Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1901-09-12

esting and valuable and especially
timely just now, when the navy and
the dOings of the naval officials
occupy so large a part of the public
attention.
The continental congress at the out
set managed the revolutionary war
through committees, there being at
that time no executive. John Adams
was chairman of the naval committee,
with Stephen Hopkins and three other
congressman as associates. On Octo-
Der 10, 1775, congress ordered two
cruisers built. These were the first
war vessels constructed by the United
States; and were followed by others
until by January /, 1916, congress had
ordered the building of fifteen cruls-
ers. This was the navy and its first
commander-in-chief was Ezekiel Hop
llins Of Rhode Island, young brother
of Congressman Stephens Hopkins.
He was appointed to this high office
December %, 1775.
At the time of his appointment
Ezekiel Hopkins was a brigadier-
general in command of the Rhode
Islands troops, acting under com
mission from the governor. He had
spent part Of his life on board
merchant ships and had also been a
ship builder; consequently he was
fitted both by experience and ability
to fill the important office given TO
him. In a short time feet of four
ships and three sloOps were ready,
and with these Admiral Hopkins set
out to win glory for himself and
country. Among his lteutenants was
the famous John Paul Jones, who was,
probably. the most brilliant and dar-
ing naval officer of the wars with
England.
The Bahama islands in the West In
dies were then an English colony,
with New Providence as their princi-
pal seaport and seat of government;
and hither the new admiral sailed the
new navy He attacked the city
captured the harbor fort and town
and brought back with him to Ameri-
ca the English governor as a prisoner,
eighty cannons and very large
quantity of ammunition and other
military stores. This brilliant achieve
ment was a godsend to the dis
heartened and Impoverished patriots
It renewed their courage and re-
plenished their stores Admiral Hop
llins was the hero Of the hour and
received vote Of thanks from con-
gress for his great deeds which had
redeemed the glory and advantage Of
his country.
Shortly after his retU"N from the
Bahamas he met two English ships of
Block island and captured both of
them. Two days later he had an en-.
gagement with the English 20 gun
ship. Glasgow, but did not succeed in
capturing it, The public severely
censurcd his conduct of this battle
and in June. 1875, he was ordered to
appear before a congressional com
mittee. After a hearing, the com
mittee sent a favorable report of his
actions to congress, which body ap-
proved. so the admiral was exonerated
from all blame.
He was now placed in charge of
large number of war vessels, which
congress was having built. The task
was difficult one. Money and ma
terial were hard to get. A powerful
English feet blockaded the harbors,
and prevented the sailing of some of
his ships when completed. The peo-
pie became impatient. The press &C
cused him of slowness, of being lag
gard in his country's services. His
temper was never of the best, and he
emphatically resented the clamor Of
complaints. Again he was summoned
to appear before congress for investi-
CATION Then the testy old sailor lost
his temper entirely, and sent point
blank refusal to congress. couched in
vigorous but undiplomatic English.
The result of all this was that he was