the Corps. 289 Resolved, That Congress entertain a high sense of the valor and good conduct of Commodore^ D. T. Patterson, of the officers, petty officers, and seamen attached to his command, for their prompt and efficient co operation with General Jackson, in the late gallant and successful defence of the city of New Orleans, when assailed by a powerful British force. That Congress entertain a high sense of the valor and good conduct of Major Daniel Carmick, of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and Marines, under his command in the defence of the said city on the late memorable occasion. Approved February 22, 1815. Resolved, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, requested to present to Captain Charles Stewart, of the frigate Constitu tion, a gold medal, with suitable emblems and devices, and a silver medal, with suitable emblems and devices, to each commissioned officer of the said frigate, in testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of the gallantry, good conduct, and services of Captain Stewart, his officers and crew, in the capture of the British vessels of war, the Cyane and the Levant, after a brave and skilful combat. Approved February 22, 1816. Resolved, That the thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby, ten dered, to the officers, sailors, and the Marines of the Navy of the United States, for the zeal and ability with which their duty during the late war with Mexico, and especially their efficient co-operation with the army of the United States in the capture of Vera Cruz and the castle of San Juan de Ulloa, was performed. That the President of the United States be requested to cause the fore going resolution to be communicated to the officers, sailors, and Marines of the Navy of the United States, in such terms as he may deem best calculated to give effect to the object thereof. Approved August 7, 1848. Resolved, That the thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby ten dered, to the officers, soldiers, and seamen of the army and Navy of the United States, for the heroic gallantry that under the providence of Al mighty God has won the recent series of brilliant victories over the enemies of the Union and the Constitution. Approved February 22, 1862. Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be, and they are hereby, ten dered to Captain Samuel F. Dupont, and through him to the officers, seamen, and Marines attached to the squadron under his command, for the decisive and splendid victory achieved at Port Royal on the seventh day of November last. Approved February 22, 1862. Resolved, That the thanks of the people and of the Congress of the United States -are due, and are hereby tendered, to Captain David G. 290 Appendix. Farragut, of the United States Navy, and to the officers and men under his command, composing his squadron in the Gulf of Mexico, for their successful operations on the lower Mississippi River, and for their gallantry displayed in the capture of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and the city of New Orleans, and in the destruction of the enemy s gunboats and armed flotilla. SECTION 2. And be it further resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy be directed to communicate this resolution to Captain Farragut, and through him to the officers and men under his command. Approved July n, 1862. Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be, and they are hereby, ten dered to Captain Louis M. Goldsborough, and through him to the officers, seamen, and the Marines attached to the squadron under his command, for the brilliant and decisive victory achieved at Roanoke Island on the seventh, eighth, and tenth days of February last. Approved July u, 1862. Resolved, That the thanks of Congress are hereby tendered to Commo dore Ringgold, the officers, petty officers, and men of the United States ship Sabine, for the daring and skill displayed in rescuing the crew of the steam transport Governor, wrecked in a gale on the first day of No vember, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, having on board a battalion of United States Marines, under the command of Major John G. Reynolds, and in search for, and rescue of, the United States line-of-battle-ship Vermont, disabled in a gale upon the twenty-sixth of February last, with her crew and freight. SECTION 2. That the Secretary of the Navy be directed to communicate the foregoing resolution to Commodore Ringgold, and through him to the officers and men under his command. Approved March 7, 1864. Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be, and they are hereby, tendered to Admiral David D. Porter, commanding the Mississippi Squadron, for the eminent skill, endurance, and gallantry exhibited by him and his squadron, in co-operation with the army, in opening the Mississippi River. Approved April 19, 1864. Resolved, That the thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby ten dered, to Captain John A. Winslow, of the United States Navy, and to the officers, petty officers, seamen, and Marines of the United States steamer Kearsarge, for the skill and gallantry exhibited by him and the officers and men under his command in the brilliant action on the iQth of June, 1864, between that ship and the piratical craft Alabama, a vessel superior to his own in tonnage, in guns, and in the number of her crew. Approved December 20, 1864. Resolved, That the thanks of Congress are hereby presented to Rear- Medals of Honor. 291 Admiral David D. Porter, and to the officers, petty officers, seamen, and Marines under his command, for the unsurpassed gallantry and skill ex hibited by them in the attacks upon Fort Fisher, and the brilliant and decisive victory by which that important work has been captured from the rebel forces, and placed in the possession and under the authority of the United States, and for their long and faithful services and unwaver ing devotion to the cause of the country in the midst of the greatest difficulties and dangers. SECTION 2. And be it further resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to communicate this resolution to Admiral Porter, and through him to the officers, seamen, and Marines under his command. Approved January 24, 1865. Resolved, That the thanks of Congress are eminently due, and are hereby tendered, to Vice-Admiral David G. Farragut, of the United States Navy, and to the officers, petty officers, seamen, and Marines under his command, for the unsurpassed gallantry and skill exhibited by them in the engagement in Mobile Bay, on the 5th day of August, 1864, and for their long and faithful services and unwavering devotion to the cause of the country in the midst of the greatest difficulties and dangers. SECTION 2. That the President of the United States be requested to communicate this resolution to Vice-Admiral Farragut, and that the Secretary of the Navy be requested to communicate the same to the officers, seamen, and Marines of the Navy by general order of his department. Approved February 10, 1866. MEDALS OF HONOR. Sergeants. J. Henry