The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-06-07
instructor in naval architecture at the
narol onadonr o. Annonn1ic

naval academy at Annapolis.
When the war broke out he asked
for active service, n at the same
time insisted on taking the three ma
va cadets of his class with him, in
order that they might gain the advan-
tage of practical experience on ship
board during the war. AS & result he
and his three cadets were assigned for
service on Admiral SIMPSONS flagship.
1t was the prevailing expression at
the department tonight that Hobson
was just the character to take the lead
in such a hazardous fea as that of
sinking the Merrimac. 1t is presumed
that Admiral Sampson chose him from
among many volunteers. owing to the
fact that his expert knowledge of ma
val construction would permit him to
sink the Merrimac in such position as
to prove most effective in blocking the
channel.
From naval sources a full sketch of
Constructor Hobson was secured as
follows:
Richmond Pearson HobsOn, born Au-
gust II, 1870. It Greensboro, Hail
county, Alabama. He graduated from
the Southern university at the head
Of his class. He was appointed to the
naval academy on competitive exam
ination in May, 1885, and although the
man of the class, graduated
at it's head in 1889. His first cruise was
in the squadron Of evolution on the
fla gship Chicago, with Admiral Walk
er in the Mediterranean. Later, he
made a cruise to Brazil when the flag
of the new Brazilian republic was
recognized. He was ordered to a spe-
cial course abroad, spending one year
at the National School of Mines, at
Paris, and two years at the School Of
Maritime Science, in the same city.
The summer vacation was spent in
French shipyards. He received di-
plOmas from the French school for
distinction in nava construction and
design, both of hulls and of engines.
He also spent some time in the Eng
lish shipyards. He was assigned to
duty at the navy department in 1894,
in the office of naval intelligence, bu-
reau Of construction and repair. While
on this duty, he wrote a report on his
observation abroad, also a report on
disappearing guns af1Oat, which was
discussed by naval experts on both
sides of the water.
In 1895 he was on duty at the New
York navy yard as assistant to the
naval constructor. He inspected the
yacht Defender and made an interest
ing report on that prize craft. Later
he joined Admiral Bunce on the flag
ship New York. AS a result of this
service he inaugurated the new system
of giving sea duty to naVal construc-
tors. He proposed, organized and con-
Quoted the post graduate course at
the United States naval academy, fix
ing the special course at three years
for officers desiring high attainments
in naval science. April 18th last, he
was assigned to duty as constructor
for the fleet at Key West.
Mr.. HobsOn is the author of a politi-
cal naval military paper on the Stu
alton and Outlook in Europe" which
has received considerable attention
aboard During h China-Japan war
he was selected as the American naval
observer, but his selection was revoked
owing to the opposition of line-officers
to those in the construction service.
His expert knowledge was recognized
by the Mexican government, which
designated him in 1896 to conduct trials
and pass upon the Mexican dispatch
vessel Donate Guerra, built at Phila-
delphia.
Constructor Hobson is a great
nephew of Governor John MOrehead, of
North Carolina. His father was a we'll
known lawyer n judge Of that state.
On the maternal line he is a grandson
Of Chief Justice Pearson, of North
Carolina, and a nephew of Representa-
tive Richmond Pearson of that state.