The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1860-02-17

i must not omit TO mention among the
families OF Norfolk county, that of Dale
an ancient and respectable one OF this and
surrounding counties, nor can | otherwise
than specially refer to one member Of it,
Commodore Richard Dale, who was horn in
this county in the year 1855. At an early
period-twelve years OF age--h chose the
sea for his habitation. Five times was he
taken prisoner by the British during he war
of the Revolution. He was in the Mill pri-
son at Liverpool, but escaped, and was seized
by press gang, carried back aud thrswn
into noisome dungeon for forty days.
Being released, hewas again throwR into the
Black Hole for singing rebellious songs
Again escaping, he fled to France, and was
appointed first Lieutenant in the Bon HOmn.
Richard, in the feet of Paul Jon S, which
spread sach terror along the western coas:
of Scotland. In the desperate action with
the Scraps he distinguished himself, and
was wounded in the head Being appointed
Captain of an armed merchaEtman in the
American service, ne continued to command
her to the end of the war. In 1874 he was
made Captain in the United States Navy,
and in 1901 he commanded the Mediterra-
mean Squadron. In 1892 he retired to pri-
waite lite, and spent the remainder of his
days in Philadelphia, where he died in 1896,
aged seventy years, loved and hOnored by
all who knew him. But | should not have
introduced his name into this work, except
tor the fact that his religious character, Tor
many years before his death, was as marked
as his Military one had been before. My
acquaintance with him commenced about
six or eight years before his death, and was
most intimate to the last. His house was
my happy home during our General Con-
ventons.
He was one OF those open, honest men,
who could and did speak freely on all suo-
jects, to all men, and yet not give offence. -
Ii was expected of him to teprOye SID and
irreligion, no matter in whom it was seen.
He took AN active part in toe philanthrOpic
of Philadelphia in all theic great plans OF
beneyolence. Especially diu he patronize
all religious efforts for the seataring race
He had large sailors loft tor chapel.
which was always considered 90 Dale's chap
ell, which he often attended, even though be
must leave his own church to do it. A pious
old Presbyterian minister was the officiating
clergyman in it, aud was most devoted to his
work. have attended with the old Com
modsre in that lott, and preached to bis
congregation with great satisfaction Al
though lull Of charity to all others, and
holding no exclusive views, yet was CONNIE
dore Dale warmly attached to the Episcopal
Church, and may be regarded as the father
oil st. Stephens, which was built by his
nephew, Dr.. Montgomery. 1t was gpoa TO
see his large manly form so through all the
postures, and hear his bold seamans voice
IN all the responses OF the Liturgy.
Commodore Dale was in his religious as IN
his military character no halt way man; be
did not attempt to serve God and Mammon
to carry religion in one hand and the
world in the other. lie was amongst the hrst
III Philadelphia to break away from an old
system oil churChmanship which allowed
such compromise with the world. May his
spirit desdend to his latest posIrrity, aud
his example be faithfully Copied.
TO BIZ CONTINUED.