The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-10-10
From he Richmond Wing.
COMMODORE BARRON


COMMODORE BARRON.
We request the readers attention 10 "a VHgnlan'
in the paper OF this day.
The name OF Barron was once theme that stirred
the feelings Of the country The passage OF 80 years
has swept from the stage a large majority OF the
generation Of lS0s and possibly the greater number OF
the present have scarcely heard OF the ALTAR oil the
Leopard and Chesapeake which created 90 powerful
sensation when il occurred.
Commodore Barron appears to be one Of those men
upon whose birth hostile planets shed bseiul influence
He has been for thirty years. the victim OF adverse I'M
conroulable circumstances. With a courage. endow-
ments and reputation which promised to place MIN
early in life the head Of the Navy he has been driven
from post to par-his fame sacrificed TO faction-and
now, when seniority has put him the first IN rank, and
he has long since expated his sentence the rights which
his commission confers are withheld from him. He
certainly unjusiy condemned in 1908, and thrown
overheard for political reasons Driven 10 Europe TO
seek the OF subsistence he prevented by an
irresistible OF events from returning IN time
share in the OF 1872 although his sentence OF
suspension expired in 1919. When he did return he
was SO unfortunate as TO kill Decatur in single combat
the nations fsvore herowhose death. however Justl-
fable by the code to which he appealed flung new ob-
oquy on the name Of Barron. Since that event, new
parties have arsen and in succeeded 10 power but
have thought il worth while to do justice 10 Bar
ron Old factions which had oppressed him, have ex-
pired and their very names are almost forgotten-but
Baon's wrongs remain in great measure unredressed
to this day.
We propose, at distant time, to review the incl
dents OF Com Barrons life, with view Of calling pub
lie attention TO the injustice done him.
COMMODORE BARRON.
MEssRs EplroRs-In passing from Philadelphia to
Baltimore, not long since had the pleasure OF travel
ling with party Of Naval officers who happened to be
on board the boat.
Having been introduced to one Of these gentlemen
before quitting the city, by him made acquain-
ted with the rest Of his agreeable companions. Several
States Of the Union found well represented in
this little assemblage Of Ocean wanderers, and we
gratifed to find two very worthy from our native
State, the Old Dominion Various topics broach-
ed and discussed with much good humor and vipacy,
when at length the conversation directed itself the
singular features and eventful life Of Com. Barron.
In all that related to this veteran Of adversely had
felt the deepest interest," and have in sought
for information which might be relied upon. We soon
discovered that the persons present belonged to Of
the old factions and that although they accorded to
Rodgers, Decatur and Others high praises officers,
they nevertheless anmadvered, with great severity,
upon their cruel and relentless persecution Of Barron
One of the gentlemen present seemed to have paid
particular attention Com case, and called to
notice many facts which he said had been derived from
examination Of the proceedings of the Court held
the Commodore in 1908. We expressed to this officer
desire to that trial, and he, with great kindness,
promised to procure US a copy This promise he has
since redeemed and have just laid the interesting
document aside, after having given it attentive peru
sal and close examination. Need we say to those VINO
have taken pains s this singular to the bottom
what conclusions have irresistiby forced upon us And
we say, that in Barrons case, hgh-mnded and gal
liant officer sacrificed in the most wanton and un-
worthy mannerl And say, that without any thing de-
serving the name Of evidence, he subject TO
heavy punishment and suffering which humanity could
scarcely bear Finally, need say that our bosom
thrilled with indignation at the remembrance Of such
wrongs having been heaped upon innocent citizen of
native State Why, let US ask, has Virginia, for
thirty years. remained isess and Indifferent TO the fate
Of her much injured sonl Has she taken the trouble
to inform herself of the true merits Of his case! Ger
tanly she could not have done SO, or we should not
behold Of her prosecuted offspring consigned
to neglect whilst others who do not possess 1.-THE Of
either his worth or abilities, are baskng in the sunshine
of favor.
Com. Banon's case has no connection with the party
questions Of the day. He has suffered many wrongs
from all parties, from Mr. Jeersons time to the present
moment; and unless long of injustice may be
thought to dvest itself Of its cnormy by the length of
its continuance, trust stand will be TAKEN late as
is by his native State, the hand Of
ton. A VIRGINIAN.