Washington telegraph., 1856-02-20
The Late Com. Morris.

The Washington Union in noticing the death
OF Com Charles Morris, gives sketch of his long
and distinguished career in the navy. from which
we copy some OF the principal incidents:
Ihls distinguished Office. entered the naval
service on the LIST OF July, 1899. as acting mid.
shIpman. and had thus completed term OF more
than hall century In active employment in the
various ranks and positions of his profession.
After serving two months in the u. S. ship
Baltimore, he was, in September of that year
ordered to the U. S. irigate Congress, and re-
mained on that ship until June, 1901. when ne
was ordered to the U. S. frgate Constitution with
the rank OF midshipman. from which vessel ne
was detached In 1902, and placed on furlough.
In lso3-4, on frigate Constitution mdship-
man. on the brig Scourge as acting m aster, and on
the brig Argns acting lieutenant.
From June to September, 1912. as lieutenant
on the frigate Constitution.
In lsI2l14, as captain of tine. frigate John
Adams
In Is14jI5, employed at Portsmouth. N. H..
and Boston.
In 1SI5I16 as captain frigate Congress
In 1S16i17, as captain frigate Congress and
in command of naval forces In the Gulf of
Mexico.
In 1s1ei20, in command of a squadron to
Buenos Ayres-
From September to October, 1925, in command
of irIgate Brandywine.
In 1s25-26, in examining dock yards of France
and England.
From 1s4l to 1914 in command of squadron on
coast of Brazil and In the Mediterranean Sea-
From lS47 to 1851 as Inspector of ordnance,
during which period he was ordered to Cuba on
special service.
From 1851 to the time of his death, January
81. 1856, as chief of the Burean of Ordnance and
HyCrography.
Prominent among the achievements which es-
tabllshed his exalted character as an officer at an
early period OF hi. lie, it may be stated that,
W whiie mIdshpman he took part in the destruc-
ton of the Philadelphia, the harbor CT TripoIi,
by Decatur, in 1904. In 1912 he was first lieu
tenant of the Constitution under Hull during the
memorable chase by the British squadron off the
Delaware; his consumate skill and ability on
which occasion was honorably acknowledged by
Com. Hull. BY complimentary card posted in the
Exchange at Boston.
Again he served as first lieutenant of the Con-
stUtion in her glorious action with the Guerrero
Aug 10. 1912, the first naval engagement of the
second war with England, and which dssipated
her Ooasted claim of supremacy upon the seas.
For his conduct in this engagement Lieut. Nor
ris was promoted to q captaincy over many Off
GERS OF his own grade, as well as over the whole
list of fconmanders-the only instance in our naval
records of such advancement, and striking proof
OF the bravery and ability he had displayed on
these two trying occasions.
His fTst command alter his signal promotion
was the irigate Adams; after short cruise he
was chased In;o the Penobscot by superior force
when, to prevent his vessel falling into the hands
of the enemy. he destroyed her by fire. successfully
transferring his officers and crew to Boston
through the woods OF Maine
Subsequent TO the peace of 1915 Com. Morris
has been employed in every duty incident TO the
profession OF naval officer: and whether as COM
mandant of some Of our principal naval stations.
member of the boari OF navy commissioners OIL
chic: of different bureaus OF the Navy Department
or commander OF squadron, ne always exhibited
a Judgment, administrative ability, and knowledge
OF his various duties that commanded the respect
of all with whom he was brought in contact in
these various relations