New-York daily tribune., 1858-02-17
CAPTAIN WIN. Y. TAYLOR.

Capt. WILLIAM V. TAYLOR of the Navy died at
Newport, on Thursday the 1lth inst, at the age Of
seventyeght years. He was one of the few surviving
brave men of the War of 1872 and was distinguished
by his galantry and efficiency in the battle Of Lake
Erie. That glorious battle and victory are justly
claimed by the Rhode Islanders as their own for it
fought and won mainly by young men from Newport.
In the Winter of 1928 feet of gun-boats sta
toned at Newport, under command of Capt Oliver III.
Perry, young officer Of that place. He applied for
and obtained the command on Lake Erie. His officers,
Of whom Taylor was one and large portion Of his
men volunteered for the distant service, and accOmpa
MED him through the henwdeness tothe shores ofhe
Lake. There they had to crea.e equip and arm their
fleet "and with that feet to beat the British. After
struggling against almost insuperable obstacles for
want of materials mechanics, cannon, iron, cOrtage,
canvas and ammunition, all of which had to be brought
great distances bad roads, the fleet was ready for
action in September Its encounter with the enemy,
it's sanguinary struggle and great result are famisr
70 all Americans. Capt Taylor, as master, nivissted
the Lawrence Perry ship into and through the ac-
ton, and though wounded never left the deck. lie
was promoted for his gallantry, and testimonial
of plate was voted to him and to other officers by
their native State Among the Newport men who
were conspicuous in the action beside the immor-
tai commander Perry and Capt. Taylor were the
late CON- Turner who commanded the Caledonia in the
action and who with Capt Tia ylor under the direction
Of Cspt. Perry superntended the rigging equipment
and ann ng Of the feet Capts Almy and Champln
Brownen, Breeze, Durham, and Alexander Perry,
brother of the Commodore, a midshipman. Five OF
the eight commanders of the vessels in the action were
Newport men. Providence and other parts of Rhode
leland contributed officers and men, all Of whom be-
haved with intrepid bravery.
In the able Grafton By G.. III. Calvert. O., delivered
at Newport on the 4Oth anniversary of the battle, 1t
stated that the Legislature of Rhode Island in August
l775, passed resolutions calling on their delegates IN
Congress to urge the creation of a navy. Congress
.hereupon in the following December ordered fleet,
with Commander.in-C Chief, four Captains, five First
Iieutenants, and five Second Lieutenants The Com
mander.n-chef was Admiral Hopkins, who, as well as
two Of the four Captains Whippe ard Hopkins were
Rhode Islanders. The fleet sailed in li16, and cap
tured New Providence in the Bahamas, carrying off
and safely landing at NewLOndon large amount OF
military stores, which were most opporune for The
Revolutionary service. Thus, the first American
fleet that put to sea ofiicered aud named by
men from Rhode Island and the first American
fleet that encountered and captured hostile feet was
''chefy commanded and largely manned by men from
| Rhode Island" Capt. Taylor has. from that time
until his last cruise in command Of the OHIO, "A, in
the Pacific, few years ago, been in almost constant
service, and has always borne high character
efficient faithful aud reliable officer an honorable
gentleman, and an esteemed and respected citizen.
Mrs. Perry, the venerable widow of the Commodore,
| also died at Newport the same day with Captain
| Taylor.