The New York herald., 1870-08-15

admiral David Glasgow Farragut,
United Stated Navy.

With the deepest regret we announce tne death,
ct Portsmouth, N. H. at twelve O'Clock yesterday, OF
the gallant naval of1icer whose name heads this
article. few days ago telegram reported his
serious illness, and after lingering until the time
sta ted above, he passed away from earth.
HIS BIRTHPLACE AND FAMILY.
The distinguished naval hero was born In East
Tennessee, about twelve miles from Knoxville,
ON the 17th OF December, 1901. His father
at that time was in the cavalry service Of the
United States with the rank OF MAJOR and an inti-
mate personal friend OF General Jackson Young
Farraguts early years were passed on the fronrers
and his remembrance OF Indian adventures when
no was but i've years Old was vividly retained
until the close Of his earthly career. On one
occasion the house In which his mother resided
was attacked by savages, and Mrs. Farragut had the
utmost dlculty in saving herself and children from
massacre until the arrival Of Major Farragut with
his troop Some months prior to the breaking out
OF the war of 1872 Major Farragut was ordered to
New Orleans to assume command Of o gunboat and
thther he removed with his family.
When but nine years OF age David became emu
1ous Of naval honors, and initiating the example Of
an elder brother, who had already become o mid
pshipman entered the navy with that rank his
warrant bearing date December II, 1910. He was
taken on board the renowned ship Essex, under
the eye OF the redoubtable Commodore David d.
Porter, father Of the present well known naval
ofncer OF that name In 1911 this vessel rated as
thirty-two gun SHIP but carrying forty thirty
two pounders and SIX long twelves, and
$40 men, composed one Of the coast
squadron under Commodore Rodgers and during
the war OF 1872 was terror to the British feet.
From the 11th OF July 1872, until the 18th Of Sep
tember, 1913, the Essex and her boats captured from
the British fifteen ships, eight brgs and two schoon.
ers, with an aggregate OF about 100 guns. so much
terror did she become that the British broke the
neutralty laws and pursued her In the harbor OF
Valparaiso, and on the 2sth OF March, 1884, cap
tured her, after contest OF two hours and
hall against TWO frigates-the Phoebe and Cherub-
one carrying thirtyslx guns, the other twenty guns.
HIS GALLANTRY ON BOARD THE ESSEX.
The career Of Farragut as midshipman would
furnish material for almost volume OF romance
In the memorable engagement OF the Essex with the
Phoebe and Cherub he not only distinguished him.
self by acts OF personal daring but nearly lost his
life. Farragut would have been promoted for his
gallantry In this action but for his youth.
At the height Of the engagement he was ordered
by Commodore Porter to bring him some
friction tubes, and on his way below for
the purpose Of getting them the captain
OF the gun was struck in the face with ball ana
knocked down the hatchway, falling against young
Farragut who fell with him TO the bottom. For
few minutes he lay deprived or animation, but upon
recovery instnctively hasened back on deck.
Commodore Porter having ascertained that the boy
was not wounded, inquired where the tubes were,
upon which Farragut, recalled to sense Of his
duty, promptly returned below, while the enemy
were pouring terrible re into the hull of the Essex
and obtained them. When it was ascertained that
the vessel would have to be surrendered ne was
directed to throw overheard the signal book, which
he did, after searching for the book In the face of
calling fire. An anecdote Of his pluck IL related in
connection with this affair." Subsequent to the sur
render British mdshipman laid claim TO q favorlte
pig OF his, as being a prize with the Essex
Farragut appealed to the English officers, who,
In spirit OF humor, decided that he should
keep the animal If he whipped the claimant. Where
upon he promptly accepted the terms, pitched into
his adversary who was much larger IN all respects
fought several rounds, ana finally compelled the
British midshipman to confess himself thrashed
This event gained for him tine praise of tue British
and made him immensely popular with the Amen-
can officers and sailors.
MILITARY STUDIES IN Pennsylvania
We should not omit mentioning here that. not
wthstandng his extreme youth, he had already dis
played much skill and ability in his profession, in
addition to the indomitaDle courage for which he
was distinguished through lire When but thirteen
years old 1t became necessary to appoint MIN master
lection was made to this on the ground OF his age;
but as he was fairly entitled by right OF his position
TO the command 1t was given him, and he performed
the duties In most satisfactory manner.
On returning to the United States Farragut was
sent to chester, Pa, where, under the tuition OF
French oflcer who had served with credit under
tics. While here the survivors OF tie Essex crew
passed through the town on their way to aid in
defence OF the CAPITAL, and he was greatly mortified
refused, on the ground OF his inability to sus-
tain the fatigues OF land campaign. At this
time the intention was 10 prepare him for q
military life, for which he had some production.
Happily for the country however, this purpose was
never executed After the war closed he was
dered to the ship OF the line azee) Independence OF
seventyfour guns, and made cruise VITA ner to the
Medlterranean. he with the s;u mLlash!pmen, being
Cambridge, Mass. When Mr.. Folsom left the
vessel Tor the purpose of assuming his
to accompany him ashore. AT the end OF year he
returned to his SHIP having learned and acquired
great deal during his life On land.
SUMMARY OF THE EVENTS OF HIS CAREER FROM
1920 TO THE BREAKING OUT OF THE REsELILoN
In the year 1920 he was still nidshpman on
board the Franklin, seyentyfour gun llne-of-bat-
tle-ship and on the lst Of January, 1921, lie Is re-
corded as having been of duty In the city Of New
York. During the next year he passed his examination
in this city, and, being twenty years OF age
recommended for promouon. lie was then ordered
The 18th OF January, 1925 that he was commissioned
a lieutenant, and III that capacity was still en-
ployed on the same station During the years 1921.
cruise for pirates in the Caribbean Sea. He was
next transferred to the Brandywine, orGy-our gun
January, 1926 On the same day of the following
year he Is recorded as having been during the latter
part Of the previous year, ordered to the receiving
ship. at Norfolk, Virginia, which position he held
until late In 1923. He was then ordered
to the sOop vandalia-an eighteen gun ves-
sel-of-war, which joined the squadron on the
coast OF Brazil. On this station he remained about
two years, when he again returned to Norfolk. He
appears to have been retained on the receiving ship
at the Norfolk Navy Yard during the remainder OF
1880, through the years 1881 and 1892 and por
rOn of 1S33 for his name IL recorded still being at
Norfolk tine lst day of January in that year. He
was next ordered tO the sl0op-of-war Natchez, on
which he held the position OF executive offcer
at the commencement Of 1884. This vessel was
then stationed On the coast OF Brazil. On
MS return to this country, about the end OF that
is recorded absent leave at the commencement Of
1885. During the years 1886 and 1887 he rely
of duty, awaiting orders. He was next ordered on