Denig, United States ship Brooklyn, in the en gagement in Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864; Isaac N. Fry, United States ship Ticonderoga, in the attacks on Fort Fisher; Michael Hudson, United States ship Brooklyn, Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864; James Mar tin, United States ship Richmond, Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864; Andrew Miller, United States ship Richmond, Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864; Christopher Nugent, United States ship Fort Henry, in charge of a reconnoitring party sent into Crystal River, Florida, June 15, 1863, and displayed extraordinary zeal, skill, and discretion in driving a guard of rebel soldiers into a swamp, capturing their arms and destroying their camp equipage; James S. Roantree, United States ship Oneida, dis tinguished gallantry ; David Sproule, United States ship Richmond, Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864; P. R. Vaughan, United States ship Mississippi, Port Hudson, March 14, 1863. Corporals. John Mackie, United States ship Galena, Fort Darling, May 15, 1862 ; Miles M. Oviatt, United States ship Brooklyn, Mobile Bay, Au- 19 292 Appendix. gust 5, 1864; John Rannahan, United States ship Minnesota, assault on Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865; William Smith, United States ship Brooklyn, Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864; A. J. Tomlin, United States ship Wabash, assault on Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865 ; Charles Brown, United States ship Colorado, assisted in capturing the Corean standard in the centre of the citadel of the Corean Fort, June n, 1871; John Morris, United States ship Lancaster, rescuing from drowning a prisoner, who had jumped overboard at Villefranche, December 25, 1881; James Stewart, United States ship Plymouth, saved from drowning Midship man Osterhaus, in the harbor of Villefranche, February i, 1872. Privates. John Shivers, United States ship Minnesota, distinguished bravery at the assault on Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865 ; Henry Thomp son, United States ship Minnesota, distinguished bravery at the assault on Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865; John Coleman, United States ship Colorado, fighting hand-to-hand with the enemy, and saving the life of Alexander McKenzie, Corea, June n, 1871 ; James Dougherty, United States ship Benicia, seeking out and killing the commander of the Corean forces ; Michael McNamara, gallantry in advancing to the parapet, wrenching the matchlock from the hands of an enemy, and killing him, at the capture of the Corean forts ; Hugh Purvis, United States ship Alaska, was the first to scale the walls of the fort and capture the flag of the Corean forces. Honorable Mention. Privates John Kelly, H. U. Tolman, John B. Butler, of the United States ship Alaska, who captured flags inside of Fort McKee, Corea, June n, 1871. Privates Thomas H. Baker, Daniel Barry, John Bourke, Charles C. Collins, William Dever, George Mac- Intyre, of the United States ship Benicia, who captured flags in the attack on the Corean forts, June n, 1871. PART III. DURING that period, following the Revolution, when the United States had no naval force of importance, efforts were successfully made to close up the accounts of the old Navy, in order to organize a new and efficient department. On the ist of August, 1787, an act of Congress was passed, providing " That the commissioner of Marine accounts, in settling the accounts of the officers, seamen, and Marines of the late Navy of the United States, govern himself by the principles established for the line of the army, by the act of Congress of the loth of April, 1780, so far as the same relates to the allowance for depreciation; pro vided, that no officer, seaman, or Marine be entitled to the benefit of Acts of Congress governing Marines. 293 this resolve who was not in service, or liable to be called into service, on the loth of April, 1780. 1780. On the 8th of January, 1780, it was provided by act of Con gress, " That the Marines of the Navy of the United States, whilst doing garrison duty, be allowed the same subsistence moneys as are allowed to the officers of the line of the army." 1794. The following is an extract from an act of Congress, passed March, 27, 1794: WHEREAS, the depredations committed by the Algerine corsairs on the commerce of the United States render it necessary that a naval force should be provided for its pro tection : SECTION I. Be it therefore enacted, &c., That the President of the United States be authorized to provide, by purchase or otherwise, equip, and employ four ships, to carry forty-four guns each, and two ships to carry thirty-six guns each. SECTION 2. And be it further enacted, That there shall be employed on board each of the said ships of forty-four guns, one captain, four lieutenants, one lieutenant of Marines, one chaplain, one surgeon, and two surgeon s mates; and in each of the ships of thirty-six guns, one captain, three lieutenants, one lieutenant of Marines, one sur geon, and one surgeon s mate, who shall be appointed and commissioned in like manner as other officers of the United States are. SECTION 4. And be it further enacted, That the crews of each of the said ships of forty-four guns shall consist of one hundred and fifty seamen, one hundred and three midshipmen and ordinary seamen, one sergeant, one corporal, one drum, one fife, and fifty Marines : and that the crews of each of the said ships of thirty-six guns shall con sist of one hundred and thirty able seamen and midshipmen, ninety ordinary seamen, one sergeant, two corporals, one drum, one fife, and forty Marines, over and above the officers herein before mentioned. SECTION 9. That if a peace shall take place between the United States and the Regency of Algiers, that no further proceeding be had under this act. 1797. The following Act was approved July x, 1797 : SECTION I. That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, empowered, should he deem it expedient, to cause the frigates United States, Constitution, and Constellation to be manned and employed. SECTION 2. That there shall be employed on board each of the ships of forty-four guns, one captain, four lieutenants, two lieutenants of Marines, one chaplain, one sur geon, and two surgeon s mates; and in the ship of thirty-six guns, one captain, three lieutenants, one lieutenant of Marines, one surgeon, and one surgeon s mate. SECTION 4. That the crews of each of the ships of forty-four guns shall consist of one hundred and fifty seamen, one hundred and three midshipmen and ordinary sea men, three sergeants, three corporals, one drum, one fife, and fifty Marines; and that the crew of the ship of thirty-six guns shall consist of one hundred and thirty able sea men and midshipmen, ninety ordinary seamen, two sergeants, two corporals, one drum, one fife, and forty Marines, over and above the officers herein before mentioned. SECTION 14. That this Act shall continue in force for the term of one year, and from thence to the end of the then next session of Congress, and no longer. 