A sketch of the life of Com. Robert F. Stockton;

II A

^ SKETCH

LIFE

COM. ROBERT F. STOCKTON;

AN APPENDIX,

COMPRISING

HIS CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE NAYY DEPARTMENT

RESPECTING HIS CONQUEST OF CALIFORNIA;

AND

EXTRACTS FROM THE DEFENCE OF COL. J. C. FREMONT,

IN RELATION TO THE SAME SUBJECT;

TOGETHER WITH HIS

Spaljts m t\t Btmit of i\t 'SInM S)Mts,

POLITICAL LETTERS.

ft'

NEW YORK: "^DERBY & JACKSON, 119 NASSAU ST. 1856.

E.STBRKD according to Act of Confess, in the ye.ir 1856, by

DERBY & JACKSON,

ill tha Clti k's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

Contents

PAGE

Introbuctiok 7

Chapter I

Ancestors — Richard Stockton, the Signer of the Declaration of Independence — Richard Stockton, father of the Commodore — An eminent Lawyer — Boyhood — Enters College — Character and Standing in College — His Self-Eduoation — Enters the Navy in 1811 — Habits of Temperance 9

CHAPTER 11.

Mr. Stockton ordered to the Frigate President — President sails on a Cruise — Affair with Belvidera — Stockton appointed Aid to Commodore Rodgers — His Standing as an Officer — Cruise of the President — Offers Battle to a British Seventy-four — Relief of Alexandria — Defence of Baltimore — Recommendations of Mr. Stockton to the Navy Department by Rodgers — Promoted to a Lieutenancy — Sails for the Mediterranean— Popularity of the Navy — Article from the London Times 14

CHAPTER IIL

Stockton sails with Commodore Decatur to chastise the Algerines — Affair with Algerine Frigate — Capture of Algerine Brig — Returns to the United States — Applies for Service in Mediterranean Squadron — Sails with Commodore Chauncey — Transferred to Sloop-of-war Erie — Affair with a Midshipman — Insolence of British Officers— Stockton resents it — Meeting at Naples — Difficulties at Gibraltar — Narrow Escape of Stockton — Returns in charge of Arrested Captains — Encounter with Spanish Frigate — Treatment of his Passengers 25

CHAPTER IV.

Stockton solicited by the Friends of the Colonization Society to aid them — Applies for one of the new Schooners — Sails in the Alligator for the Western Coast of Africa — Interview with Sir George McCarty — Visit to Cape Mesurado — Intercourse with Natives — King Peter agrees to Treat — Dangerous Palaver — A Cession of Territory obtained by Treaty — Liberian Republic 39

CHAPTER V.

Stockton sails for the United States — Captures the Marriana Flora — Proceedings in Court — Supreme Court sustains the Capture — Stockton's Instructions respecting the Slave-trade — His Opinions as to there being no Legal Property in new-made Slaves

4 CONTENTS.

PAGE

on the Coast of Africa — Captures the Jeune Eugenie — Proceedings in Court — Celebrated Opinion of Judge Story, sustaining the Capture on grounds of Universal Justice and the Law of Nature and Nations — Fondness for the Sports of the Turf... 48

CHAPTER VI.

Reorganization of Parties in 1826-7 — Independent Action of Mr. Stockton — His Rectitude as a Politician — The Federalists — His Opinions of their Proscription — Mr. Adams pledges not to Proscribe — General Jackson's Advice to Mr. Monroe — State of Parties in New Jersey — State Democratic Convention — Mr. Stockton appointed a Delegate — His prompt Punishment of an Insult — Convention Dissolved — Success of the Adams Ticket — Mr. Adams's Violation of his Pledges — Mr. Stockton denounces Him — Supports General Jackson in 1828 — Construction of Delaware and Raritan Canal — Financial Difficulties — Mr. Stockton goes to London and secures a Loan — Mr. Stockton an Anti-Monopolist — Canal Completed — Its National Importance — New Jersey Internal Improvements — Transit-Duties — No Tax on Citizens of other States — Parallel between Mr. Stockton and De Witt Clinton — Letter on Public Works 56

