The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1825-10-27

much censufed by his countl'ymen.'
1.-The beginning OF the year l776
was marked by many achievements.
which we're as honorable tn the actors
as serkiCeabe to the country. The
short and brilliant career of Captain
Muglord, Of Boston, attracts parti-
eular attention. According 10
Clarke's Naval History. this active
and intrepid mariner was the master
of n trading vessel. when he was APP
pointed by Gen. Ward. after much
solicitation. to the command of the
Franklin, a pnbIie armed vessel of
four guns. Ii appears that Gen.
Ward, through want Of confidence
in him. which is not accounted for,
subsequently intended TO revoke the
appointment; but Captain Mugford.
through his interchangeable eXcrllons,
had already put 10 sea. Ills first
prize was the Hope, a ship oil 800
tons and six guns, which he captnr-
ed in sight Of The English Comma
dore. Banks. This vessel exceed
ed in value says Mr.. Clarke. any
thing which had vet been captured
by the Americans. Her cargo con-
sisted of 1900 barrels oil powder,
1000 carbines, u number OF travel
ling carriages for cannon, aud most
complete assortment Of artillery IN
struments and pioneers tools. ihe
unpreparcdness with which the CO.
Ionics had begun the conquest, rem
dered every acquisition oil tins kInd
OF incalculaLle Importance. In con
Quoting his valuableprize to Boston,
ii was necessary in order TO AVOID
the British cruisers, to attempt diI-
fcult and almost untrled channel.
He was successful in going up, but
IN coming down shortly after, on an
other cruise, through the same pas
sage, he ran aground. and While III
that situations Mas discovered by the
British squadron. Eight or nine
bargcs were Immediately dispatched
against him. Being aware OF their
approach. he first received them with
his small arms, and then cutting his
cable 50 as To swim round, brought
his broadside to bear; but before
second discharge could be made, ma
ny of the boats had reached the YES
scl.--All efforts to board, however,
we're promptly and successfully re-
prlicd. In the midst Of this close N
desperate struggle, Captain Mug
ford, while reaching over the quar-
ter, to seize the mast of one OF the
boats aud upset her, received Il pls-
tol ball in his breast. Undismayed
by the mortal wound, he called to
his first lieutenent, am dead
man; do not give up the ship you
will be able to beat them off, and in
IA few minutes after expired. But
his daring spirit still animated his
crew the enemy was repelscd, with
the loss of two bargcs, and many
Killed and wounded.
SIN l776, Captain Nicholas Bid
die Was appointed to the Randolph,
of SO gus. lie stood in the fore
most rank of his profession for sea-
manship and courage. lie sailed
the next year with small squadron
on a cruise s.; after having made ma
ny important captures, III March
1873, he fell IN with the armOuth,
British "a gun ship. As they did
not approach each other ill the close
of day, it is probable that her force
Was not distinctly ascertained by the
Randolph, before the action com
mcnced. Captain Biddle. however,
ranged alongside with resolntc
fcarlcssness, determined to engage
/ her, whatever might be her force.
A severe conflict began after dark,
in the early part OF which, Captain
Biddle is said to have been wounded.
] Unable to stand, he bad a chair bro'I
on deck, and continued to animate
his crew by his presence. After sus-
tanning this unequal fight for about
twenty minutes, the Randolph BILE"
up, involving in awful and instanta'
ncous destruction her gallant com
mander, and all her valiant crew
excepting four men, who we're disco
yercd four days afterwards by the
armouth, floating on a piece oftht
wreck. Captain Biddle was bat
twenty-seven years of age, when he
was thus abruptly cut off from ms
friends and his couatry. But his
$500. ...---.Id .L1ll La.. Annn lcra1eIu