Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1846-12-04
CAPTAIN JOHN MANLY.

Captain John Manly was one of the boldest
naval captains of the Revolutionary war His
first successes were while in command of the
Lee, and his timely captures are well known.
No Congress committee could have selected
better invoice of military stores than the Nan
cy' contained. Aftermany cruises and severe
encounters, Manly was taken prisoner, and
suffered long and cruel incarceration at the
hands of the British. On his release, he was
placed in command of the Hague, of 80 guns,
in the latter part of 1782-one of the crew of
which gave the writer these "reminiscences.
Manly was full six feet in height, stout
built strong, incapable of fear, and slovenly
in his dress He wore a coarse handkerchief
loosely about his neck, the ends of which, as
they stuck out awkwBrdly, he frequently had
in his mouth He was as rough in speech
and blunt in his manner, as he was daring in
conduct He was every inch a seaman, and
severe to fault in his discipline.
On fine morning in the West Indies, as
the Hague was under easy sail, the exciting
words Sail no passed through the crew.
In a few minutes it was
Twon
Three p
All hands were called to quarters, while
Manly paced the deck, his eye wild in excite
ment He gazed in the direction of the little
specks Just appearing along the horizon, with
the intensest excitement-his whole frame in
dicating resolution-for a few moments, when
he gave Reed, his lieutenant, ian Englishman
by birth) an order to
Go aoft and report
"A British frigate and two small cruisers,
sir was the report.
And how dyer know that J? quickly and
harshly asked Manly.
CEEcor +bo, doscr;boJ +bo
of the chase the position of the vessels, with
the minute circumstances that indicated their
character.
Crowd sail in chase was the next order.
The Hague was soon under every inch OF
canvas that she could spread, and was blowing
her way in the direction of the strange sail
when the Lieutenant was again sent aloft
The appearances are the same as before,
your honor The sails ahead are British
frigate and two large briggs
The Hague gained the chase, and soon the
strange sail appeared in plain sight, stretching
across her bow, under easy canvas, and evil
IDENTIFY inviting an encounter. 1t became q
question however, whether on account of the
disparity of force, the Hague should meet hel
antagonists After a council in the cabin
Manly appeared on deck and gave orders tC
alter the course of the ship.
Then he began to walk the deck in a hur
ried manner, with corner of his neckcloth If
his mouth, and his looks indicating passion. II
n few minutes he exclaimed with stentoriar
voice
About the ship! won't run from Brit
ish frigate-Ill take her, or I'll breakfast il
h-H'
The Hague was in a few hours within
speaking distance. She hailed her antagonis
by shot from an eighteen FOUNDER, wh,cl
was returned by broadside from the larges
ship. After a smart action, the largest strucl
aer coiors. She proved to be British lette
Of marque The briggs during the fight saiet
IN opposite directions, and as the wind soon at
ter blew into gale, they escaped The priz
was manned safely brought to Boston, AM
sold to Mr.. Russell, noted Boston merchant
Manly continued to cruise in the West In
dies-and a little while after the brilliant chas
of him by British fleet, noticed by Cooper
took place.
The termination of his naval career, as des
crlbed by our informant was characteristic O
the man. AS the Hague was sailing on
pleasant day, under an easy canvass, the win
light, the sea smooth, sail was deserted, whel
Manly ordered a chase. As the frigat
neared the stranger, she appeared to be
merchantmen of the largest class. with all he
sails set. Eenglish colors fiying-and mos
beautiful sight she was land it was notice
that she did not appear TO fear the approach G
an enemy. The Hague soon spoke her, bu
her answer was not distinctly heard, Mani
seized the trumpet and roared in his terribl
voice
Strike your colors, and come under my lee
'Peacep was the significant reply.
DIN il, how should like to put a broadsid
into herr remarked Manly.
The explanation of the security felt by IL
merchantmen, was the fact that it had the new
OF the treaty OF peace OF 1888.
Boston Post,