CHAPTER VIL

Mr. Stockton sails in the Ohio (seventy-four) for the Mediterranean — Gives his Attention to Naval Architecture — Visits England — Forms the Design of a Steam Frigate — Promoted to Post-Captaincy — Returns to United States — State of Parties — Van Buren's Administration — Corruption — Insult to New Jersey — Captain Stockton Repudiates Van Buren — Supports Harrison — Mr. Tyler's Independent Action — Oifers the Appointment of Secretary of the Navy to Captain Stockton — Declined — Construction of War-Steamer Princeton — Success of this Vessel — Accident — Report of Court of Inquiry — Captain Stockton sails to Texas with Annexation Resolutions — Predicts Mexican War 16

CHAPTER VIIL

Captain Stockton ordered to the Frigate Congress — His Letter to the Secretary of the Navy — Sails for the Sandwich Islands — Voyage — A Sabbath on the Congress — Incident at Callao — Difficulties in the Sandwich Islands with the Native Government — Speech in Presence of the King — Sails for Monterey 94

CHAPTER IX.

Proceedings of Commodore Sloat in California — State of the Country — Views of Commodore Stockton — His decided Measures — Organizes the California Battalion — Appoints Colonel Fremont to Command of it — Despatches him to the South — Sails for San Pedro — Disciplines the Sailors for Shore-Service — General Castro — Californian Forces — Commodore Stockton's Treatment of the Commissioners from the Enemy — March to Ciudad de los Angeles — Alarm of the Enemy — Castro flies — Surrender of his chief Followers — Commodore Stockton organizes the Territory into Military Departments— Organizes the Civil Government — General Submission of Inhabitants — Tranquillity of the Country — Commodore Stockton proceeds North — Forms a Design of raising a Force to march overland to Mexico City — Letters to Captain Mervine and Colonel Fremont 110

CHAPTER X.

Insurrection at the South — Movements of Commodore Stockton — Fremont ordered to San Diego — Stockton sails for San Pedro — Repulse of Captain Merviue — Landing

CONTENTS. 5

PAOH

of Forces at San Pedro — Stockton proceeds to San Diego — Preparations for March on Ciudad de los Angeles — Defeat of General Kearney at San Pasqual — Relieved by Stockton and escorted to San Diego — His Instructions — Claims the Civil Governorship— Refuses the Military Command-in-chief — Volunteers as Aid of Stockton — Extraordinary Letter of Kearney — Stockton's Reply — Kearney takes the place of Lieutenant Rowan — Order of March 128

CHAPTER XL

March on Ciudad de los Angeles — Commissioner from Flores — The Commodore's Treatment of him — Letter to Colonel Fremont — Battles of San Gabriel and the Mesa — Dispersion of the Enemy — Commodore Stockton re-enters Ciudad de los Angeles — Treaty of Coengo — Colonel Fremont appointed Civil Governor — General Kearney's Pretensions — Dismissed from his Command of the Troops — General Pacifieation of California — Commodore Stockton returns to his Ships — Kearney and Fremont — Entire Approval of Stockton's Proceedings by Government — President's Message — Reports of Secretaries of Navy and War 142

CHAPTER XIL

Commodore Stockton's Abstinence from Speculation while in California — Establishes the first Printing- Press and the first Free-School in California — -Rev. Walter Colton's Letter — Draws on Washington on his own Responsibilit}' for Funds to pay Expenses of the War — Prepares for Overland Journey — Description of his Party — Attacked by Indians — Wounded — Punishment of the Enemy — Extricates his Men from Ambuscade— Buffalo Hunt — Arrives at St. Joseph — Reception — Parting with his Men — Arrives at Washington 157

CHAPTER XIIL

Reception of Commodore Stockton by his Friends — Complimentary Dinner at Philadelphia— Reception by the Legislature of New Jersey— Resignation of Commission — State of Parf.es in the United States — Letter to Mr. Webster on Slavery — Declines an Electiozj *o the Senate of the United States — His Election 169

CHAPTER XrV.

Commodore Stockton takes his Seat in the Senate — Kossuth Excitement— Resolutions of Legislature of New Jersey — Commodore Stockton the first to grasp the Practical Question presented by Kossuth — Speeches in the Senate on Flogging in the Navy — Washington's Birthday Banquet — Baltimore National Democratic Convention — The Presidential Nomination — General Expectation that Commodore Stockton would be tendered the Navy Department — Resignation of Seat in Senate 187

CHAPTER XV.

State of Parties in 1854 — Their threatened Dissolution— The American Party— Motives for the Repeal of the Missouri Restriction — Commodore Stockton's Opinions of the Repeal — Political Opinions on other Subjects — His Speech at Trenton — Encomium on Mr. Webster— Misrepresentation of the Speech — The Sentiments of the Speech now generally approved — The American Movement — Commodore Stockton's American Letter I93

CONTENTS.

Appendix

FAOB

1. California. — Reports and Correspondence with the Navy Department 1

Instructions of the Secretary of War to General Kearney — Instructions from Navy Department 30

Court-Martial at Washington, November, 1847 — Defence of Colonel

Fremont 31

Hon. Mr. Benton's Speech, July, 1848, in Executive Session, on

Nomination of General Kearney 41

2. Commodore Stockton's Resignation as Senator — Extracts from the Newspapers —

The Presidency 48

3. Address of Commodore Stockton to the People of New Jersey on the Canal and

Railroad Charters, 1849 54

4. Colonization. — Speech at Princeton, 1824 63

Speech at Washington, D. C, 1825 67

Letter to Mr. Webster, March 25, 1850 69

5. Elizabethtown Address, July 4, 1851 79

Trenton Address, March, 1852 128

6. Speeches in the Senate. — On Flogging in the Navy 84

On Non-intervention 94

On Compromise Measures 99

On Efficiency of the Army and Navy 102

On Harbour Defences 108

On the Question of Adjournment 119

On Indian Appropriations 121

On the Death of Mr. Webster 125

On Party Politics in the Senate 126

Introduction

If great achievements, important public services, and a life devoted to conferring benefits on his country and race, can render the biography of a living man, interesting to his cotemporaries, — if modest reluctance to trumpet his own fame, or even vindicate himself from injustice or detraction, impose on his friends an obligation to perform that duty for him, — then we need offer no apology for this sketch of the life and services of Commodore Stockton.

We esteem it one of the most happy events in our life to have known Commodore Stockton intimately from his youth. Educated and brought up in the' same village and academic institutions, — though often separated from him during some of the most active years of his life, — we never lost sight of him, nor failed to observe, with the greatest interest, every incident of moment in his varied and remarkable career.

It is therefore from our own knowledge from time to time, as the chief events of his life took place, as well as from information obtained from his companions on sea and shore, and from official documents, that we have derived the materials for the following narrative.

INTRODUCTION.

We present it to the public, not without confidence that, although imperfect and deficient, as it doubtless is, they will nevertheless find in it something worthy to bo recorded and remembered, — a contribution to American history which justice to a patriotic and meritorious fellow-citizen has long demanded.

A SKETCH

LIFE OF COMMODORE STOCKTOK

CHAPTER I.

ANCESTORS — EICHARD STOCKTON, THE SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPEND- ENCE RICHARD STOCKTON, FATHER OF THE COMMODORE AN EMINENT LAWYER

BOYHOOD — ENTERS COLLEGE CHARACTER AND STANDING IN COLLEGE HIS SELF-

EDCCATION ENTERS THE NAVY IN 1811 HABITS OF TEMPERANCE.

More than a hundred years previous to the Declaration of Independence, the ancestors of Commodore Robert F. Stockton emigrated from England, and purchased a large tract of land, on which they settled, in the central part of New Jersey. They belonged to the Society of Friends (or Quakers, as they are often called), and left their fatherland to escape from the persecution which all dissenters experienced from the restored dynasty of the Stuarts. They obtained a deed from the Pennsylvania lawgiver for all that land bounded by the Province line of New Jersey on the west, the Millston on the east, and Rocky Hill on the north, embracing the present borough of Princeton and about six thousand acres. Upon this tract the Stocktons for several generations have continued to reside, and here the subject of our narrative was born and now lives. The greatgrandfather of the commodore was John Stockton, one of the first Presiding Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Somerset. He was a man of education and influence in the early history of New Jersey, and universally respected. His eldest son Richard (grandfather of Commodore Stockton), who was educated witli great care, was still more distinguished.* He adopted the profession of the law, and soon became successful in its pursuit. He married a sister of Elias Boudinot, one of the

* See Fields' s Provincial History, p. 190.

10 COMMODORE STOCKTON'S PARENTAGE.

Presidents of Congress under tlie old Confederation. The Boudinots were of Huguenot extraction. Thus, in the commodore's lineage was blended the blood of the Friends and the Huguenots, who were alike voluntary exiles from the land of their nativity for conscience' sake — fugitives from the tj'ranny and oppression of the old country — pioneers of religion and liberty in the forest wilds of America. Richard Stockton attained the highest eminence as a lawyer in New Jersey. He was a Judge of the Supreme Court before the Revolution, and a member of the King's Council for New Jersey. He was one of the principal benefactors of the College of New Jersey; and it was through his instrumentality, while on a visit to England and Scotland, that Dr. Witherspoon was induced to accept the presidency of that institution, and emigrate to New Jersey. The commanding talents and virtues of Mr. Stockton gave him great influence in the colony, and were exerted from the first in stern resistance to the tyranny of the mother country. He and all his family friends zealously united in defence of American liberty. Among these were Elias Boudinot, his brother-in-law, and the celebrated Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia, his son-in-law. Mr. Stockton was elected to Congress in 1776, and had the honour, together with his son-in-law. Dr. Rush, of subscribing the immortal Declaration of Independence of the 4th of July of that year. His life was shortened by the cruel treatment he received from the British in 1781, by whom he was captured and thrown into prison. From the hardships and sufferings to which he was then subjected he never recovered, but in a few months prematurely ended his brilliant career, universally lamented. Had he survived the Revolutionary War, his great abilities, purity of character, and patriotic services, would have given him a high position in the new republic. He was a devoted friend of Washington, and enjoyed his confidence in a high degree.*

The father of the commodore was Richard Stockton, the eldest son of the signer of the Declaration of Independence. At twenty-five years of age he stood at the head of the New Jersey Bar, and maintained that position for forty years, and until his death in 1828. He ranked among the foremost lawyers of the United States. For profound learning, sound judgment, weight of character, and unblemished integrity, his memory will long be cherished in New Jersey. Despising the arts of the politician and the demagogue, he stood aloof from all personal strifes for office or popular favour,

* Fields' s Proyincial Courts.

HIS SCHOOL-BOY DAYS. 11

preferring the Independence of the private citizen to any official post. In politics, he was a Federalist of the Washington and Hamilton school ; but no one more freely condemned the factious and ultra designs of the Eastern or Hartford Convention Federalists than he. He was elected to the Senate of the United States during the administration of Washington, and, after a short period of service there, retired altogether from public life, which he re-entered again only to serve a single term in the House of Representatives of Congress during the war of 1812. It was as a great common-law lawyer, however, that he was chiefly distinguished: as such, his reputation was co-extensive with the country, and his opinion constantly sought and consulted by eminent counsel from other states.

Such were the Immediate ancestors of Robert F. Stockton. Those who are best acquainted with him, and who have most frequently witnessed his grasp of mind when brought In conflict with subjects of Importance, say that he much resembles his father in the vigour of his intellectual faculties, and In that strong practical common sense for which he was so remarkable. His boyhood furnished strong Indications of the character by which he has since been distinguished. All Its principal features were displayed in his early youth. Personal courage, a high sense of honour, an Intolerable hatred of injustice, united with unbounded generosity and devoted attachment to his friends, were traits of disposition which marked hira as an original and decided character while at school. Magnanimous and chlvalric, he was always the champion of the weaker party, and the foe of every species of school-boy tyranny. Respectful and courteous to all, his high sense of honour was prompt to repel and punish insult or aggression. The legends of his youthful prowess and victorious encounters while a school-boy constitute a part of the traditions of the Princeton schools, and are still often recited for the entertainment of his juvenile successors. Intrepidity, an intuitive perception of right and wrong in every difficulty, however unexpected— decision of character, and a cool and wary self-possession, by which he was always master of his own resources — characterized the boy as they now characterize the man. These qualities bore him triumphantly through all the conflicts and difficulties of boyhood, with a reputation Increased by every test to which he was subjected.

He entered college In the freshman class when In his thirteenth year, and was soon distinguished for his Industry and proficiency. He stood among the first In his class, exhibiting much aptitude both for the languages and the mathematics. In elocution he particularly excelled ; and had he remained at college until he graduated, would

12 A SELF-MADE MAN.

probably have received the highest honours of his class. In a year and a half he would have completed his whole collegiate course, when the impending war with Great Britain excited his patriotic sensibilities and inspired him with the desire to seek glory in the path of danger. The fame of Nelson was then in its zenith, and Stockton's young heart was fired with the hope of emulating the exploits of the great British Captain. Though fond of literary pursuits, and with talents which would have enabled him to take a high rank at the bar, yet such was the ardour of his patriotism that he relinquished all the advantages which he enjoyed for the acquisition of a finished education, and earnestly sought a position in the navy. His application for a midshipman's warrant was forwarded to Washington in the summer of 1811, and in due time he received his commission, bearing date September, 1811.

Considering the immature age at which he ceased his academic studies, and the fertility and resources of his mind, as exhibited so soon as it was directed to civil and political affairs, it must be seen that Mr. Stockton should be classed with those who are called self-made me7i. Aided by the little elementary training which he enjoyed, his mind directed itself in its development. Guided by the instincts of good sense and a sound judgment, he pursued, at all intervals of leisure from active duty, such a course of reading and such studies as were calculated to be of the greatest practical utility. Moral and ethical philosophy, the law of nations, and history, constituted the principal subjects of his attention. The Bible, Cicero, Shakspeare, and Lord Bacon were his favourite studies. Whatever subjects he investigated, he did so thoroughly. Not so much the details as the principles of knowledge engaged his attention. An eminent professor of Princeton College* a few years ago remarked to us, that Mr. Stockton, in some respects, was the most extraordinary and best informed man he had ever met; that there was no subject which could be started for discussion in his presence, whether of law, religion, morals, science or philosophy, on which he would not throw light by whatever he said, and hold a successful controversy with any one who had made the particular subject in dispute the chief object of his study.

There can be no doubt that, as soon as he entered the navy, Mr. Stockton formed for himself a very high standard of excellence, the attainment of which he persisted in reaching, without being diverted from his object by any obstacle or exigency. He saw and

* Professor Albert B. Dod.

HABITS OF TEMPERANCE. 13

appreciated the defects as well as the merits of his superiors in command, and soon learned that the cultivation and training of the intellectual faculties were the only proper means of insuring invariable success. His energy and force of character enabled him, notwithstanding a keen relish for pleasure and those amusements Avhich so often entirely engross the time of the young officer, to persevere in the line of conduct which he had prescribed for himself. His love of pleasure or society never tempted him to neglect his duty, nor to trespass upon the rules of sobriety. To his habitual temperance, notwithstanding the seductions of naval life, he is indebted for a sound constitution and an adolescence of spirit and pliysique characteristic of a man of thirty-five or forty years of age. Though now approaching his grand climacteric, his capacity for enduring fatigue and labour, whether of mind or body, was perhaps never greater at any period of his life than at present.

Tr//

14 STOCKTON'S FIRST NAVAL EXPERIENCES.

CHAPTER 11.

MR. STOCKTON ORDERED TO THE FRIGATE PRESIDENT PRESIDENT SAILS ON A CRUISE

AFFAIR WITH BELVIDERA STOCKTON APPOINTED AID TO COMMODORE RODGERS

HIS STANDING AS AN OFFICER CRUISE OF THE PRESIDENT — OFFERS BATTLE TO

A BRITISH SEVENTY-FOUR RELIEF OF ALEXANDRIA DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE

RECOMMENDATIONS OF MR. STOCKTON TO THE NAVY DEPARTMENT BY RODGERS

PROMOTED TO A LIEUTENANCY SAILS FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN POPULARITY OF

THE NAVY ARTICLE FROM THE LONDON TIMES.

