The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-01-18

women and children, cried out for help TO save
themselves from becoming the unhappy VIC
Tins Of the tempest, or of the want Of nautical
skill IN Captain Christian Graneman, Dane,
who, in the hardness of his heart, strove to
save his person and effects by going on shore
and leaving so many human creatures ex-
posed 10 the turbulence Of the waves, an ex-
tremity hich presented to them near pros
Pect Of death.
This brave and generous officer, his crew,
and all under his command, impelled by hu-
mainly, alerily strove to save these wreiched
ladies' and succeeded. few moments after
their safety was accomplished, the schooner
sank. Amid thanks, vows, and lamentations,
this worthy officer learnt that captain Chris
tan was on the mountain of Saona, with his
effects. Without neglecting the ladies', he
endearored TO secure a wretch, who ought
not to live among mankind. This he effected,
and, through the humanity Of the ladies', used
no greater severity towards him than to take
him OH board and bring him, well secured, to
this capital. He treated the ladies with the
greatest courtesy, accommodating them with
his cabin, his table, and every convenience.
They have requested me TO communicate
these circumstances 10 your Excellency, and
that in their names, should present to you
their cordial thanks, assuring you that it is an
action which will remain forever impressed on
their hearts. For myself, and in the name Of
my nation, and Of all who know of the occur
renee, worthy Of so cultivated nation and
Of an officer Of the United States, ! present
you my thanks with that sincerity which be-
longs to my character; and shall have the
honor 10 render an account Of it to my master,
the king OF Spain, in order that such an action
may rebound to the honor of this officer, of
his flag, and of all his brave and generous
crew. God preserve you many years,
May it please your Excellency,
JOAQUIN GARCIA.
Santa Domingo, Jan. 81, 1901.
Onthe arrival Of the Experiment. in 1901,
at Norfolk, she was sold out of the service,
under the act of Congress fixing the Naval
Establishment. Lieutenant Stewart was
amongst the thirty leutenans retained
under that law, and was placed in charge of
the frigate Chesapeake, in ordinary, at Nor
folk In the following year, 1902, he joined
the United States frigate Constellation, as first
officer Of Captain Murray, who was ordered
to the Mediterranean to blockade Tripoli, then
at war with the United States. This was
short cruise of one year, and afforded no OPP
portunity for the ship or officers to distinguish
themselves On her return to the United
States Lieutenant Stewart was placed in
command Of the brig Siren, then being built
at Philadelphia, and received orders to super
intend her Her equipment was effected in
seven days after she was launched when she
sailed for the Mediterranean to join the COM
mand of Commodore PrebIe. She was en-
nj, ~ ntr bxy
convoy, and conveying Consular presents to
the Dey of Algiers. The squadron rendez-
voused at Syracuse, in the island Of Sicily.
From that place the Siren was engaged in
the expedition sent under Lieutenant Stewart
to destroy the frigate Philadelphia, which had
grounded off the harbor Of Tripoi, and was
surrendered to the Bashaw. Lieutenant De-
catur was sent in the Intrepid, ketch, with
seventy volunteers, to board and burn the fri
gate, which he accomplished in the most gal
liant manner; and with the aid of the SIRENS
boats, under Lieutenant Caldwell, effected
his retreat out of the harbor. After
this successful expedition, the Siren, Lieut..
titus under his command, were employed in
rigid blockade Of the city of Tripoli and
the adjacent. harbors. During this period,
brig, Scourge, of twelve guns, were captured
by the Siren, for a violation of the blockade.
The ship was restored to the Greeks and
the brig put into the service Of the United
States by Commodore Preble. During this
blockade, Lieutenant Stewart frequently led
in the vessels of the blockade TO the attack Of
the batteries and 1otlla, to accustom the Off
GERS and men TO the enemys fire, and to force
the Tripolians to expend their ammunition
and on one occasion, they attacked and de-
stroyed two batteries the enemy had erected
to the westward of the city, for the protection
their coasing trade.
On the first of August, 1904, Commodore
Preble arrived off Tripoli with the frigate
Constitution, two bomb or mortar vessels, and
six gun boats-united with the Siren and Ar
gus, briggs Of eighteen guns, and the Nauti-
lus, Vixen, and Enterprise, schooners Of
twelve guns, he determined to attack the
town. fotilla, and batteries Of Tripoli. On the
third, the wind proving favorable, at meridian
the signal was made to prepare for battle,
when the whole force, forming line ahead,
led on by the brig Siren, Lieutenant Stewart,
advanced to the attack, and when within
reach of the enemy's fire, the gun-boats were
cast of; and Immediately boarded the gun
boats of Tripoli twenty Of which were moor
ed in line, outside Of the reef which formed
the harbor Three of them were carried,
and brought off under cover Of the vessels of
war, and added to the American squadron.
On this occasion were issued the follow
ing
GENERAL ORDERS.
The gallant behavior Of the officers, sea-