Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-03-22
For the ". T. DAILY .4dreriiser.
COMMODORE BAlNBRIDGE.


For the ". J.. DAILY .4dcertiser.
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE.
b. Communication.
-. perceive in your paper OF to-day, a nOtice
If The removal of Commodore Bainbridge from
,hs navy ward at Philadelphia, without ailedgng
ANY reasons, or institutns an inquiry relative 10
his management Of the gard or the discharge OF
his general duties.
The measure of the Secretary OF the navy APP
pears to be unprecedented, unwarrantabe, and
Gsrourieous. The nation which has created the
navy Department expects that its duties will be
exercised according to law and with spirit OF IL
berality. courtesy and justice; that It's proceed
iuys shall be wholly exempt from the influence OF
passion, and certainly devoid of resentment
This is country of la,Cs. and the people re-
ou;,p that those who are placed in offices OF high
trust uill be equally bound by those laws. They
know no right that the secretary of the navy pos
sessess to exercise 4 Turkish tyranny over those
who receive orders FROM his department
The gallant officer who has been dismissed
from his situation In a manner best calculated TO
notify his feelings has wasted his s'rengih,&srown
grey in the pcrils and dangers OF the SERVICE
When in the enthusiasm ct his youthful and mas
tia heart, he entered the service OF his country,
little did he expect, that when he had passed
vice, and had won for himself the wreath OF VIC
tpry. and had added to his conntry's glory, that
The evening of his life would no ci,s-'ed, that
rho comf,,rts Of his home would be marreu oy
petty resentments. -,
ar think Il Is impossible that the nation will
allow gallant. distinguished and old officer, to
be treated harshy aud uHjustly, without loudly
pcociaiming the injustice Of the proceeding and
demanding PREPARATION for the injury.
If the officers of the navy can be thus treated
with impunity. can we expect from them that ge-
nerous devotion of their lives, that fearless per-
Torrance Of their duty in all circumstances?
No, il is not in the nature of man to fight like
a freeman when he knows that his country will
permit HIM to be treated like slare. The off,
GERS of the navy are the peculiar favortes of the
people. They Groke the spell which bound our
hearts in the fears of British superiority; they
first made the Lion crouch. and taught the ma
ton to know its own power. and to feel lis own
strength. Will that nation be ungrateful? Shall
the hero Of the Java be treated as If he had none
of the rights of an American citizen; if he
had no claim to the protection of the laws, and
nu pledge of the affections OF the people whom he
has so ably served. The medal which his coun-
try awarded him 70, his galIantry; the deep and
extensive and hearty expressions of appreciation
aud applause. with which the people met him af-
ter he had met and conquered the enemy of his
country, all have persisted in the recollection of
those Who have inflicted this injustice. Do they
think, that feeling for his reputation, and that
grateful sense of his services have been extn-
guished among the people. II they do they are
deceived. The navy department must do him
Justice. WHY was this act not done before the
adjournment of Congress? THE PEOPLE"
The above is from Philadelphia paper; and
the hutlest sensation il is calculated to excite.
are not disposed at once to give vent t.: but will
calmly wait ill we hear INC or any thing (if
any thing can be furnshed) That can bear the ap-
pearance Of good cause, or Justification. When
we first noticed the announcement of Com.
Bainbridge being removed from the command of
the naval station at Philadelphia. we expected to
see it followed by one announcing that he had
either been recalled TO preside over the Navy
Board again. or had been appointed another com
mand-or that the Old Hero had been selected
to take command of foreign station. We heard
with regret. through private channels that hishelh
was delicate, & that perhaps voyage on the ee-
ment of his glory, would re-establish f,-but
the above article would seem to imply, that some
hostility has been intended against him. II so.
we do not hesitate to respond to the sentiments
SO ably conveyed in the article we record above.
There are ilustrious names so Intimately In
terwoven with every feeling Of affection We bear
towards our country, that any attempt to depre-
ciaie. or even to modest or disturb them, from the
exalted station they hold in our hearts, cannot
bur lacerate or injure US. Such sentiments as
we entertain towards Washington, Hamilton.
Perry, McDonough. and along list of sainted
heroes and statesmen, though dead, are felt tor
Jackson. Bainbridge, Chauncey. Hull. Rodgers,
and equally as long a list of living heroes. who
s,ill are permitted to enjoy in this world. the APP
probation Of their grateful country. The name
ind character Of such men are public property: