The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1836-06-08
Rri,.sb squadron.

Though placed as third la line in the order
of battle, he gailanily brought his ship into
action as the secoad, aad alone sustained
the flag ship, Lawrence, for more ilian two
hours, until the gallant Perry Abandoned
her aud brou ght up the Niagara, which had
been unfortunately DELAYED IN coming into
action. OF his conduct in tlIis battle, Com
modore Perry remarks in his official return
to the Secretary of the Navy: Lieutenant
Turner. commanding the Caledonia, brought
that vessel into action in the most able man-
ner. and is an officer that in all stu aiions
may be relied on"
Immediately after this brilliant achieve
ment, lieutenant Turner accompanied Com
modore Perry 70 the Moravian Town, where
he took part in two important battles, Per-
ry acting as aid to General Harrison. In
consideration of these important services,
the cities of Albany, Philadelphia and Sa-
vannah, presented to Com. Perry handsome
swords, with the freedom of the city. The
citizens of Boston presented him with a
valuable service of plate; and the city of
Newport, in consideration OF his being a
native of that place, presented to him rich
plate of the value of 500. The Legisla-
ture of Pennsylvania voted their thanks to
Commodore Perry, with gold medal al
so, their thanks and gold medal to captain
Elliot, who was native of that State !:
And to those citizens Of Pennsylvania who
volunteered their services, silver medal,
with each persons name inscribed thereon.
The Legislature of South Carolina gave an
elegant sword to lieutenant Thomas Hold
up, who was a nativs of that State, for his
gallantry in the battle of Lake Erie.
1t is believed that many other like testi-
monials of respect were paid to Commodore
Perry and several of his gallant officers, by
public bodies but the committee have not
been able to discover that any mark of public
respect has ever been paid to lieutenant
Turner, who participated so largely. i'll the
brilliant achievement, and who, though jun
iOr in age, was senior in rank and service
TO all but two of the officers. The commit
tee have unwilling to impute this singular
omission to the fact that he was the only
commissioned officer of any distinction in
that action, who was born in the State of
New-York. Without searching into the
cause of this neglect, they have satisfied
themselves that no officer in the American
navy has exhibited greater skill, bravery
and courage, at SO early period of life, if
indeed at any nor more of that noble con-
comitant of true courage, an unaffected
diffidence and modesty of character.
Soon after the victory of Lake Erie, he
was removed to n station remote from his
native State, and was for long time, by
mistake, entered on the navy register as
native of Rhode Island.
Without coyetlng distinction, except in
the faithful discharge of his duty TO his
country, and without envying any of the
honors and rewards which his comrades so
literally received, and he so richly merited
he has quietly aud gradually risen to the
highest grade in our navy, respected and
honored for his talents as an officer, and
beloved for his many virtues as a man.
In view of these facts, aud in considera-
ton fthe extremely early period of life at
which lieutenant Turner engaged in the
public service, and rendered such valuable
and heroic aid in achieving the victory on
Lake Erie, the committee have instructed
their chairman to prepare the following
resolution, which he bcgs leave respectfully
to present.
Resolved, Gf the Senate concur'( That
the Governor of this State be requested TO
procure suitable sword, with appropriate
devices and emblems thereon, and TO present
the same to captain Daniel Turner of the
United States navy, native of this Stare,
as token of the high estimation which his
native State entertains of his talents as an
officer, and of his personal bravery, evinced
on several occasions, and especially in ibis
command of the Caledonia during the bat
tie ofth 10th of September, 1913, when he
was but IL years of age.
The above Resolution was adopted
unanimously in both houses, May 25, 1886.