Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1838-08-15

command of the John Adams
ed TO the Mediterranean squadron-de-
stroyed the Meshouda OF % guns, "the
largest cruiser belonging to Tripoli,"
and performed other valuable services.
In 1904, he was appointed to the fri.
gate Congress, and proceeded to tho
Mediterranean, as part of squadron
OF vessels, under the command of Com
modore SAMUEL BARRON, sent thither
against Tripoli.
From Commodore BARRoN's extreme
Ill health, he resigned the command of
the squadron, in May, 1905, to Com
modore RODGERS, whose decisive con.
duct soon disposed the Bashaw of Tri-
poll to make peace with us, and in less
than two months after the command de.
| yolved upon him, a treaty of peace was
| concluded with that Power, on terms
dictated by him and Colonel LEAR.
In 1919, the command Of a squadron
was given to him. He dashed into the
European seas, made number of cap
lures, most Of which he from necessity
destroyed, returning triumphant after
an absence of more than three months.
AT the time he sailed, a number of the
enemys vessels were on our coast,
greatly exceeding the Commodore's
squadron in force. These he success
fully evaded, and, by drawing them off
in pursuit of him, enabled great num-
Der of our merchant vessels, with valu-
| able cargoes, to return in safety to our
ports. One Of the effects of this cruise
was 10 save millions to our merchants
and to our Government.
When the British army marched up.
on Baltimore, Commodore RODGERS
acted distinguished part in the de-
fence of that city. Many believe that
Baltimore would have surrendered but
for the seasonable aid of the force an
der his command.
After the war, he was appointed Com
missioner Of the Navy, and presided
over that Board for several years. He
was mainly instrumental in making re.
| gulatlons which have conduced TO the
economy Of the naval service. He was
offered the appointment Of Secretary of
the Navy, but declined it. Having
acted as President of the Board of Ma.
Wy Commissioners about ten years ago,
the President invited him to take COM
mand of the Mediterranean squadron,
mentioning considerations, inducing him
to do SO, highly honorable to the Com.
modore. He accepted, and his flag
was hosted on board the North Caro-
lima ship of the line, of which ID. L.
PATTERSON, Esq, was appointed Cap
tain. He cruised in the Mediterrane-
an seas nearly three years. He had
much intercourse with the commanders
of other naval Powers, and was held
by them in high estimation. The ship
was particularly distinguished for her
fine condition at all times, and the high
state of discipline maintained on board.
THE Commodore, his accomplished
Captain, and this noble specimen of
American naval architecture, were OBJ.
lects Of universal admiration. Return
ing to the United States, he was again
appointed President OF the Board of
Navy Commissioners, and continued to
discharge with great fidelity and zeal
the arduous duties of that station, till
his constitution was literally worn out,
and his mind exhausted in the service.
He then retired-made trip to Eng.
land, in the hope of recovering his
health, and was there received with
those kind attentions which were CRATE.
fully remembered till his last moments.
OF his personal character, it may be
added, that, though Of quick temper,
he was noble and generous in his dispo-
si,on. He was a Patriot in readily
Though stern in his appearance, he was
particularly distinguished for his hu-
manity. The story Of his noble and
successful exertions to save two young
ladies from the massacre at Cape Fran
cois-his sublime efforts to rescue a
poor old negro woman floating upon a
cake Of ice down the Susquehannah,
which were also crowned with success,
must be told as characteristic incidents
of his life, when these brief outlines OF
his character shall be filled up by faith
full History.