1815. The following unique document, bearing date of April 30, 294 Appendix. 1815, was addressed to Thomas Turner, Esquire, an accountant in the Navy Department, by Captain S. Bacon of the Marine Corps : SIR, I herewith present my last series of accounts with your department ; and on this date I have resigned my appointment in the staff of this Corps. If my accounts with you should not be in every instance correct, you will, I hope, do me the justice to advert to the period of war and uncommonly troublesome times during which I have held it. Not only that the multiplicity and complicated detail of its duties require, in order to their proper and judicious discharge, that a quartermaster should be a tailor, blacksmith, painter, glazier, armorer, carpenter, wagoner, and butcher. Of these ele vated professions I have not the happiness to be master. I have, therefore, exchanged the bodkin for the sword. In the hands of a man of exemplary patience, the former may be a very good thing to untie the Gordian knots of a quartermaster s office with, but I prefer to " cut the matter short" by resuming the latter, which, especially in time of war, is somewhat preferable to being acting wagoner to Commodore Barney. Seri ously, the duties of the office are perplexing to an infinite degree, and require better health than I have to bestow. Be pleased to accept my unfeigned thanks for the readi ness with which you have met all my wishes, in my official intercourse with you, and believe me your friend," etc. 1818. Captain John Heath, of the Marines, and Commodore Oliver H. Perry fought a duel in New Jersey, near the city of New York, in 1818. According to Sabine, the quarrel arose while the two officers were in the Mediterranean, in 1815. Perry, in referring to it, said, "I did, rn a moment of irritation, produced by strong provocation, raise my hand against a person honored with a commission." A court-martial followed the difficulty, and both were privately reprimanded by Commo dore Chauncey, who commanded the American Squadron in that sea. Some time after their return to the United States, Heath sent a challenge. Perry, in remarking upon his course in the combat, declared, " I cannot consent to return his fire, as the meeting on my part will be entirely as an atonement for the violated rules of the service." Heath fired and missed. Perry, in accordance with his determination, withheld his fire. On the 26th of August, 1839, tne commanding officers of the ships connected with the Florida squadron united in a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, asking for an increase in the number of men under their command. The letter is of value, as setting forth clearly the nature and value of the services of the Marines on ship-board. This document re ceived the approval of Commodore Shubrick, who sent it to Washington, accompanying it with his hearty approbation. The following is the letter in full : PENSACOLA, August 26, 1839. The undersigned, commanding officers of the several ships composing this squadron, beg leave to call your attention to the Marine guards belonging to the same, and to sug gest the advantage that would result from an increased number of Marines on board each ship. The different detachments are not sufficiently numerous to furnish a relief, according to military usage, for the number of sentinels posted. The Macedonian re quires eight sentinels daily, viz., one at each cabin door, one in each gangway, one The Marine Corps in 1874. 295 on the forecastle, one in the foreorlop, one at the cockpit, one at the galley, and one at the scuttle-butt ; to furnish which requires a daily guard of twenty-four privates, with a corresponding number as a relief-guard, making, without allowing for sickness and other casualties, forty-eight privates, whereas the Macedonian s guard amounts to no more than twenty-one privates. A sloop-of-war requires six sentinels, viz., one at the cabin door, one at the fore castle, one in each gangway, one at the scuttle-butt, and one at the galley; which requires a daily guard of eighteen privates, with a corresponding number as a relief- guard, making thirty-six privates ; whereas a sloop-of-war of the first class is only allowed, at present, ten privates. It is then obvious that the Marine guards of the squadron are insufficient to furnish the requisite number of sentinels. We therefore beg leave to suggest they may be increased, and to give it as our opinion that it would be an advantage to the service. It is not our purpose to discuss the utility of a Marine guard as a part of the crew of a ship-of-war, though we are decided advocates for it, even beyond former usages ; we mean as to numbers. Our whole purpose is to bring under your consideration the subject as it now exists. If Marines are necessary, our ships have too few to perform the duties required of them by la.w or the regulations of the Navy. If we could be permitted to express our opinion, it would be to recommend the sub stitution of Marines in place of all other landsmen now in service. It is evident that one landsman is as competent to do the pulling and hauling duty of a ship as another, and that a body of well-disciplined Marines would be in every other situation prefer able to the common landsmen, especially when engaged in any service on shore, which in all naval operations should be provided for. As this is a mere passing suggestion of ours, we will add, if the duty now performed by the after-guard, waisters, etc., of a ship, should be performed by the Marines, it would only be necessary to detail a guard daily for military duty, and employ the rest of the Marines in the other duties gen- erally of the ship. As many seamen would thus be created as at present, there being no reason why a Marine cannot be taught seamanship as well as any other landsman. We should then blend ours and the French system, and in our judgment materially improve both, more especially if the Marine Corps should be composed in future wholly of young Americans, and all appointments into the Corps be taken from the graduates of the Military Academy at West Point. In conclusion, we beg leave to remain, very respectfully, BEVERLY KENNON, Captain. W. A. SPENSER. WM. V. TAYLOR. Jos. SMOOT. J. D. WILLIAMSON. VIEWS OF THE ADMIRAL OF THE NAVY IN REGARD TO THE MARINE CORPS IN 1874. " The duties of the Marine Corps are so little understood by the public at large that I will make a few explanations with regard to them. From time immemorial the Corps has held a high position in the estimation of the most experienced officers of the Navy, and whenever an effort to re duce it has been made and the matter has been carefully examined into by Congress, such attempt has uniformly failed. "From the foundation of our Navy the Marines have always been a 296 Appendix. most effective body of men, without which the Navy would be of com paratively little use. " They are not only serviceable as the police of ships, but are part of the