Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1838-08-16
COMMODORE RODGERS.

H We have already announced (says the
Boston Gazette,) the death Of the veteran
Rodgers. We annex from the National In
telligcncer, brief sketch Of his public servi-
ces, knowing that it will be read with great
interest, by all our readers. His career is
itself, as a regularly organized establishment.
lie has experienced much hard scrvicc:-
Commodore JoHN RoDGERs entered the
Navy as lieutenant in the year l70S. lie
was lst lieutenant Of the CONSTELLATION in
the action with the lNsrRGENTE, which re-
suited in her capture. His zeal in perform
ing his duty OH the OCCASION, and complying
strictly with the orders Of his commander,
\ I(Commodore TruXton,) was in Commodore
Ws language, mot to be surpassed" After
the action the command OF the Insurgcnte
was conferred upon him.
\ With Midshlpman ID. Porter (thc present
|, Commodore) and l | men, he took possession
| Of the prize, and commenced removing her
crew to the Constellation but before this
/ could be done, the ships were separated in a
heavy gale Of wind, and l73 prisoners were
left on board to be guarded by Lieutenant
| RoDGERs and his handful Of men, whose
/ situation was rendered peculiarly peTilous by
| the circumstance Of there being no handouts
or shackles on board to secure the prisoners,
who manifested Il disposition to retake the
prize. The energy of Lieut.. RopGERs, as
sisted by the gallant Midshipman Porter,
conducted the prize safely into ST. Kits.
Returning to the United States, Lieut..
RODGERS was commissioned Captain in the
Navy, in consideration OF his highly meritori-
Gus conduct and known qualifications. lie
was appointed to command the Sloop Of w ar
Maryland. in which vessel he cruiscd in the
West Indies for many months, rendering im
portunt services. In 1901 he sailed If the
Maryland for France, with Mr. Dawson, sen,
as diplomatic messenger to that Court.
H In 1902 he was appointed TO the command
Of the John Adnms-aitached to the Medi-
telranean squadron destroyed the Mcshoudo
OF - guns, ''lhe largest cruiser belonging
TO Trpoli," and performed other valuable
services.
IN 1904, he was appointed 10 the Frig ate
Congress, and proceeded to the Medlternne-
an as part of a sQuadron Of vessels, under the
command Of Commodore SAMUEL BARRON,
sent thither against Trpoli.
\ From Commodore BAERoN's extreme i'll
health, he resigned the command of the
squadron in May, 1905, to Com. RoDGERs,
whose decisive conduct soon disposed the
Boshaw Of Tripoli to make peace with us, in
lees than two months after the command de-
volved upon him, treaty Of peace was con
cluded with thut Power, OH terms dictated by
him and Colonel LEAR.
II IN 1912, tho command of n squadron was
given to him. lie dashed into the European
seas. made n number Of captures, most OF
which he from necessity destroyed, returning
triumphant after an absence Of more than
three months. At the time he sailed, nun.
Der Of the cnemy's vessels were on our coast,
greatly exceeding the Commodore's squad.
ron IN force. ! hese lie successfully cvadcd,
and, by drawing them of in pursuit OF him,
enabled great number OF our merchant ves-
sels with valuable cargoes, TO return IN safe.
~ 10 our ports. One Of tie effects OF this
cruise was 10 save millions TO our Inc chants
and our Government.
H When the British army marched upon BAL
iimore, Com. RoDGERs acted distinguished
part ~ the defence Of that city. Many be.
| liove Baltimore would hayo been surrendered
but for the sensonabe aid Of the force under
his command.
After The war, he was appointed Commi
sioner Of the Navy, and presided. over that
Board for several years. flc was mainly
instrumental in making regulations which
have eoneueed to the economy Of the naval