The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-01-27
From The Gentiemda's Magazine.

From the Genticmaa's Magazine.
BIOGRAPHICAL. SKETCH AND SERVICES OF
COMMODORE CHARLES STEWART,
Of the Navy Of the United States.
(coNrNuED)
Captain Stewart proceeded with these
prizes TO the Island of St. Jago, one Of the
Cape de Verd Islands, with view to divest
his ship of the numerous prisoners, consisting
of the officers, seamen, and marines of both
ships of the enemy, amounting to nearly four
hundred. While making arrangements for
despatching them at Port Praya, for Barba-
does, the British squadron, consisting of the
ships of war the Acasta, of fifty guns, the
New Castle, of sixty-iour guns, and the Lee
ander, of sixty-four guns, under the command
of Sir George Collier, reached his position
under cover Of thick fog. Notwithstanding
their near approach, captain Stewart deter
mined to retreat, and Immediately the Con-
stltutlon and her pnizes cut their cables and
crowded sail TO escape. He was fortunate
in being able, by his skilful management and
manGuvres, to save from their grasp his IA
vorite trigate Constitution, and the Cyane.
The Levant was captured by the squadron,
and sent to Barbadoes
After his escape, he proceeded with the
Constitution TO Maranam, in the Brazils, and
landed the prisoners, refreshed his crews, re-
fitted his vessel, and returned to Boston,
where he and his officers were received with
the usual courtesies by their fellow citizens.
On his way to New Y ork, the Common Coun-
Gil honored captain Stewart with the freedom
af their city, in gold box, and extended
towards him and his officers the courteous
hospitalites of that great city, by public
dinner.
NEW YoRK, June 81, 1915.
Sir-In communicating to you the enclosed
resolution Of the Common Council of the city
of New York, beg leave to add the express
sion of my highest respect, and to request in
formation when the Common Council can
have the pleasure of meeting you, for the pur-
pose of carrying into effect the object of the
resolution.
The delay of this communication has arisen
from the daily expectation of your arrival in
this city.
have the honor to be with great respect,
Your obedient servant,
JNo. FERGUSON.
CHARLES STEWART, Esq.
Com. U. S. Frigate Constitution.
On his arrival in Philadelphia, the legis
lature of his native State pennsylvania vot-
ed him their thanks, and directed his Excel
lency the Governor to cause a gold hil;ed
sword to be presented to captain Stewart, In
testimony of their sense of his distinguished
merits in capturing the British ships of war
Of superior force, the Cyane and the Levant'
.The following extract from the Journalo the
House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, OF Mon
day. Feb 49, 1916, contains the proceedings referred
to in ire text ........ .....
Powell, and read as follows, viz:
Whereasthe victory obtained by Captain Charles
Stewart native of this state, in the United States
frigae Constitution, BY the capture OF Two SHIPS OF
war the Cyane and Levant, belonging 10 his Bri-
tanic Majesty is one Of the most brilliant naval
achievements Of the late war, rejecting honor upon
country and securing 10 that gallant otncer last
ing renown And as il is the desire OF this Common
wealth to evnce the high sense they entertain oil the
skill and bravery displayed by said officer, and to
bestow upon him the most grateful reward OF valor
thcpubic appreciation of his fellow citizens:
Belt reSotred bV The Senate and House Of RcpreSsn-
fayircs of Tie Commonwealth nj Pennsylvania, That
the Governor b., and he is hereby requested, 10 pre-
sent the thanks OF this Commonweal b to Captain
Charles Stewart for his distinguished gallanlrg and
skill in the engagement between the Ohlted states
frfgate Constitution and the ships Of war Cyanc and
Levant and likewise to procure for and TO present
to him in the name the Commonwealth, an appro.
pirate sword the expense of which shall not exceed
dollars. .
And on motion Of Mr. Powell and Mr.. Kiuera the
rule which directs that all joint resolutions shall
remain enc day on the table, being in this case dis
penscd with the House proceeded TO The second
reading and consideration Of the said resolution
and
The same being under consideration,
A motion was made by Mr. Powell and Mr. Kit
terra, 10 amend the same by filling the blank with
: four hundred !; which was agreed 10.
And on the question, Wa ne Hoass adopt nc re-
soinyjop ne 1YpcUdgY3