Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1874-02-18
Commodore MacdOnOugh.
BY REV. F LATIMER.

In the winter of 1915, in the city of
Hartford, Connecticut, | saw the hero of
Lake Champlain hOnorcd with a triumph
ant entrance. He was met at n distance
from the city by Il committee of welcome
with splendid sleigh in the form of a
boat, drawn by spans of horses, gally and
richly caparisoned. \ gold-hilted sword
was to be presented to him, in honor of
his victory over an invading foe. The city
of Hartford and its vicinity wished to do
him honor, as other towns and cities had
done in other States, and so the inhabitants
of the adjacent towns. us well rs the citi-
zens of Hartford crowded the streets,
walks and houses, to see and honor one of
the piouS, bravest and noblest men of the
United States Navy-to see and honor one
whose providential victory on Lake Cham
plain was one of the most wonderful and
eventful of the war.
When | saw the gold-hilted sword pre-
sented to Macdonough-when | saw his
modest and noble bearing, as he accepted
the honored gift in the presence of "A vast
crowd-I remembered and thought how
he PRAYED on the eve of battle; how bold
and calm in the fierce conflict, and how
victorious | thought also. how wonder
ful it was amid all of his honors and gifts,
that he remained so humble and pious. The
interesting sight, with all these memories
of the man whom the nation delighted
to honor" became Il virtuOus and noble
inspiration in my youthful heart which
never failed nor faded.
Thomas Macdonough was 4 native of
the State of Delaware, born in the year
1898. His father was physician, and
when the Revolutionary War begun, he
was appointed major of the regiment rails
ed in his own State. Retiring from the
army at the close of the war, he was ap-
pointed Judge. In 1900 his son Thomas,
then seventeen years of age, was appointed
midshipman, and ut once commenced his
active. brilliant naval career. In 1903 he
was attached to the ship Philadelphia, un-
der Captain Bainbridge. one of the squad
ron employed against Tripoli. Commo-
.ore Edward Preble had the command of
the squadron. On the Doth of August the
Philadelphia captured Il vessel called
Meshloha, and Macdonough was sent with
this prize to Gibraltar. and thus escaped
being taken prisoner. as all the crew of
the Philadelphia were, in October, when
the ship struck Il rock and became tnman-
ageable.
He afterwards served in the enterprise
under Decatur, participating in all the va
rious attacks made in 1903 upon the city
and batteries of Tripoli. In all the Tri-
politan war with Decatur, Lawrence and
others, he was brave, daring and patriotic
When the brave Decatur determined to
burn the Philadelphia, which had fallen
into the hands of the enemy, he selected
Macdonough as one of the gallants for
this bold and hazardous expedition. His
cool and fearless bearing in this bold and
hazardous undertaking, won for him
thanks from his superior officers.
For his worth and bravery he was soon
promoted to be first-licutenant of the ship
l Svren, under Captain Smith. One fore
noon, us Captain Smith was on shore at
Gibraltar a merchant brig, hoisting an
American flag, came into port and anchor
ed near the Syren. Soon boat was seen
to come from British man -of-war, with a
press-gang, and take away a man from the
American vessel. Just before the boat
with the impressed man reached the Brit
ish ship, Macdonough rescued the man,
and bore him to his own vessel. The Brit
ish captain in great anger came on board
the Syren, and asked Macdonough how a
Young man like him dared to take a man
from the boat of his Majesty's vessel. He
replied, ''He is an American, and | have
only done my duty" The British captain
threatened to bring the man-of-war along
side, and sink the Syren, which had but
sixteen guns. Macdonough said, l sup
: pose you would sink her, but as long as
She floats, the man shall not be surrender
ed" But if l had been on the boat
, when you rescued the man what would
YOU have done?" Il would have taken the
: man, or lost my life" 50 What, sir, would
you attempt to stop me if were now tc
impress men from that brig?" Il would
and to convince you that / would do it
! you have emily to make the attempt"
The captain left the vessel, and was soor
= with his press-gang making in the direc
ton of the American vessel. At one.
: Macdonough was in pursuit in a boat o
, armed men. The British captain seeins
his boldness and firmness, returned to hi
ship. When Captain Smith came Oh
board, lie approved most highly of th
conduct of his young lieutenant.
: There were other noble acts of his bra
a very, prudence and patriotism. which LITE
: him higher and higher in the estimatio
# of all. He continued to rise, by his wort
# and patriotism, by his piety and purity
until he was appointed, in July, 1918, t