Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1848-10-07
DEATH OF CAPT. JAMES BIDDLE, OF THE
NAVY.

DEATH OF CAPT. JAMES BIDDLE, OF THE
NAVY.
We regret TO learn that Capt James Bid
die, of the Navy, recently returned from the
command of the Pacific Station, died in this
city on Sunday night last. Capt. Biddle was
a native of this city, where he always resided
when not actively employed in the service.
He was one Of the oldest Post. captains npon |
the naval register, on which he holds the |
sixth place. He has seen much service, and
frequently distinguished himself in the cause
of his country. He was the son Of Charles
Biddle, Esq, of this city, and was born in
February, 1888, being 85 years old at the
time of his death. He entered the service as
Midshipman in 1900 He was on board the |
Philadelphia al the time it fell into the hands !
of the Algerines, and was confined prisoner
in that country for eighteen months. Upon
his release from captivity, he was promoted
to lieutenancy. In 1906, he made voyage
10 China, as captain of a merchantmen.
In 1910, he took charge of the Syren sloop-
of-war In 1911, he wentto France as bearer
of dispatches. When the war of 1912 broke
out, he joined the Wasp, Capt. Jones, and af-
ter the capture Of the sloop-of-war Frolic,
was ordered 10 take charge of the prize, but
her crippled condition made her and the
Wasp an easy capture TO a British "a the
Poictiers, which hove in sight The Legis-
lature of Pennsylvania voted a sword and the
thanks of the Commonwealth TO Lieut.. Bid
die, for his distinguished gallaniry in this ac-
ton. The Legislature of Maryland also took
honorable notice of him, and the society of
Cincinnati elected him an honorary member
of that body
Upon his exchange he was promoted TO the
rank of master-commandant, and commanded
the gunboats in the Delaware, to protect the
bay from the incursions of the British He
was appointed to the command of the sloop-
of.war Hornet, and was one of those block.
aided so long in New London. While lying
there, Capt. Biddle accepted challenge from
Capt Mends, of the British sloop-of-war the
Loup Cervier, for all equal fight between those
vessels but the Loup Cerver sailed away be-
fore the preliminaries were settled. The
Hornet succeeded in eluding the vigilance of
the British fleet, and arrived at New York,
where she was attached to the command Of
Com. Decatur, and ordered to the East Indies.
1t was during this voyage that on the Esd
of March 1915, the Hornet engaged His Bri-
fannie Majesty's brig Penguin, and captured
her after gallant action, in which Captain
Biddle was wounded In the following A April
he was chased by British seventy-four but
escaped with the loss of armament, which
obliged him to return to New York. During
his absence he was promoted TO the rank of
post-captain. In 1917 he was despatched to
the Columbia, TO take possession of Oregon.
In 1920 he went to Constantinople to sign the
commercial treaty with Turkey.
From the year 1888 to 1912, he was in
charge of the Naval Asylum on the Schuyl-
kill. He recently was in command on the
Pacific station, and returned to this city in
March last, in bad health, from the effects OF
which he s.neYer recovered. 1t has been the
fivity, and am ardent enterprise which sur
mounted every obstacle, and crowned his en-
terprises with success. Commodore Biddle
was man of slight frame and delicate con-
stitution, but OF an indomitable spirit which
sustained him through trials and hardships
under which greater physical strength might
have failed. AS an officer, he was unsurpas-
sed in courage, requirements and skill; and
as man, his spotless honor, and noble quail
ities of mind and heart, gave him distinc-
fion not inferior to his professional reputation
Philadelphia may well mourn his loss as one
of the most distinguished of her sons.