force that works the guns and sails. " It must not be supposed that a Marine s whole duty is to march up and down a ship s deck with a musket on his shoulder. His life is one of hardship, and, in addition to his military duties on board ship, he has to perform many of the duties of a sailor ; and when landings are to be made and the storming of forts undertaken he takes his full share. The innumerable instances in which the Marines have performed efficient service with the army on shore have been honorably mentioned by all the officers who have served in battle with them. " Because two or three hundred Marines are kept in barracks here, which is the head-quarters of the Commandant of the Corps, it must not be supposed they are here for life, or merely for the purpose of ornament. The men are only at the barracks temporarily, until they can be drilled into the duties which they have to perform on shore and afloat, and as soon as a Marine is familiar with those duties he is transferred to a sea going vessel. The present bill, providing for an indiscriminate reduc tion, has been prepared without regard to the wants of the service, and if this want of system is to prevail throughout the departments of the government, the entire administration of affairs .will soon be out of joint. "The number of Marines is carefully estimated for ships use, like the number of soldiers in the army, and is based on the actual wants of the service, and no one would feel authorized to introduce a bill to cut down the army, without the approval of the head of the Department, any more than he would undertake to reduce the clerks in the Treasury without the concurrence of the Secretary. " For every man you take away from the Marine Corps you have to ship an extra sailor, for the ship s company is arranged according to the number of Marines to be ordered to the vessel. There is so much lifting force, and of this the Marines have their proportional part. You might as well diminish the allowance of coal and expect the ships engines to perform their duty efficiently. "Owing to the influence of an old commodore in the Navy, who had false notions of economy, the attempt was once made to do without Marines in some of our ships-of-war, and sailors were placed on post to do duty. "The Navy soon became so demoralized that the veteran commodore who had proposed the innovation was the first to ask a return to the old order of things. A ship without Marines is like a garment without buttons. " Every vessel in the service has her regular complement of Marines. A frigate like the Wabash, with the reduced allowance, requires fifty. The The Marine Corps in 1874. 297 second-class of vessels should have forty, the third-class thirty, and the lower class fifteen Marines. "There should now be afloat in vessels of the Navy fourteen hundred Marines, which is a small number for all the vessels in service ; and those ships it was intended to put in commission would call for at least two hundred and sixty more, making in all sixteen hundred and sixty afloat. " The Marines required to protect public property at the yards would be at least six hundred and seventy more ; these added to three hundred in barracks learning their duties would amount in all to twenty-six hundred and thirty men, under a reduced allowance to ships and stations. "It may be aske.d why not employ watchmen at a station in place of Marines ? " In the first place, these Marines are enlisted for five years, that period having been fixed by experience as the time necessary to make a good soldier. The cruises at sea are a little over two years, and a Marine during his term of service performs two cruises, the intermediate time being spent in duty at Navy-Yards and stations in protecting public property and keeping up drill and discipline. "Our Navy-Yards are mostly placed at or near crowded cities, with a simple wall around them that any active rascal can scale, and unless care fully guarded a large amount of public property is liable to be destroyed or carried off. The -New York yard, for instance, has nearly, if not quite, a mile of wall and water front, and this requires a number of posts, all within sight of each other, so as to leave no passes for thieves and incendiaries while the Marines do their duty, in which they seldom fail. " Watchmen could, perhaps, perform this service, but then they require double the pay of Marines ; the latter receiving thirteen dollars per month, while the watchmen get two dollars per day. "The Marines have to stand out in all weathers, and are not allowed, under some penalties, to leave their beat, except to capture suspicious persons, and are visited every hour, day and night, while the watchmen in stormy weather would seek some place of shelter, leaving the road open to depredation on the public property. "The New York Navy-Yard contains some twenty millions of dollars worth of property, in houses and ships on the stocks, and the fact that no fires occur, and nothing is lost by land or river there, is the best proof that the system of employing Marines is the right one. "While the government property at the New York yard is thus pro tected, the whole river police, and the so-called effective city police, do not prevent thieves from nightly entering houses and shops, and robbing vessels, and it has also been found, on several occasions, that watchmen who can move about the Navy- Yard at will have been the greatest plun derers of all, supplying their confederates outside the wall with valuable commodities. 298 Appendix. "Now, watchmen, as at present employed, cannot carry on any im proper designs, for, even if so inclined, the line of Marines would prevent their doing so. " Our wooden ships, insufficient as fighting vessels against the powerful ironclads of foreign states, would be still more helpless without Marines. In battle at close quarters they would be our main dependence in firing with their rifles through the port-holes of an iron vessel, her only vul nerable points, and in clearing her upper decks of the crew when the latter assemble to repel our boarders ; for the only chance we should have of capturing an ironclad would be running alongside, grappling the ship, and boarding. "All this talk, then, about abolishing the Marine Corps, or changing its organization, is absurd. Gentlemen without any knowledge of the subject, and without inquiry, introduce measures to destroy an organization that has been brought to its present state of efficiency after many years of expe rience and the fostering care of the old and faithful commanding officers of the Navy, who have had no other object in view than the public good. " It benefits no officer personally, or otherwise, whether the Marine guard of his ship consists of one or of one hundred men, but a com mander on the eve of battle, or a commandant of a station, sleeps more soundly when the one knows he has a body of men on whom to rely in action, and the other that the public property intrusted to his charge is carefully guarded. " I will only suppose that, in time of war, incendiaries employed by the enemy should succeed in firing the New York Navy- Yard, with all its ship-houses and other combustible material. What would be the result? The work of years would be destroyed in an hour, at a time when the government could not remedy the evil, and we should lose the best Navy- Yard in the country. " These remarks apply to all the other Navy-Yards. We all know what a dissolute population hangs round the outskirts of the Navy- Yards at New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Norfolk, and how much of the public property would go towards the benefit of that class of people were it not for the Marines, with whom it is now proposed to dispense. " Now, I have shown above the actual number of Marines required for the Navy, but by the proposed bill they will be reduced to fifteen hun dred, which will not leave a single one to perform duty on shore. The estimates for the Corps for 1874 were $1,105,961, and this it is proposed to reduce to $877,616, a reduction based on no principle, as far as the wants of the service are concerned. " What would be the use of this small reduction of expense ? It would only serve to render the Marine Corps inefficient, while there are a thou sand leaks in other departments of the government that should be at tended to before so important a branch of the naval service is interfered The Marine Corps in 1890. 299 with. The present moment, of all others, is not the time to make this re duction, when our ships are incompletely manned. " What can persons outside the Navy know of the wants of the service, compared with experienced officers who have had these matters under consideration for a lifetime, and who are influenced by no other motive than the good of the country ? "Our ships at present have only half allowance of Marines. Don t let us cripple them further by unwise legislation." Sixteen years later the admiral again wrote as follows : " OFFICE OF THE ADMIRAL, "WASHINGTON. D. C., February 24, 1890. " I am pleased to see that an attempt is to be made at this late date to do justice to that valuable arm of Naval defence, the Marine Corps, which has aided so much in maintaining the discipline of the Navy, and has always covered itself with honor when called upon to serve either afloat or on shore. " The Marine Corps has been the worst-treated arm of our national de fence, governed partly by army regulations, yet deprived when afloat of the benefit of army clauses, the officers pay cut down at the very time when they most need it, at a foreign station and separated from their families. The officers are the worst paid of any under the government. " Although the size and organization of the Corps entitles the command ant to the rank and pay of brigadier-general, he in fact holds only the rank of colonel. No good reason can be assigned for such a discrimina tion as this, and a hundred can be assigned why it should be otherwise. In the first place it diminishes the importance of the Corps, and its com manding officer has the mortification of seeing an entirely unmilitary department like the Signal Service of the army commanded by a briga dier-general, who, whatever may be his merits, is very much junior to the commandant of the Marine Corps, who served faithfully in the war with Mexico and in the late Civil War. 11 Never in its history did the Navy stand more in need of a well organ ized Marine Corps than at the present moment. We are building a new Navy; we are enlisting as seamen twenty foreigners to one American, and more than ever we need that loyal body, the Marines, who have so faithfully performed their duty in times of great emergencies. They are more necessary now than ever to stand by the captain and officers of a ship-of-war in case of mutiny, among a set of foreign sailors whom we have no right to expect will be true to the flag under all circumstances. I have had the Marines under my observation since the year 1824, when I first joined an American man-of-war, a period of sixty-six years, and during all that time I have never known a case where the Marines could not be depended on for any service. Without that well-drilled police force 300 Appendix. on shipboard, an American man-of war could not be depended on to maintain discipline and perform the arduous duties assigned her. After the Civil War (1867) the grade of brigadier-general was established, and it was hoped by the friends of the Corps that it would become a per manent office, but in 1874 the office of brigadier-general commandant was abolished, for what reason no one can understand. The present colonel commandant, after serving so faithfully, saw the prize snatched from him and assumed the office of commandant in the same rank as it stood in 1834. " Colonel McCawley, the present commandant, retires in about a year, and it is only due to him after his long and faithful administration that he should retire as brigadier-general. Amid all the embarrassments which have surrounded the officers of the Marine Corps, the Corps has improved from year to year, and it is at this day the best organized and drilled body of men in the government service. In proof of this I beg leave to refer to the reports made in relation to the Marines who were recently sent to do duty at the Paris Exposition ; they formed one of the most interesting features at that wonderful exposition. There is not an intelligent officer of the Navy who can speak in anything but praise of the Marine Corps, or if there are any, I cannot conceive upon what they can ground their opposition." Table of Strength from November 10, 1775, to January i, 1891.* "s 1 .5? M Colonel Comdt. Colonel. Lieut.- Colonels. | s Staff-Majors. Staff-Captains. a 5 s -3 a a u a | a 1 en Non-Com. Staff. Sergeants. Corporals. TJ B rt pq Drummers. 1 Privates. 1 1 8 B 8 I 16 18 48 1 6 16 720 881 6 1 + 1 185 594 784 <f April 16 1814 .. .. T 12 6r 21 21 606 846 PEA March 3 1817? ifi 21 75 4 Ro 8n J() T IOOO 1287 -, III2 Total * 55 ^5 2000 2 399 Act July 25 1861 6a 60 2500 3167 Authorized July i, 18671]" .. " Oct. i, i88off.. !** ... i I x 2 2 4 4 3 3 a a 20 20 30 3 3 J5 4 4 240 190 260 1 80 30 30 6a 43 60 48 3000 1500 3747 2078 * Among the earlier acts passed by Congress relating to the Marine Corps are : an act for the estab lishing and organizing of a Marine Corps, June n, 1798; an act authorizing an augmentation, March 2, 1799; to fix rank and pay of commandant (substituting lieutenant-colonel for major), April 22, 1800; an act authorizing an augmentation, March 3, 1809 ; an act for same purpose, April 16, 1814 ; to fix the peace establishment, March 3, 1817; resolution relating to compensation of officers, May 29, 1830; an act concerning certain officers, July 14, 1832; resolutions respecting the pay, May 25, 1832; an act to im prove the condition of the enlisted men of the army and Marine Corps and prevent desertion, March 2, 1833 ; an act for the better organization, June 30, 1834 ; and an act making certain allowances to captains and subalterns, June 30, 1834. t This act added eight surgeons. t Lieutenant-colonel commandant substituted for major. $ Peace Establishment Act. I For the war with Mexico. f By President, underact of March 3, 1849. ** Substituted for colonel-commandant March 2, 1867, and reversed June 6, 1874. ft By appropriation act. Officers of the Marine Corps. 