The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1862-05-22
Sketch sof Com,s. q uader Foo,e.
BY J HOWARD, Jr.

The man whose name stands at the head
ofthis sketch is atype of the Christian gem
tlernan. At this writing he is the hero Of
the war his deeds are productive OF vast
benefit to the nation, his achievements have
Aidsd honor to his country's flag, and in
him the navy shines resplendent, asin the
days Of Decatur, Perry, ani the elder Por
ter. His fellow-cltizens may we'll be proud
of him, AMI it is with desire to acquaint
thsrn more thoroughly with his merit, that
we present the following facts.
Andrew H. Foote is native Of the loyal
state Of Connecticut, and son Oft the veteran
Senator ex.G Governor 8. "A. Foote. Forty years
ago, young Fpote,, then lad fifteen years
Of age, entered the navy of the United States
with the commission Of midshipman. His
parents intenied him for the law his mind
seemingly being peculiarly fitted for the
mastery AMI successful application of the
principles of that science, ard it was with
regret that his teacher reliaqaished the idea
ofa legal training. From his mother, q
woman Of superior intellect aud Of the vsv-
spsst affections, he received the hrst rudi-
msnts of his education, upon which, at the
Academy, he built stratum Of homcly'
knowledge, which would in its turn have
served as the found alton for the elaborate
strueture.wh.ch his parents were 50 anxious
to see.
His first and most enduring passion how
ever, was for the sea. From his earliest
boyhood he longed to he a sailor, to seek far
off countries, and to enjoy the untrammel-
ed freedom, which followers Of that calling
are epopuiarly supposed to possess. : ! =
His parents, finding the wishes uncon.
aaerabss, wisely yielded their preference,
AMI aided hin ia securing his commission.
In those days midshipmen were not allowed
to idle away their time or to pass it pleas
antiy on shore, but were kept at work for a
purpose; their duties were the mastering
OF such knowledge, general and detail, as in
time,of nesdwould be Of service to the Gov.
ernsnenta whose iiberalfty provided the
means wheFswith this education might be
secprcd. - .......
SO soon, therefore, as the young man had
mounted his buttons he was ordered to re-
port to Commodore Gregory, . sailor Of the
adep time and type, Who was then aobut
70 make cruise to and around the East In
dies in search Of some t'rovcys Of the sea, -
who had dared 70 harm . Salem ship. = On
his 6sst cruise The traitsof cAasaotsr which
have since marked him IS an unobstructive
gentlemaa, : soldier oflauntles courage, vigor
and perseverance, and An officer Of skill and
sagacitys u quickness of perception, and Of
prompt and rcsoluts execution Of his purpo-
ses. were clearly observable, and while has
bou1dlew.good -natnreand bis neyer-fsilipg
fund ofaacctote madc him popular with the
youngsters, tue enthusiasm with which be
applied himself to al that was theoretical,
scientific, or practical in his profession, OBJ
tainod for him the recommendation and ap.
proval ofhis immediets instructors and su.
periors officers 40 a3Asi 3AA
The greater portion Of his time on thia
first absence frou homes Was spent seeking
ing, overtaking, and Furnishing the pirates
ef whom We spoke above. .Fors period o
six mouths hs, in common with the rest o.
Ahssabordinsts ofiicers, went hither and thith
sr.p open soatss psnstratinga secret hidingpla
ses; hnnting literally thsis prey, and seoof
Ing fof thssn9sitss : vast sunouns Of fcxper;