Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-05-31
some FORMER schoolmates persuaded him to

some former schoolmates persuaded him to
enlist on an English cruiser as a means OF
gaining his release. He was wounded In an
engagement with an American fotflla, and
while confined to his bed at Norfolk he re-
solved never again to place himself in the
way of the bullets of his own countrymen.
Not long after the signing of the Declare
ton of Independence he rejoined the Amer1-
can navy, becoming midshipman on the
brig Lexington. This vessel was captured
off the coast Of France by the English
cutter Alert in 1777. Commodore Dale was
thrown into Mill prison at Plymouth with
the rest of the officers and crew OF the
Lexington upon the charge of high treason,
but he escaped with many of his fellow prs
oners in February, ITS. He was again cap
tured but escaped to France disguised as
British naval officer.
He joined John Paul Jones' famous squad
ron as master mate and Jones soon made
him first lieutenant of the Bon Homme
Richard. In this capacity he, served with
distinction in the famous battle with the
Scraps, September %, 1779. Commodore
Dale held his commission until the 18th of
December. 1902. when, after an active life,
he retired.
He enjoyed the distinction of having been
praised by Lord Nelson, who, AFTER critlcai-
ly watching the seamanship of the commo-
dores squadron, remarked that In the ham
ding of those transatlantic ships ne op-
served a nucleus Of trouble for the navy
of Great Britain.
Commodore Dale died in the Quaker city
on the 26th Of February, 1896.
At Laurel Hill.
In Laurel Hill cemetery Philadelphia,
there are many memorials of noted per-
sonages One of the most prominent of
these was erected to the memory of Com
modore Alexander Murray by the naval Of
ficers stationed in Philadelphia, as tribute
of attachment and respect for his long and
faithful public services.
Commodore Murray was born In Chester
town, Md, In 1855. His father was physl-
clan at that place, but the boy preferred the
life of a sailor to that Of a country doctor.
He went to sea at an age when most
boys would fail to consider the future at
all. At eighteen he commanded a vesse.
engaged In the European trade. When the
revolutionary war broke out he was ap-
pointed lieutenant in the American navy,
and 1t is a notable feature OF his career
that on the termination of this severe strue-
gle he had participated In thirteen engage
ments on sea and shore
IIpon the reorganization of the American
navy. 1898, he was commissioned captain.
", 1920 he was sent with squadron to the
Mediterranean where. with his ship alone,
he Fought Iotilla of seventeen grnboats
and drove them into the harbor of Tripoh.
Died the Senior Officer.
Hts last appointment was the command Of
the navy yard in this city, and at his death,
which occurred October 6, 1921, he was the
senior officer in the United States navy
Commodore Isaac Hull, the hero of the
feht between the Constitution and Guer-
rtere. is also buried in Laurel Hill cemetery.
At the age OF fourteen Commodore Hull
began a seafaring life. in accordance with
the custom of his time, as a cabin boy on q
merchant ship. The vessel was wrecked ana
the captain was saved by his youthful CABIN
When Hull was twenty-one he was placed
in comnand Of a ship that sailed to the
West Indies. Nor many years after ne join
ed the American navy, being gwen Tue RANK
of fourth lieutenant.
He saw his first service under Commodore
Samuel Nicholson, on the Constitution On
tie 18th CT December. 1904, he was promoteo
to the rank Of master commanding anu was
assigned to the ffigate Argus, In which yes
sci he participated in several actions against
Tripoli. Two years later he was made fnli
centafn and before the war OF lSlZ ne was
in comnand of the CONSTITUTION.
The sl;iilful manner In which ne escaped
from TIE English feet while cruising on
sandy Hook, although greatly disconceruns
the British. called forth from them spon-
taneous remarks of admiration.
Old Ironsides.
II was on the 18th of August. 1907. that
| fhe celebrated conflict with the Guerrero
occurred. The Constitution was injured
only slightly in the encounter, and IT was
then that she gained the designation OF
Old Ironsides.
Hull was given gold medal by Congress
| for his valorous conduct in this action, ana
the sum of $4,000 wan voted to be distrib-
ufed among the officers and crew OF the
Constitution as prize money.
Commodore Hull died in the city Of the
commodores on the 18th of February, iS54
His last words were. Il strike my nag.
His tomb Is beautiful structure of Ital-
ian marble, a copy Of one he had seen In
Rome. eurmounted by the American eagle
In the attitude of defense.
Another grave of noted commodore, and
one of the most conspicuous monuments In
woodland cemetery, 10 that OF Commodore
David Porter.
In the war OF 1912 his merits were exnib-
| tied not only as an intrepid commander. but
| in exploring new fields OF success and glory.
| 1t is notable that his engagements against
superior forces and fearful disadvantages
were the most brilliant and remarkable in
naval warfare
Close by the monument erected to the