301 " From time to time the Corps has been increased and reduced as war or peace or politics suggested (see table), and has now by law the strength of July 25, .1861, although annual appropriation has been made for one thousand privates less since 1874. The President has power to substitute Marines for landsmen (act March 3, 1849) > to provide regulations for their discipline ; to make alterations in the component parts of the ration ; to retire officers who may be disabled, or have attained the age of sixty-four years ; to advance officers not exceeding thirty numbers in rank for eminent and conspicuous conduct in battle or extraordinary heroism ; to advance officers one grade who have received the thanks of Congress by name ; to confer brevet commissions as in like cases in the army (act 1814) ; to fill vacancies in the line first by promotion and then by appointment from graduates of the Naval Academy. " Officers are on the same footing as to rank and privileges as similar grades in the army ; take precedence of like rank in the volunteers and militia ; may be associated with the officers of the army on courts-martial, the senior to preside; are promoted by seniority up to colonel; cannot exercise command over Navy-Yards or vessels of the United States (act June 30, 1834); and no officer can absent himself without leave until notified of the acceptance of his resignation. The staff is separate from the line, and appointed by the President by selection from the officers of the Corps, as is the commandant. The judge-advocate-general of the Navy may be appointed from the officers of the Marine Corps. Both officers and men, when serving with the land forces, are entitled to transportation, subsistence, camp equipage, etc., on requisition; are entitled to the benefits of the homestead laws and of the government hospital for the insane ; to pensions for wounds, injury, or disease ; to artificial limbs or commutation therefor in certain cases; to credit for previous service in the volunteer army or Navy; to share in prize-money and the salvage of recapture ; indemnity for loss of effects where vessel is sunk or destroyed (since April 19, 1861) ; and to pay and allowances of like grades in the infantry of the army, which is paid monthly by the paymaster of the Corps while serving ashore, less twenty cents deducted for naval hospital fund. "Officers enter at the foot of the list of second lieutenants, are in structed at the head-quarters of the Corps in Washington, and thence distributed to posts; later they may attend the artillery and torpedo schools. Being combatants, they are, in reference to Mine and staff, classed as line-officers, except the five who constitute the Marine staff (adjutant, paymaster, quartermaster, and two assistant quartermasters) on shore, are subject to detail for all military duties, and on board ship either command the guard or serve as juniors with the commander; the senior is assigned the fourth room from forward on the port side, and the junior takes quarters according to his rank; when two or more are at- 302 Appendix. tached to the same ship, one is required to be on board at all times for duty. By regulation the senior is required to report daily, in writing, to the commanding officer of the vessel the state of the guard ; to keep the muster-rolls, and have charge and make returns of the clothing, arms, and other property belonging to the Marines; to exercise them in the prescribed drills at such times and places as the commanding officer of the vessel may appoint; to be attentive to their comfort and cleanliness, as well as their soldier-like appearance and efficiency ; to inspect the extra clothing once a month, and report its condition ; to report his guard or division when mustered at quarters; to see that they are properly stationed and instructed as sentinels, and to frequently visit them at night. All general orders to sentinels must pass through him, and any misbehavior on guard or on duty as sentinels must be reported to him by the officer of the deck. When serving on shore with sailors in mixed detachments, the Marines are posted on the right without regard to the rank of the officers commanding companies. The senior Marine officer of a squadron is known as the fleet-marine officer. He organizes and in spects all the Marines in the squadron, commands the guard of the flag ship, and is usually the judge-advocate of the station. Field-officers are not sent to sea. All company officers are on the sea-roster, which is kept by the commandant, and they are expected to go in regular turn. Three years constitutes a cruise and entitles to shore duty. Non-commissioned officers correspond in grade to those of the army; are selected from the privates for character, bearing and proficiency in drill, arithmetic, tactics, and duties, and when recommended by a board of at least two officers receive parchment warrants from the commandant, and can only be reduced by his authority or the sentence of a court-martial ; vacancies occurring at sea may be filled by the commanding officer of the vessel upon the recommendation of the Marine officer, provided the candidate be reported qualified by a board of three officers ; if reduced the warrant is returned, but if honorably discharged it may be retained ; upon re-enlist ing within thirty days their rank is continuous ; they recite tactics from time to time, and, being borne on a general Corps roster, have many opportunities for promotion. Their chevrons, or distinguishing marks of rank, are the same as in the army, but are worn inverted ; the colors are orange on a scarlet ground. "Enlistments are for a period of five years; are not to be made on foreign stations, nor are men to be discharged except from a barracks; enlisted men receive same pay and bounty for re-enlisting as those of like grades in infantry ; persons enlisted in the military service may, on application, be transferred by the President to the Marine Corps ; the band receive four dollars per month extra pay, each man, for playing on the Capitol grounds or the President s grounds; and all Marines are entitled to one Navy ration daily. Formerly the ration was prescribed Qualifications of Marines. 