The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-05-11

descended many brave men and lovely
women. worthy OF their lineage. Every
generation has been illuminated by their
virtues, their excellence. their talents
and superior worth.
Among his descendants was James Ire
dell Waddell-a worthy scion Of illustri
Gus stock-destined to enjoy unique
fame. among Confederates, as having
carried the Confederate flag around the
world and proudly foated it in every
ocean. and having continued in discharge
of his duty as commander of a Conteder-
ate war cruiser for seven months after
the Confederate government had ceased
10 exist.
Cant. Waddell was also a descendant
of Gen. Francis Nash who was killed at
the battle of Germantown; OF ethe first
Governor of Carolina, Sir John
Yeamans; of Gen. James Moore, who two
centuries ago routed the Spanish army in
Florida: of Alexander Ellington: OF
Sam Swami; OF John Porter; John
Grange, and of others who in the early
period had been men OF action in the
wilds of Carolina
He was born at PittsbOro, on the 18th
July. 1924. His father was Francis Nash
Waddell and his mothers maiden name
was Elizabeth Davis Moore.
He went TO school TO William ]. Bing-
ham, at Hillsboro. and received the
training for which that eminent preceptor
was so justly famed.
In the ante bellum days the vacations
open to the young gentlemen in North
Carolina were the law, or medicine; the
life of a planter. or a military career.
The latter suited the temper of James
Iredell Waddell; and in September, 1S41
when seventeen years OF age, he received
an appointment as midshpman and was
ordered on duty at Norfolk. That was
before the naval school was established
at Annapolis The boys were required to
go on cruises, studying while a sea. and
afterwards were examined for promotion.
Young Waddell had hardly donned his
uniform before his fighting blood showed
itself.
An older midshipman by the name OF
Wearing was offensive to him, and Wad-
dell promptly called him to the field of
honor. In the encounter the high spr-
tied Carolinian received a wound in the
hip that caused him TO limp little all
through life.
In the record at the Department is
simply-"on leave to recover from the
effect of a duel" Years afterwards,
when the naval service was undergoing
the transformation incident to the in
PRODUCTION of steam, when science was
being added to the necessary attachments
of navy officers; when the style OF men
like John Paul Jones, Johnson Blakely
and Lawrence and Decatur, was becom-
ing obsolete-and machinery, and turrets
and armor plates were about to supplant
the old time sailing frigates, the change
was loudly bemoaned. At that time
among those who were being educated for
the service the pluck of Waddell was an
inspiration and his sense of honor. his
resolution his fearlessnes, his bearing
his prompt challenge OF an older officer
to mortal combat-made him sort OF
ideal hero and invested him with GER
tain halo among the young fighters, who
thought of their future career in the
light of carnage and glory. and who
despised the novelties of armor protec-
.tion and fighting at long taw.
The record OF his service in those year.
shows that he served on the Pacific: that
on the breaking out of the war with
Mexico he was ordered to the Gulf-and
was on duty in the blockade of Vera
Cruz, and was in the battle of Palo Alto
being with the sailors and marines sent
by Commodore Conner to the assistance
of Gen. Taylor.
In 1S4S, having passed his examination
he was on duty at the Observatory al
Washington. Three years later he was
ordered to the practice ship at Annapolis
tn ha utn
named to commemorate the battle in
which his distinguished grandfathU re-
ceived his mortal wound
In 1855 he was commissioned lieutenant
and in January, 1858, was again assigned
to duty at the Naval Academy.
1t was during this last service at An
napolis that came to know him.
In 1S4S he had married, at Annapolis,
Miss Ann Sellmon Iglehart, and had thus
become connected with some of the old
established families OF that region. Their
home was at Annapolis. When | knew
him in 1858 ne was splendid specimen OF
manhood. He was six feet one inch in
height with powerful frame, weighing
more than two hundred pounds well pro-
portioned with a fine person. His fea-
lures were clear cut betokening resolu-
-tion and intelligence. He had a noble
bearing Intelligence kindled his eye,
and withal gracious and courty, he was
radiant with kindness. Mrs. Waddell
was small in person. She was a lovely
and affectionate woman. They had no
children and the life of each seemed CEN
tered in the other. Though long mar
red. they still were lovers. 1t was
agreeable to observe them. the strong,
great mantle lovely little woman
wandering over the grounds together
happy in themselves, a charming idyl of
real life.
His life was as spOtless mirror;
bright. effulgent with honor; adorned by
virtue and with high attrbutes-while
his person and noble countenance recalled
the lines
A combination and form indeed
Where every God did seem to set his
seal
To give the world assurance OF a mani
The following summer he was on the
practice ship; and at sea. when he had
leisure. he daily occupied himself in
studying international law Without
premonition OF the future. he then ac-
CURED that knowledge of international
ln, xx-hi oI l.