The New York herald., 1873-09-30

Admiral Winslew. U. 8. N.

auoicsseo W Tue HERALD, reported As lolloWS:- |
admiral Winslow, U. s. N, who commanded the |
Kearsarge when she sunk the Alabama died at his |
residence In Boston Highlands this evening""
John A. Winsow OF the United States Nayy and |
q special vindcator OF its honor at sea during the
war Of the rebellion was born In the state OF |
North Carolina about the year 1910. After receiv.
Ing moderately good primary education he en- |
tered the Naval school; after which he was an |
pointed through the influence OF Daniel webster.
his warrant as q midshipman bearing date from
the lst Of February, 1927. He was then attached
to the West India squadron as a mldshipman on
board the Falmouth. new eighteengun sloop of
war constructed at Boston; and among the mid
shipmen serving on that station Raphael
seinmes, one OF the junior officers OF the sloop-oi-
war Erie. This coincidence is somewhat curious
when the contest Of June, 1864, Is taken into con-
sderation. Young Winslow remained on this sta
tion until the year 1881, when he returned to the
United states and underwent course OF instruc-
ton at the New York Naval School, preparatory
to his advancement in the service. He passed
his examination with credit and received his war
rant as a passed midshipman on the 10th OF June,
1888, with recommendation Tor further promo
ton. He was then ordered for duty ut the Boston
Navy Yard, and while employed on that station
became a citizen OF the State OF Massachusetts.
During the year 1886 Passed Midshlpman Wnslow
was assigned to the slOop Erie, eighteen guns,
the same vessel on which Semmes had formerly
served and was then attached to the Brazilian
squadron. On his return from the coast of Brazil
he was assigned Tor duty at the naval rendezvous
Of Boston, and while thus engaged was promoted
to the rank or lieutenant in the navy with q
mission dating from the 9Th OF December. 1888.
| With that rank lie sailed on the steamer Missouri,
| which vessel was subsequently destroyed by fire
at sea. He took part in the naval opera
| tions connected with the Mexican war and
during 1S49 held the position of executive officer
on board the sioop-OI-war Saratoga twenty guns,
attached to the home squadron. Upon his return
IRON this cruise, during september, ls49, he
allowed long leave OF absence, and was not
again actively employed until 1852, when he
assigned co the frgate st. Lawrence, the flagship
OF Commodore Dulany, OF the Pacific squadron, and
carry ng fortylour guns. On this vessel lie held the
position OF second lieutenant and remained at
! until the year 1862 Wnen the navy was reorgan
under the acts of Congress Of 1865 Lleutenant
| Wnslow was promoted to the rank OF commander
with commission dating from the l4td Of Septeln-
her, ana was again ordered 10 the naval rendez-
vous AT Boston, remaining there for four years.
He relieved from this duty in 1859 and then al
| lowed further leave OF absence.
subsequently he was appointed one OF the
| lighthouse inspectors and was thus employed
at the outbreak OF the rebellion. Upon
Organization OF the oa
Winslow was assigned to duty with the IN
land meet, but was subsequently ordered to Ports.
| mouth, Mass, to take command OF the Kearsarge
u screw sloop-ol-war, somewhat over 1000 tons
burden, and carrying eight guns-vz., two
FOUNDER riie ana one twenty-lour FOUNDER how.
tzcr. In order tnat he might mold u commission
commensurate with this command he was pro-
noted to the raLk OF captain In tne United states
navy, to date from the 10th of July, 1862. The
kearsarge was then ordered on special service TO
cruise after the Alabama and Tor some time was
unable TO come up with the Anglo-Conlederate war
steamer but at Length during June 1854 the
| arrived IN European waters, alter a destructive
tour through the Indian Ocean and Southern seas,
and had put into the fortified port OF CherbOurg.
Captain Winsow AT once set SAIL Tor that harbor,
with the intention OF watching the cnemy's move,
ments, and on the 10th of June received q note
IRON Captain Semmes, containing
A CHALLENGE
to fight on the high seas.
Promptly accepting the belligerent summons
Notwithstanding the superior sxe OF his antagonist,
he calmly awaited the approach IoaG OF the enemy
On the morning Of Sunday, June 10, 1864, the
Alabama steamed out ol Clerbourg harbor, and
part of the french government as to the line OF
Jurisdiction, tue Kearsarge steadily put to sea, still
miles from the land the order was given by Captain
, Wlnslow to put about and steer direct for the
enemy, whereupon the Alabama opened fire at
about q mile range. Two other brOadsides were
fred before the Kearsarge replied, and then the
Keeping the helm ''harda. port,u the United
States vessel endeavorcd, with a fun head O;
steam, to run under the stern OF her antagonist
and rake her; but In order to prevent this the
latter was compelled to sheer, SO as 10 keep her
side, the two vessels fought, moving in circular
track and by this manGuvre the Alabama was
|
jurisdiction Although the latter was manned by
experienced artillersts her firing for u time was
very wide; whereas on board the Kearsarge
order was given by Captain Winsow not to dis
charge single piece without first taking direct
aim. The advantage OF this was apparent,
as nearly every shot told upon the Alabama;
whereas the enemys missiles often fell wide of the
mark until near the close OF the action. After
| 1t became evident to Captain WinsOw that his an
tagonist was trying TO make for the shore, and
lew more wel-directed guns caused her to surren.
hnt ghe
| was in q sinking state, while the Kearsarge was
comparatively unharmed, Captain Winslow having
| protected his machinery and vital points with
| chain cable iastened up and down over 1t, after
the manner adopted by Admiral Farragut during
the passage OF the forts on the Mississippi River.
Before the Alabama could be taken possession OF
as "a captured prize she sank TO the bottom OF the
ocean, being then fully five miles from the shore.
Semmes, even after surrenderilg his vessel, took
refuge on a British yacht and sailed for England,
first throwing his sword into the sea rather than
be compelled TO give IL up TO his c0nquerpg OppO-
nent This conduct will always be considered
very unbecomng on the part OF an officer profess
ing so much honor as Semmes had boasted OF
The only loss on the Kearsarge during this action
was one killed and two wounded, while the enemy
Upon returning to the United States Captain
| Winslow was made the recipient OF many ovatlons
! and public honors, and his arrival, on November
TO- 1864 at Boston, was the signal for public pro-
70 ms 9Sn9h % & aS w oy reception , at
OF Roxbury Mass, gave him public reception,
followed BY grand banquet. During the latter
|
tea service was presented to him IN commemora-
ton Of the gallant contest and important victory
gained by him on the high seas over the then most
| powerful vessel In the enemy's, service. The
United states Congress also rendered him vote OF
thanks for his galantry, and the President at once
promoted him to the rank OF Commodore ana sub
| sequently Admiral, in the navy The Senate, In exc
cutive session during 1855, confirmed the appoint
| ment. awarding him commission as Commodore,
to date from the time OF his glorious victory. June
| 10, 1864, and he has been subsequently pro-
| NOTED to the rank OF Admiral The varl-
| GUS boards OF trade also testified to him
| the full and grateful recognition OF the mer-
! camille world for his gallant conduct In sweep
! ing from the ocean destructive enemy to the
| commerce oi the United States. While receiving
| these 0vations Captain Winsow modestly asserted
that he accepted them, not rs q tribute due to
| himself or his own deeds, but acknowedg.
ment of those gallant brother tars who had fought
so nobly and bravely under his command. Admiral
Winslow has been In delicate condition OF health
during some time past; his nervous system gen
orally, and his eyesight we believe, also, have
hnnn IN nv CHI md cha itari