Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1898-06-16
THE AMERICAN FLAG.

u Was First Hoistod In Foreign Countries
by Capt. Thomas MondenhalI OF THIS CITY.
Tuesday was Flag Day and ono had but
to so out into the street to see that there
was a mora general observance than
ever hefora 10 this city. This affection
for Old Glory is made more manifest
by reason OF the war between the
United States and Spain.
While the making OF the first Ameri-
can flag bearing the Stars and Stripea
by Betsy Ross and its adoption by the
Continental Congress are matters OF
history that most school children are
familiar with, tho narrative relating to
the making and hosting of the Ameri-
can flag IN foreign ports has never been
fully told. 1t ia interesting to nots
Just at this time, while our ships of
war are crulsingg off Cuba and Puerto
Rico, that the Inter was the first for.
eign land to welcome Old Glory as the
flag of thB FREQ ann the brave. To
Capt. Thomas Mcndenhall, native of
this city belongs this honnr Of making
the flag and raising it, From ths
"Reminiscences OF Wilmington" the
following is quoted:
In the winter OF l7T5 Robert Morris,
A1IHs iuT Lllb NIuHkipBUlHs SOUT
gress, chartered the brig Nancy, Of
Wilmington, Del, owned by Jospsh
Sballcr0ss, Joseph Tatnall and others,
and by Capt Hugh Montgomery, who
was the commander. The ensuing
under English colorB, and landed Don
Antonio Seronia TO procure arms and
ammunition for u contract previously
It1una uiih nfek
Thence the brig snilsd to different
Islands to avoid suspicion. AT st.
Croix and st. Thomas she took on pro.
duce by day and munitions Of war by
night; these werO sent in small vessels
from st. Eustntia, being neutral islands.
When the cargo was nearly complete
information was received that indie.
pendencs was declared and q iiescrip-
ton of tho color adopted This was
cheering Intelligence to the captain, as
u would divest him Of acting clandes
timely. Now they could show their
true colors. Tho material was ut once
procured, anil ycung man on hoard
sot tn work privately to make them. He
was we'll known in after years as Cant.
Vhomns Mendenhal
Tho numbar of men was Increased
ana the brig armed for defence and
all things put 10 order. The day they
sailed the captain and Don Aptonin
Seronia had invited the governor and
suite with 90 other gentlemen on board
to dine. A sumptuous dinner was
cooked and sea turtle being prepared
gaya 1T the usunl name OF turtle
fchst. As this custom house barges an.
preached with the company they wore
ordered to lay on their uars while a
salute OF Is guns was fired During
the firing young Mentlnnhall hauled
down tho English flag anu hoisted the
first American Stars ever seen In a
foreign port. Cheers for the National
Congresg. erica OF Down with the
lion, up with tho Stars and Stripes =
were shouted. This novelty caused
great excitement to the numberlsss
vessels then lying in the hBrbor, md to
tho diHtinguished guests it was most
animated scene. Attsr the entertain,
ment waG hurried over th0y returned In
their boats. and tho brig was soon
under full sail. On her homewnrd
voyage hhe was often chased, but, being
Il superior sailer, escaped.
The further fortunea OF the littls
brig and the flag which wac the first
u ny abroad we're stormy indeed. The
brig did escape from the West Indies
and made as far north As tho Delaware
coast, but here she was 40 surrounded
ny the enemy that in an effort 10 save
the cargo OF arms and ammunition, IL
was decided to run her ashore. Such,
however, was the activity OF the bouts
sent 0ut from the enemy's Rhips in an
attempt to board the brig that this
was impossible, and for nearly II hours,
and until the little ship was wreck,
those on board of her defended her.
Some OF her storss wore landed. but
nothing was left Of her spare or rigging
save one lettering mast, NJ which the
little flag was still flying, and it was
resolved ere she was abandoned 10 OK.
plode the ammunition to prevent it and
the other stores from falling into the
enemy's hands The plan was arranged
80 that the men could have time to
leave, and the cantain and four hands
were the last to quit. Az this boat left
the wreck ono man, John Hancock,
Jumped overheard as be said, TO awe
tue beloved banner or perish In the
attempt. His comrades watchad him
aa he climbed tho shivering mast un.
fastened the flag, plunged into the sea
and bnre 1T safe to shore, where there
were Continental soldiers to protect IL.
Inc enemy. thinking the taking down
OF tie flag was token OF surrender.
s|armed around the sinking brig. and
MANY warn l. ill..1 a., 49,. ~ '