New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-11

IIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOHN L. BROOME
United States Marine corps.
NJ faithful service. added to signal deeds done at
special times. have received reward at the last
minute so to speak
Something like this has been the case OF Colonel
robn T. Rroonle of the Marine Corps. Now II
seems likely that his llustrious services Will be re-
warded by Congress, but for many years ne mas had
to 20 unrewarded. And yet he was one OF the OIL
GERS recommended by the Board Of Rear-Admrais
soon after the for special promotion on ac-
count Of bravery.
John l.. Broome was appointed TO the Marine
Corps by President Polk the request Of Governor
Marcy. His father also bore the name OF John l..
Broome, and citizen OF New-for member
of the Assembly, Clerk OF New-York County, ana
a leader Of the Democracy OF the state; MS
GRANDPA Their served In the Revolution as colonel.
was afterward Lieutenant-Governor OF New-York
for six wears was an elector for Thomas Jefferson.
was one of the committee who framed the Constitu-
ton of New-York State. and was one OF the found
ers of Tammany Hall. The young marine of1icer
did shore duty during the Mexican war after his APP
pointment to the Navy During the Civil War ne
found service awaiting him in the South, and was
attached TO the Hartford Admiral Farraguts nag
ship on March IA. 1862, at Pilot Town, La,
while attached to this ship. ne had the honor OF
helplng to hoist the first United States flag raised
In that State after the outbreak or the Reoeiiion
On April "a OF that same year, the battle of Forts
rebel troops and their officers stationed at quaran-
tine md hoisted the Stars and Stripes over that
rebel garrison. He was in command OF the battalion
OF marines that occupied New-Orleans on April
% OF this same year. removing from the city han
the rebel flag and putting Old Glory in Its place He
was wounded at the first attack on Nicksburg, on
June 2s. but he had charge OF the marine DIVISION
Of great guns and stuck to his post. In spite OF his
wound until the action was over. Again al the
second attack on Vcksburg. he was wounded, but.
as before he remained at his guns until the close
of the fight The Hartford was in fifteen engage
ments altogether and in every one OF these Colonel
Broome was at his post In charge OF his battery
He also performed valuable services on shore. In
fighting guerillas and in obtaining information which
Admiral Farraguts reports show to have been ex-
tenslve and valuable.
Since the Civil War he has found service In var-
Gus places. until he was put on the retired list on
March s. 1885, about which time Admiral Porter
wrote an official letter commencing him especially
for his bravery In battle the Mississippi with
Admiral Farragut Since his retirement he has
lived in Brooklyn and has been frequent attend
ant at the meetings OF the Military Order OF the
Loyal Legion.
II was in January. 1865. that Congress provided
that any officer OF the Navy or the Marine Corps
who had showed great bravery or heroism might be
advanced I'm rank a certain number OF degrees the
number not to exceed thirty even II the grade which
he would thus reach should be already full Then
was convened the Board OF Rear-Admirals mentioned
above. and Colonel Broome was prominent among
the officers reported by them for promotion. The
naval officers thus recommended were nominated TO
the Senate confirmed and promoted. but none OF the
marine officers were nominated. More than
year later several OF these marine officers received
brevet commissions: the gallant Broome received
two OF these one major and one as lieutenant
colonel In 1866 Lieutenant-Colonel Broome was a
Junior major and the recommendation was that he
should be promoted to the position OF lieutenant
colonel OF the NO. l. rank. Only few years
ago did he learn OF the action OF the Board
OF Admirals In his case when son OF Secretary
. Welles gave TO him copy OF this action. SO.
through all these years the matter has lain dormant
and the seeming injustice TO Lieutenant-C Colonel
Broome has continued.