Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1892-05-21
ADMIRAL FARRAGUT.
A Sailor and . Gentleman, and Devout as
Brave.

ADmlHAI fAHHA1O ts
Brave.
Farragut was a seaman of the old
time when the navy stood apart, with
history, traditions, and life peculiar to
itself. Once off soundings, it owned
the great world, and yet had a little
world of it's own. In no respect would
he have been called the ''sea dog" even
when that term was fatteringly appli-
ed. He was the sea officer and gentle
man, well bred, keen eyed and gracious,
and competent to take his ship wher-
ever ship could go. An utter sincerity
shone in his life. 1t is not an uncommon
trait among seafaring men. 1t found
expression in fearlessness of speech,
and won that confidence on the part of
those with whom he had to do which
enabled him to execute through them.
He had the sacred hunger for fame, but
was not influenced by political amb
ton, refusing without hesitation when
he was approached with reference to a
candidacy for the presidency. 81 am to
have flag in the gulf" he joyously
writes to his wife, land the rest de-
pends upon myself" Outside of the
service nothing tempted him.
There came to Farragut throughout
his life, as to other men, various griefs
and disappointments, but he bore them
all with fortitude and dignity. At the
outbreak of the war he exclaimed, God
forbid that 1 should have to raise my
hand against the south" Southern by
birth and association, he went back to
New Orleans, his boyhood home, con-
queror indeed, but with none of the
conqueror's pride in his heart; and yet
among many friends and acquaintance
mo man dared to say he was happy to
see him" Secretary Welles has written
of the annoyances which he suffered
during the last eighteen months of
his life: Changes were made in
the service without his knowl-
edge and against his Judgment.
The office of admiral, which con-
gress had created for him in ac-
acknowledgement of his distinguished
and unequaled services, was, he saw,
destined by favoritism to pass to an
other. In derogation of his real rank
and position as chief of the navy he was
made port admiral, an usher to wait
upon and receive naval officers at New
York-an employment which self-re-
spect and regard for the navy compelled
him to decline. Among other indigni-
ties was that of ordering the uniform
and the flag of admiral to be changed
y Farragut would neither change
his coat, nor permit the tawdry substi
tute for the admirafs flag to wave over
him. On his special personal applica
ton, which he felt humiliated to make
the secretary of the navy permitted hin
to be spared these indignities during hii
lifetime, but it was with the knowledge
that the flag which he had earned, the
emblem he had chosen and prescribed
as the symbol of highest naval rank
was to be buried with him"
Sincerely religious in his nature, hi
faith was a marked characteristic in hi
life. He tells of himself that, at tn,
critical moment in the battle of Mobile
Bay, when defeat or victory hung in tn,
balance, he offered up this prayer: ''(
God, who created man and gave hin
reason, direct me what to do. Shall
go on?" And it seemed as if in answe
a voice commanded him to "go on"
The people at last saw him only a
the hero dashed to the rigging of tn
Hartford, amid the smoke-clouds, flash
ing guns, and roar of battle. 1t was n
act of bravado on his part, but the con
, sciousness that SO he might best figh
the battle, seeing everything with hi
own eyes
; Farragut, our first admiral, was of
, race which has already passed away
He brought to us, in this generation
/ that high moral grace which mad
: bravery and strength so beautiful il
, those old days He bore the burden c
: responsibility cheerfully, and carrie
r himself through all the vicissitudes of
long struggle with dignified and heroi
, bearing and thorough patriotism. L
opening the Mississippi he started tn
life currents in our body polite whic
have flowed SO strongly ever since. Th
: republic was not ungrateful; the peopl
, delighted to know him, and when h
: died the busy world of our creates
, city stood still for whole day with u1
covered head ito do him reverence.
. He illustrated best his own saying
5 HE who dies in doing his duty to hi
, country and at peace with his God ha
, played out the drama of life to the bes
advantage. Edward Kirk Rawson i
! Atlantic.
: ODD FRAGMENTS.