New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1877-01-07
THE DUELLO IN THE NAVY.
DueIs AmonK AmerIcan Omcere.


In 1916 squadron, under Commodore
Chauncey, was dispatched to the Mediter-
ranean. The cruise of this squadron,
which continued several years, was mem
orable on many accounts. Among others
were the many serious difficulties which
grew out of the extraordinary powers
claimed and exercised by the commanders
of the different vessels over their crews
and officers. 1t was during this cruise
that Commodore Perry struck Captain
Heath, and duel ensued between them.
Then, too, the first effort for reform in the
discipline of the navy may be said to have
commenced with the famous memorial
subscribed by the junior officers of the
squadron, denouncing in manly but re-
spectful language the arbitrary assump-
tions, tyranny and injustice Of the
commanders In the course of this
cruise, on the application of the COM
mander of the Erie, Captain Gamble, Lieu
tenant Stockton was ordered as second
lieutenant to that ship, and afterward be-
came the first lieutenant Owing to the
difficulties referred to the discipline of
the squadron had become seriously de-
moralized. Many of the superior officers
were held in contempt by the subaltern
officers, who did not hesitate to express
frequently in unguarded language their
hostile feelings and opinions. The Erie
was differed by high-spirited, gallant
set of young gentlemen, jealous of their
rights, and as inhammable as gunpowder.
Captain Gamble was a good officer and
disciplinarisn, and Lieutenant Stockton
| was determined to do his part in reform
ing the discipline of the squadron and
teaching the junior officers the first prin-
ciples of military life-that of respect for
and obedience to their superiors in COM
mand. Returning one evening to his
stateroom, Lieutenant Stockton overheard
one of the midshipmen of the Erie in the
steerage, which was only separated by a
| thin partition from the stateroom, say,
among other unpleasant things, that
Lieutenant Stockton would not have
| dared do" what he had been referring to
before (but which was not heard), "unless
| he had taken advantage of his superior
rank" Stockton retired without any no.
tice of the remark.
In the morning, however, he commune
Gated what he had heard to q marine Off
Ger, and, after some consultation, told
him he wished him to invite the midship-
man on shore, and there say to him that
Lieutenant Stockton understands that
You consider yourself as having been
grossly insulted by him, and that you have
said that he would not have dared to have
acted as you allege he did had he not
taken advantage of his rank" Stockton
told his friend that he had no idea how or
when he had insulted the midshipman.
"But if he asks whether Intend to insult
| him you must consider your lips sealed
on that suiect, and reply that you have
| considered yourself insulted, which con-
strains Lieutenant Stockton to direct ne
| to inform you that you have very much
mistaken his character, and that he wishes
YOU, as well as all others to understand
that his rank need never stand between
him and the just indignation of any hon
orable man." The result was that the
midshipman challenged the lieutenant;
that they went on shore and stood at eight
PAGES, and were to fire as they pleased
after the word G'fire" had been
given. As soon as the word was given
the young midsphipman fred and missed.
Stockton then said that "perhaps that
was mistake, and that the opposite par
ty had better reload, as Lieutenant Stock
ton waived his right to take deadly aim
and fire at an unarmed man." But with
great gallantry the young midshipman
said ''that he had had his fire, and that
if Lieutenant Stockton would shoot, and
he was able afterward, he would reload. "
Whereupon Stockton discharged his pis-
tol in the air. The young officer, how
ever, refused to consider that as fire
which Stockton had right to make, and
persisted, together with his friends, in re-
fusing to load again until Stockton had
shot at him. Thus the parties stood in
an attitude toward each other which it
seemed at first very difficult to alter. The
seconds, after short consultation, re-
ferred to the principals. Lieutenant
Stockton said he thought ''there was no
difficulty in the case; that he had come
to give those gentlemen satisfaction, and
if they were satisfied he was, perfectly. y
The second of the midshipman, as chival-
rous as any man, observed that they must
be satisfied, and thus the affair termin-
ated. All parties concerned became firm
friends after the occurrence.
On the first appearance of the Ameri-
can squadron in the Mediterranean as
part of our regular peace establishment,
the American uniform was a comparative
stranger iu the principal ports Of that
sea- The British naval gentlemen had
been long accustomed to the assertion Of
superiority or precedence over the officers
of other flags. They hectored and bull
lied the officers Of other nations with i'm
punity. At places Of public resort, on
public occasions, at hotels and even al
private entertainments, their arrogance
and insolenee were displayed without re-
straint Chafed and mortified by the
brilliant naval victories of the United
States during the recent war, they seemed
disposed to manifest particular ami
mostly toward the American uniform.
Notwithstanding this bad state Of feeling,
the American officers were determined tC
give no Just cause Of offense nor did
they do SO. On the arrival of the squad
ron on one occasion in the Bay Of Naples
while the British feet were at anchor
there, the following occurrence took place
It is the custom at that rendezvous Of ths
heets Of different nations for the officer
who employ the natives on shore to wori
for them o. 70 supply them with fresl
provisions TO give them certificates in I
book carried by them, and which the
exhibit as evidence Of their honesty ant
skill On the arrival Of the Erie she wa
boarded BY one Of these Neapolitans, witt
exhibited his book Of certificates and so
licited employment On opening thi
book Mr.. Stockton observed q recon
incubation given in the usual form BY al
American ohicer, who had returned to thI
United States, and Immediately under it a
remark subscribed BY a British officer, OK
pressing in very insulting language 8 con
temptuous reflection on the yankees.
Tbs author Of this needless insult Wal
L,o..r.s ~ 10 ~, n Drftfah nhfs1 ~ fho In.