The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1898-03-19
49, MAJOR w. II. GARLAND.
The Sole Survivor Of the Constitution
md Guerrero Fight.

The Sole Survivor of the Constitution
and Guerrero Fight.
Mayor Strong had notable visitor yester-
day afternoon in the person of Major William
II. Garland an ancient mariner, IS years
old, the sole survivor of the great battle be-
tween the Constitution and the Guerrero,
which was fought on Aug. 10, 1872.
II remember the battle Well,' said Major
Garland in answer to a question asked by
the mayor, though was only 10 years Old.
I was on the Constitution as powder mon
key and took much pride in that victory
which was won after half hours most dar-
ing ighting-as any Of the men and officers.
Then was in the fight with the Java four
months later, when we served her as we had
the Guerrero.
II know am the sole survivor of that crew
Of the Constitution, and have reason to be-
lieve that am the only survivor of the navy
Of 1872. .ar y-
when Lafayette was here in 1924 was ap-
pointed on his escort by President Monroe.
and then made my first visit to this city hall,
Early in 1926 I accompanied Lafayette to
France on the Brandywine
Il also saw the great Napoleon, and believe
i am the only living American who ever had
that honor 1t was at st. Helena. He spoke
to me In good English, and, laying his nand
on my head he said, My young man. hope
your life will be more happy and successful
one than mine has BEEN
Il knew President Monroe very we'll. for g
was quite intimate with my father, who, like
myself, was born and reared In Virginia; and
l think remember him particularly we'll
because OF his apple orchard, where went
frequently with other boys, but with his per-
| mission, for he was always kind to young
folks. and used to pick the ripe apples for u.s.
attended his funeral, as did that of Them
| as Jefferson. Jefferson was frequent visit
| or to our house, and I used to enjoy having
him talk politics with my father. . -.
Il was honorably discharged from the
United States navy in 1884, and went to my
hone at Hampton" continued Major Gar
land. When the war broke out in 1861 was
parted from many friends and relatives, for
stood by the old flag, while they went with
the South. I came to New York, joined the
Fifty Sixth New York infantry, then the LIN
coin cavalry, and afterward the Sixteen /
| Massachusetts,. I was through the war from
Bull Run to Appomattox. After the battle #
Antietam General Mcclellan made me ma
| jor.
when the war was over returned to my
homo at Hampton, and have lived there since.
l am now on my way to attend the anniver-
| sary celebration Of the victories OF the cid
|'Ironside fleet, which is to be held the 21st CT
this month
Mayor Strong showed great pleasure at
/ meeting the veteran of two wars, who, in
| spite of several wounds, the less Of the sight
Of one eye, and a form bowed by years, is
able to walk quite well with TIE AID OF cane
and crutch His hair is white, and his len 6
4 beard Of the same color flows over numerous
4 gold and silver medals that are en- his left
i breast. He is apparently proud Ct these.
though he did not speak Of them. But he was
quick to exhibit his pension papers and other
credentials that verify the story he tells
New York Herald.