Los Angeles herald., 1908-05-24
First American Admiral

sci was dangerous antagonist, and Hopkins
was compelled to fight her with all his avail
able ships.
The battle lasted some hours and was hot
and spirited. The Glasgow succeeded in es-
Gaping, though badly cut up, and the Alfred
and Cabot, two of the American fleet, lost
nearly thirty men.
This sea fight was called victory for the
young navy but, ere long, public opinion
changed regarding it, and Admiral Hopkins
found himself under cloud.
His enemies and jealous rivals now appeared
on the scene, and he was charged with failing
to carry out the designs of the cruise in the
Southern seas
His accusers sought to influence Congress
against him, and too well they succeeded.
The Congress of that day was torn by fac
tions, and the enemies of the unfortunate
admiral were in the majority. He was per.
mitted to take the feet to Rhode Island hut
was brought before the bar of Congress,
charged with misconduct. The eloquent John
Adams came to his defense and won his cause
for Hopkins was acquitted
1t was now thought that the admiral would
be gwen chance to gather new laurels; but
delay IN getting the new squadron ready for
sea brought his enemies forward once more,
and Congress censured him and finally dis,
missed him from the service
After his dismissal, which was an act of
injustice, Hopkins retired to Rhode Island,
where he began useful life, which was kent
up to the close of his earthly career.
1t was evident that the people did not in
dorse the act of dismissal, for they made him
member of the General Assembly and kept
him there a number of years; but he did not
reenter the service, though his son ably sus-
tanned the family name on the seas
1t was this son who captured, in 1879. seven
British vessels, laden with stores, and more
than two hundred men. This was one of the
most brilliant captures of the Revolution.
1t is said that the first admiral of the navy
was noted for his courage under fire, and that
he never went below during an engagement.
1t is related of him that during the battle
with the Glasgow, he was approached by Paul
Jones, who, solicitous for his safety urged
him to seek less exposed quarter In an in
stant Hopkins turned upon his young officer.
and, taking him by the arm, said, quietly:
Where sailors can fight, commodores should
not be afraid to stand"
No one can say what would have been the
career of Admiral Hopkins if the maehina-
tons of enemies had not caused his removal
from the service before being fairly tried.
1t is known that he had the confidence of
Washington, and that after the war he re-
ceived many attentions from the commander
in-chief, all of which lifted him in the estima-
ton of the people, who mourned him sincerely
when he died, in 1902.
Such was the brief career of the patriot
Justly entitled to the name of admiral. for. as
commander-in-chief of the navy, he was Wash
ingtons equal at one time.
Some celebrated spirits of the Revolution
fought under his flag. Paul Jones, Whipple
and Barry had commands in his squadron.
Congress, after Hopkins dismissal, did not
appoint another to succeed him with equal
rank; but long years after the real grade of
admiral was established, and has since been
held by some of the most illustrious sea cap
tains Of the century.
After all, the American navy can be proud
Of Esek Hopkins, who bad George Washing
ton for friend and John Adams for de-
fender. II was under his eye that the grand
old sailor, John Paul Jones, won his first
laurek and swung to the breezes the first duly
authorized American flag.