303 for each day in the week, by law, with the liberal addition of a half- pint of distilled spirits or one quart of beer daily. In old times Marines were allowed to the revenue cutters, and in the regulations for the Navy, enacted in 1798, are referred to as Marine soldiers. Enlistments were then made for one year, subject to extension or discharge by the President. In the primary legislation great stress was laid upon the im portance of both officers and men being good seamen, or acquainted with maritime affairs. Now, while it is desirable that they should know something of the sea, it is not required and not advisable that they should be good seamen. That would go far to neutralize their chief value as an element non-assimilating in the ship s complement. Credit is given to both officers and men for previous service in the volunteer army or Navy, and, as re-enlistment in either the army or Marine Corps within thirty days of honorable discharge entitles to increased pay for continuous service, men are frequently found in each who have served one or more enlistments in the other. " Recruits must be at least five feet six inches high, between eighteen and thirty-five years of age, able to read and write, of steady habits, un married, well made, sound as to senses and limbs, and of good health. They enter voluntarily, undergo strict medical examination by a naval surgeon, and are attached to barracks for instruction before being sent to sea. The drill on shore embraces the schools of the soldier, company, and battalion, skirmishing, target- practice, the bayonet exercise, and all military duties and ceremonies. Afloat, this continues so far as may be practicable, and to it are added the great gun or artillery drill, and by some officers instruction in swimming, rowing, the signal code, and the broadsword. Upton s Tactics and the Ordnance Manual are employed, the former since 1867. Reports of drills and instructions are required to be made monthly ; the commandant inspects each post (except Mare Island) annually, the adjutant does the same quarterly, and a captain, who is a member of the permanent Inspection Board, sees the guards of all ships sailing upon or returning from a three years cruise. Boys over fourteen are enlisted as apprentices to learn music, the drum and trumpet, and bandmen are enlisted and classed after examination at head-quarters, Washington, where the band is permanently stationed. The regulations for the recruiting service of the army apply to the Marine Corps so far as practicable. " The arm in use at present is the Springfield (U. S.) rifle, calibre .45, and the knapsack, haversack, canteen, and rifle-sling are of the infantry pattern. Belts are of English buff leather worn white, and boxes black. Clothing, rations, quarters, fuel, medicines, and medical attendance are furnished by the government. The former, now made by the quarter master s department in Philadelphia, is of excellent quality, and a careful soldier can save out of his allowance of clothing from seventy-five dollars 304 Appendix. to one hundred dollars in five years, which is paid to him in cash on dis charge. The ration is sufficient and substantial. The uniform (revised in 1876) is varied and elaborate. The full dress rather gaudy, but the rest neat and in good taste; caps and coats dark blue; trousers and overcoats sky-blue ; trimmings for officers are scarlet and gold, for men scarlet and orange; musicians wear scarlet coats with white piping for full dress ; fur hats and Artie shoes are issued for winter, and white hel mets and linen trousers for summer and the tropics. The cap-device, formerly a bugle, has been since 1869 a metal hemisphere on an anchor and surmounted by an eagle. Blouses braided with black mohair were adopted for officers in 1870. " The discipline is based upon the laws and regulations for the govern ment of the Navy, which apply to them at all times, except when serving with the army (act June 30, 1834). The military spirit is sedulously cultivated, and severe punishments seldom inflicted. Whenever a man is transferred, his character must accompany him, the words used being excellent, good, or * bad, and no others. This is entered upon his descriptive list, and on his final discharge. Bad on a discharge precludes re-enlistment. Intemperate and unreliable men are specially discharged upon recommendation of their commanding officers, accom panied by their records, as unfit for the service. Drunkenness and desertion are decreasing each year. The sale of malt or spirituous liquors in barracks is forbidden, and enlisted men are not allowed to act as sutlers or sutlers agents, nor to trade with each other. " A Marine detachment serving within a Navy-Yard is subject to the orders of the commandant of the yard, but no part is to be relieved or withdrawn except by order of the commandant of the Marine Corps, approved by the Secretary of the Navy. Officers joining such a detach ment report first to the commandant of the yard, then to the officer com manding detachment. The latter is charged with the police, internal government, and instruction of the Marines ; causes guards and sentinels to be posted wherever required by the commandant of the yard, and makes a daily report to him of the number and disposition of the force under his command. He issues every morning, in writing and under seal, the countersign for the ensuing night ; grants the customary liberty to the enlisted men ; requires the daily rations and meals to be inspected and made to comply with the contract ; reports misconduct on the part of the guards or sentinels to the commandant of the yard ; enlists recruits, and forwards staff returns of men transferred ; sees that the exercises and formations of parades, reviews, inspections, funerals, etc., and the camp and garrison duties, and the salutes, are the same as the army ; requires a daily drill of one hour, and that officers and men in garrison wear the prescribed uniform. " Details of enlisted men for sea-service are made from rosters kept at Duties of Marines. 305 each post, so that they may go in turn, unless they volunteer. Three years is the tour, at the expiration of which time they are relieved. Unless a ship is unpopular, there is generally a surplus of volunteers. Indifferent or unworthy men are not permitted to go. Guards for ships are made up at the nearest barracks, and march on board when the ship goes into commission fully organized, accompanied by their officers and ready for duty. They salute the flag when it is hoisted, salute it when it is hauled down at the end of the cruise, and are the last to leave the ship. They are entered separately on the books; are upon the same footing as seamen with regard to provisions; are furnished with certain articles of clothing and small stores by the paymaster when their com manding officer certifies that they require them ; when not on guard or on duty as sentinels, are subject to the orders of the sea-officers in the same manner as the crew ; are not to be diverted from their appropriate duties, nor called upon to coal ship or work as mechanics, except in cases of emergency ; are not to perform duty above the rail, unless to act as sharp-shooters in the tops ; may be assigned as parts of guns crews in divisions other than their own ; when sentinels, must receive orders through the sergeant or corporal of the guard. " Their particular duties on board ship are as sentinels to watch over the magazines, store-rooms, gangways, galleys, boats alongside, approaching, or passing, and all lights and fires required for the use of the ship, and to give the alarm in case of fire ; to preserve order, and allow