Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-06-11

THE FIRs~ NAVAL BATTLE OF fHE RRy.
MACHIAN CENTENNIAL.


OLUTION-THE MACHIAS CENTENNIAL.
Machias correspondent of the New
York Herald furnishes that paper with the
following account Of the first naval battle
OF the Revolution, the centennial of which
will be celebrated at Machias Saturday.
The centennial anniversaries of the stir.
ring times of the Revolution are crowding
upon us rapidly, aud everywhere there
are generous preparations making for
rousing celebrations. We have had Con-
cord, Lexington and Mecklenburg, and
the next in order are those of Machias,
Bunker Hill, and the grand wind-up at
Philadelphia a year hence. or all these
just mentioned the one least renowned
throughout the country is to take place
here in Machias, on the coast of Maine.
on Saturday, June II. The first genuine
naval battle Of the Revolution was fought
here. resulting in the capture of the Brit
ish sloop-of-war Margaretta, together with
several other smaller craft, and of course
the whole engagement was an American
victory from beginning to end.
The merchant vessels were conveyed by
the British armed schooner. mounting four
four-pounders and sixteen swive,s. She
was commanded by spirited young Irish
man by the name of Moore, who, not
withstanding his coming in the character
of an enemy, by his gallantry and gentle
manly conduct won largely the esteem of
| the inhabitants. Immediately on his ar
rival. observing the liberty pole, Captain
Moore landed, and demanded of group
who had collected around the landing
place, who had erected it.
81, Tohn
O'Brien, "was erected by the unanimous
approval of the people of Machias."
"Well, sir" reioined the officer, with
or without their approval, it is my duty to
declare it must come down."
"Must come DOWN." repeated O'Brien,
with some warmth. Those words are
very easily spoken, my friend. You will
find, | apprehend, that it is easier to make
than it will be TO enforce demand of this
kind
The next morning, before the usual
hour for religious worship, here and there
men could be seen straying along, singly
and in pairs, toward the church, each
bearing musket, SO carried as least to
| expose it to view, for the church stood
| short distance from the shore and directly
| opposite the church the Margaretta lay at
anchor. As the men reached the church
they Immediately concealed their weapons
in various parts of the house, ready for
use, and then disposed of themselves in
such manner as not to excite suspicion.
At the appointed hour Captain Moore came
ashore and entered the church. John
O'Bren was on the lookout for him and
entered the house soon after, taking a seat
behind him. There were no pews in the
church, the house being unfinished, but
temporary seats had been fitted up with
out backs for present accommodation.
The weather being somewhat sultry the
windows of the church were thrown open,
and from where the English captain sat he
commanded an extensive view of the river.
The service commenced. The prayers
and the singing were gone through with
and the sermon was commenced, which
like majority OF the sermons of those
stirring times, resembled more political
harangue than u discourse on ethics-a
mistake sometimes made by the ministers
in modern times, although in those daysit
was expected and chimed in with the
views OF the people. In the course of the
sermon, happening to glance his eyes
through the window, Captain Moore was
surprised to see, ut the distance of half or
three-quarters of Il mile up the river, men
crossing the river on logs with guns in
their hands. These were the men the
people of Machias had sent for, coming to
take part in the affray. Realizing at once
the peril OF his situation, but without be-
traylng alarm or appearing to notice the
strange sight, the young captain again
turned his eyes upon the speaker, appar-
emily deeply engrossed in the sermon.
Little did he heed. however. the impas-
stoned words OF the speaker. His mind
was fully intent on escaping the snare
which he felt was set for him for, now
that his suspicious We're aroused, he could
see iutive glances ben. upon him in all
directions. Near where he sat was an
open window, the height from which to
the ground was trifing.
About sixty volunteers mustered on
board, among whom were six brothers OF
the name OF OBrien-Jeremiah, Gideon,
John, William, Dennis and Joseph The
father of this heroic family also insisted
upon accompanying them, but he reluc-
family yielded to the wishes of his sons
and remained on shore The sloop, which
was atterward called the Liberty, started
in pursuit, and overlook the schoone.,
which was becalmed and about two
leagues distant from Machias Bay. When
they came in sight of the Margaratta the
pursuing party were without any organ
lied head, but before coming up with the
enemy Jeremiah O'Brien was unanimously
chosen captain. On taking command his
first exercise OF authority was to give per-
mis- sic n to all who were afraid to follow him
at all lengths to go on shore. Three men,
who had clustered the most when on the
land. availed themselves of this offer, and
amid the contempt OF the rest OF the crew,
took the boat alongside and left the vessel.
"Now, my brave fellows" said Captain
O'Brien, having got rid of those white
livered towards, our first business will be
to get alongside of that schooner yonder.
and the first man who boards her shall be
entitled to the palm of honor"
BY the aid of boats towing ahead and
the use OF sweeps, the sloop was soon
brought alongside the schooner, but, hav-
ing no graphing irons, they almost imme-
diately separated, yet not before John
OBrien, who stood in the bow of the
sloop ready for spring. had leaped upon
!