The record-union., 1899-10-09

encountered, and, judging from Lieu
tenant Dewey's GOODNESS when cap
tured near the river bank, he doubt
less displayed the same courage under
our fire that recently has distinguished
him in his country's service at Ma
Mia.
Our battery fired four rounds, three
of which took effect, setting the vessel
on fire and assisting the crew, which
was doing it's utmost to attain the same
result. Along towards midnight all
the batteries and all the vessels were
engaged in a furious duel, while some
thirty mortars lower down the river
We're contributing to the discomfort of
the fleet.
All on board the burning MissiSSip-
pi were driven by the flames to aban-
don the vessel and set out for the po.
posite shore. A number took refuge
in sugar mill near by, and were cap
tured by a detachment of Confederate
forces. A few were caught near
shore. Next day all the prisoners
were sent to prisoners quarters, where
1 was assigned to guard duty.
The manly form and dignified ap-
pearance of one of the prisoners at
tracted my attention. l made inquiry
concerning him, and learned that he
was Lieutenant George Dewey of the
United States navy. Little did know
then that he was destined to become
the most famous man-o' -warsman that
ever trod the deck of a vessel of this
or any other nation.
Dewey was not long on our hands.
He felt that he was needed with his
fleet, and he reached it, but he alone
can tell how he slipped away and re-
Joined Captain Smith on the Richmond
But this much is certain. Lieutenant
Dewey did not save so much as a but
ton belonging to himself from the
Mississippi. Everything was destroyed
save the clothing in which he escaped
from the vessel. However, he was
Captain Smiths executive officer, and
one of the ships crew told me later
that to Dewey belonged the honor and
credit of saving, and turning safely
over to his Captain, one boat signal
book and one navy telegraphic die
tionary belonging to the Mississippi.
Dewey took his capture with admir-
able GOODNESS, and was set down by all
who met him as every inch a gentle
man. AS a prisoner he recognized the
courtesies shown him by his captors
and neglected none in return himself
| While he had little to say, his regret
at his capture seemed to be mingled
with some amusement. He certainly
betrayed little corcern.
ITO return to the fight. 1t was a hot
one, and Dewey was in the thick Of it
One officer of the Mississippi was killed
three were taken prisoners, and the
killed, missing and prisoners of the
crew numbered nearly sixty. The to-
tai crew numbered about 800, officers
and men, On our side the loss was
considerable 1 had the honor only o1
being a private who did my duty as
saw it, and I still find pleasure in the
| reflection that I am not ashamed OF
/ having been private, and that at one
time had the honor and credit of hold
| ing as prisoner in honorable warfare
the now renowned Admiral George
! Dewey"
Miss Maud Mcdaniel, daughter of
j. Mcdaniel, who tells this interesting
narrative of Admiral Dewey's younger
days, is now visiting friends at 16(
Oakwood Boulevard in this city.
My father has spoken of the en-.
gagement at Port Hudson many
times" said Miss Mcdaniel, "and wher
Admiral Dewey began to attract gen.
eral attention, he remembered him e.:
the dapper young Lieutenant whom he
had under guard after the trouble a
! Port Hudson. My father had many
anecdotes Of the war and now treasures
most those which relate to Dewey an6
the events prior to and following the
Port Hudson affair. He was little more
than boy at the time, and naturally
enough was attracted to Lieutenant
Dewey. He was actually sorry for him
but in the light of events 1 guess he
wasn't sorry long.
Lieutenant Dewey took care of him.
self then, and 1 haven't heard of any.
body lately who is sorry for him. now
that he is Admiral Dewey. But I d.
know one thing. Ny father always SAID
! Dewey was a gentleman-every inch o.
him-but of course everybody else
thinks so, too.'
Mr.. McDaniels statements are sub.
stantiated by the records of the NavN
/ Department. Under date Of March ID
1868, Captain Melanchthon Smith. il
his report of the destruction of the Mis-
sissippi, says of Lieutenant Dewey il
a letter to Gideon Welles, Secretary O.
the Navy:
i consider that 1 should be neglect
ing most important duty should
! omit to mention the coolness Of ny
executive officer, Mr.. Dewey, and tn,
steady, fearless and gallant manner il
which he and the officers and men O
the Mississippi defended it, and tn,
orderly and quiet manner in which i
was abandoned after being thirty-fiv,
minutes aground under the fire of tn
enemy's batteries. Chicago Tribune