no swear ing, gambling, or immoral practices; to prevent injury or theft of public or private property, or interruption of the cooking duties ; to allow no smoking or washing except at the prescribed hours ; to allow no enlisted man or boat to leave the ship without the authority of the officer of the deck; to guard the ordinary prisoners and the prisoners of war, who sometimes outnumber the crew ; and at all times to sustain discipline by their organization, distinctive character, and peculiar training. In port they constitute the deck guard, to render honors or assistance, and at sea they are (at least a large portion of them) always near their arms, to pre vent surprise from without, and check insubordination from within. In action, they man and fight a division of the spar-deck battery, fill vacancies at other guns, scour the enemy s decks from the tops, the poop, or forecastle with their rifles, cover the boarding-parties with their fire, and repel boarders with fixed bayonets. Should the enemy gain a foothold, they rally at the mainmast so as to command the deck. In case of fire, they guard the boats falls and officers quarters, prevent panic or pillage, compel compliance with the orders of the officers, and allow no one to throw overboard any property or fittings, or abandon the ship, until duly authorized. "In the landing-parties and boat-expeditions they go thoroughly equipped, and are distributed among the several boats. In mixed opera- 306 Appendix. tions on shore, such as the surprise of a camp or post, or the escalade of a fort, picked men are sent with the pioneers, and the rest form the supporting column, and in case of failure, cover the retreat and embar kation of the sailors. The venerable Senior Flag-Officer Stewart said of sailors, They are a class whose onset and first efforts are tremendous and formidable, but if resisted and discomfited they break into groups, become a mere mob, and without a body of regular troops to sustain them must fall a sacrifice. A frequent duty abroad is to guard the American legations and consulates, and the interests of American citizens in times of revolution or public disorder, and to protect surveying and astronomical parties. "The present allowance of Marines to ships varies with their class or rate. The old rule was a Marine to each gun ; but guns were then smaller and much more numerous." * PART IV. LIST OF OFFICERS BREVETTED FOR SERVICES DURING THE CIVIL WAR. DURING and after the close of the Civil War, Congress and the Navy Deparment showed appreciation and approval of the conduct of the offi cers of the Marine Corps, by conferring brevet titles on many of them. The following is a complete list of officers so honored, with a statement of the reasons which led to their distinction : Lieutenant- Colonels by Brevet. Brevet Major John L. Broome, for gallant and meritorious services at the second battle of Vicksburg, July 15, 1863, to date from March 14, 1863; Brevet Major Charles Hey- wood, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Mobile Bay, to date from August 5, 1864; Brevet Major James Forney, for meritorious services in defeating a rebel raid at Gunpowder Bridge, in July, 1864. Majors by Brevet. Captain Charles G. McCawley, for gallant and meritorious services at the night attack upon Fort Sumter, to date from September 8, 1863; Captain John L. Broome, for gallant and merito rious services, to date from April 24, 1862 ; Captain P. R. Fendall, for gallant and meritorious conduct at the battles of Hatteras Inlet, Port Royal, Sewell s Point, Ocrakoke Inlet, Savannah and James Rivers, to date from June 7, 1870; Captain Charles Heywood, for distinguished gallantry in the presence of the enemy, March 8, 1862 ; Captain Lucien L. Dawson, for gallant and meritorious services at the attack upon Fort * Captain Cochrane in " Naval Encyclopaedia." Officers Breve tied. 307 Fisher, January 13, 14, and 15, 1865 ; Captain George P. Houston, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Mobile Bay, to date from August 5, 1864; Captain James Forney, for gallant and meritorious ser vices in the action with the savages at Formosa, June 13, 1867 ; Captain George Butler, for gallant and meritorious services at the attack upon Fort Fisher, January 13, 14, and 15, 1865 ; Captain W. H. Parker, for gallant and meritorious services at the attack upon Fort Fisher, January 13, 14, and 15, 1865. Captains by Brevet. First Lieutenant James Forney, for gallant and meritorious services at the attack on Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 24, 1862 ; First Lieutenant John H. Higbee, for gallant and meritorious services, at Port Hudson and Grand Gulf, May 25, 1863; First Lieu tenant F. H. Corrie, for gallant and meritorious services at the attack upon Fort Fisher, January 13, 14, and 15, 1865 ; First Lieutenant H. B. Lowry, for gallant and meritorious service at the night attack upon Fort Sumter, September 8, 1863; First Lieutenant P. C. Pope, for gallant and meritorious services at the night attack upon Fort Sumter, Septem ber 8, 1863 ; First Lieutenant William Wallace, for gallant and merito rious services at the attack upon Fort Fisher, January 13, 14, and 15, 1865 ; First Lieutenant George G. Stoddard, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Boyd s Neck, and at the battle of Tulifinney Cross- Roads, to date from December 6, 1864; First Lieutenant Charles F. Williams, for gallant and meritorious services at the attack upon Fort Fisher, January 13, 14, and 15, 1865 ; First Lieutenant E. P. Meeker, for gallant and meritorious services at the attack upon Fort Fisher, Jan uary 13, 14, and 15, 1865; First Lieutenant L. E. Fagan, for gallant and meritorious services at the attack upon Fort Fisher, January 13, 14, and 15, 1865; First Lieutenant George B. Haycock, for gallant and meritorious services at Gunpowder Bridge, in July, 1864, to date from June 7, 1870. First Lieutenants by Brevet. Second Lieutenant John C. Harris, for gallant and meritorious services at the attack upon Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 24, 1862 ; Second Lieutenant R. L. Meade, for gallant and meritorious services at the night attack upon Fort Sumter, September 8, 1863; Second Lieutenant William Wallace, for gallant and meritorious services at the night attack upon Fort Sumter, September 8, 1863 ; Second Lieutenant Louis E. Fagan, for gallant and meritorious services at the night attack upon Fort Sumter, September 8, 1863 ; Second Lieu tenant Charles Sherman, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864. THE END. 20 Perm CQutual LIFE INSURANCE Co of Philadelphia, Pa. Gross Assets, $15,174,078.23. Surplus, $2,626,190.39. It has not a single disputed death claim on its books. Its investments are safe ; its management is conservatively pro gressive fully abreast of the times, never unwisely in advance. It has all the safeguards which experience, intelligence, and caution suggest, and is unsurpassed in the guarantees which it affords. Its record is unassailable. 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