New-York tribune., 1900-04-01
THE JUNIOR ADMIRAL.
INTERESTING AND CREDITABLE CAREER
OF sILAs WRIGHT TERRY

Washington March 81 (speciaD-Rear Admiral
Slas Wright Terry. who became the junior flag
officer of the service by promotion to the highest
grade yesterday. and who will become the ranking
officer of the Navy next to Admiral Dewey in the
course of three wears has recently been placed in
command of the Washington Navy Yard and ord
nance factory His record is one of the best in the
service 1t was his good fortune to be in the posi-
frequently in his career afoat to grasp oppor-
tunities for distinguishing himself as we'll as re-
fecting great credit on the flag He always made
the most of his chances, never hestating to per-
form the most hazardous duties or to assume re-
sponsibiiities which would deter most offcers
thrown upon their resources
Admiral Terry is Kentuckian, and was nifty
five years old on December IS last. He entered the
Naval Academy at the age of sixteen as an acting
midshipman. Before completing his course, at the
outbreak of the Civil War he was ordered to active
sea duty, and from June, 1851 to September, 1852,
he served on the Dale in the Atlantic Coast block
ade. His first fight occurred while he was mem
Der Of a boat expedition up South Edsto River In
April 1852. when he attacked by Confederate
sharpshooters After this he was promoted to en-
sign and transferred to the flagship Wabash, and
thence the Alabama aid the staff of Rear
Admiral Lee until July, 1863 when he Joined the
soop Dakotah blockading the mouth of Cape Fear
River. In the autumn he was transferred to the
flagship Black Hawk. of the Mississippi Squadron,
where he took part in the Red River expedition,
and for conspicuous bravery and good Judgment
placed in command of the transport Benefit,
with detachment of fifty men and two brass
howitzers to carry dispatches and supplies for
Admiral Porter.
OF Terry's discharge of these perous duties Ad-
miral Porter. in official report to the Secretary
of the Navy, dated May 4. 1864, commented as fol-
lows on his twenty-one year old officer:
l endeavor to do justice to all officers under my
command, but have failed to mention the gallant
conduct of Ensign S. w. Terry on the expedition
up the Red River. He was placed on board Of the
transport Benefit take dispatches to me at
Springfield Landing; I had a field piece and "a
FOUNDER howtzer placed this vessel, and part
Of the crew OF the flagship to go with her About
fifty miles above Grand Encore Mr.. Terry dscov-
cred a battery of four guns facing down the river;
which he opened fire with his howitzers and
steamed on The battery opened quick fire cor on
him, striking the little vessel almost every time.
The river captain Of the Benefit was vas killed: to.
gether with three other men. but the little transport
fought her way through and brought me the dis
patches. which were important such cool anc
brave conduct gives promise of good officer. l
commend him to the notice of the Department
President Lincoln promptly advanced Terry five
numbers in the grade of lieutenants for gallantry
and Admiral Porter appointed him detail officer on
his staff retaining him in this capacity until the
close of the Terry was with the Admiral
during the operations against Forts Fisher anC
Anderson at the capture of Wilmington anC
through the James River campaign, participating