Soon after receiving his commission, Mr. Stockton was ordered to join the frigate President, in command of Commodore Rodgers. He left his paternal residence at Princeton, February 14th, 1812, and repaired to his ship, then lying at Newport, Rhode Island. The President soon afterwards sailed on a cruise along the coast, where a number of British frigates were arrogandy ^hovering. She remained at sea during the spring, giving protQctioiPto our commerce, and Returned to New York about the 1st of June. '^

On the 21st of June, three days after the declaration of war with Great Britain, Commodore Rodg(^s sailed from' New York in command of a squadron consisting of the frigates Preside^at and Congress, the ship-of-war Hornet, and the brig Argus. On the second _ ^^d^ after, gettjng to self, the President fell in with the British frigate Belviderd^ Captain 'Byron. -^ffhg President^ by superioritv of sailing, got within gunshot of the Belvide'ra between four*. and five , I ^ ^'clock, p. M,, when, finding the breeze moderating, Commodore » ^" Rojlgejjp pc^oa^enc^d firing with his bow-chase g*ins, with the design

of crippling the enemy, and'b'y tliis means retarding "her ^ajidb^i^g- ti|\ *? ing on an action. His very first shots killed several seamen on the Belvidera and wounded the captain. The enemy kept up a brisk discharge with her stern guns, and resorted to all the usuSl fiieans of increasing her speed for the purpose of escape, by throwing over- • board anchors, yawl and jolly boats, and starting water-casks^; and by this means her flight was accelerated, and she gained on^Eer opponent. The President then bore up and fired her broadsides, but, owing to the distance, without much effect, except on th«^aj!(^ and rigging of the Belvidera.' The running action between ^h^ two * frigates continued for three or four hours after night; and during the darkness the Belvidera succeeded ii^ eluding her adversary.

HIS STANDING AS AN OFFICER. 15

Three men on the President were killed hy the shot of the Belvidere, and four by the bursting of a gun, and nineteen were wounded, principally by the accident. The enemy's loss, according to his own account, was two killed and four or five wounded, though it is believed that his loss was much greater. Thus, young Stockton had hardly breathed the salt-water air before he heard the whistle of the enemy's cannon-shot. During the action, his coolness and his fine military deportment attracted the particular attention of the Commodore. The sagacious old sea-captain saw in the manly bearing of his young midshipman the true sort of stufi", — the enthusiasm which kindled with the roar of guns and the undaunted self-possession which the tumult of battle only concentrated.

One of the duties of the youngest aid (when the men were called to quarters or to man the batteries) was to bring the Commodore's belt and pistols. In performing this duty soon after his appointment, the young aid, on one occasion, was not so expert and ready as the Commodore desired. On reproving him slightly for his deficiency, Stockton said he had "never before been accustomed to perform such services for a gentleman." The Commodore, pleased with the frankness of his manner, laughed heartily and let it pass. Rodgers entertained the most favourable opinion of Stockton's good qualities, and considered him an officer of the highest promise.

His promptness to perform every duty, his alacrity to anticipate its requisitions, his fine spirits and joyous temper, his courteous and respectful but manly deportment, and his daring courage, made him the general favourite of the ship's crew, from the old Commodore to the common sailor. The enjoyment which he seemed to derive from the perils of battle, as well as the ardent hopes he evidently cherished of soon again participating in its excitement, won for him the significant sobriquet of ^'■Fighting Bob ;" an appellation by which he is yet remembered by many an old salt.

The President and Congress continued their cruise for eighty or ninety days, capturing many British vessels, passing over a space of not less than eight thousand miles, and hunting for an enemy wherever he was most likely to be found. In relation to this cruise, the editor of Niles's Register (vol. iii. p. 300) says : — " For such a cruise as this, were Rodgers and Smith" (captain of the Congress) "Frenchmen, Bonaparte would have made them members of the Legion of Honour."

After refitting with the utmost despatch, during a short stay in port. Commodore Rodgers again put to sea in search of a foe. He ran down near the outer line of the Gulf Stream, with the intention

16 CKUISE or THE PRESIDENT.

of intercepting the convoy of the West Indian fleet, then supposed to be on its way to England. Failing to come up with them, he crossed over to the Banks of Newfoundland. Thence he shaped his course for the North Sea, cruising in the vicinity of the Shetland Isles and Orkneys, and almost -within the " chops of the British Channel." It was reported in the English papers that he had landed for water and provision in Scotland; and the frightened islanders began to fear that another Paul Jones would pounce on their coast and burn their towns.

The dismay and consternation Avith which this bold captain struck the British Isles may be seen by perusing the contemporary newspaper chronicles.

Niles's Register of October 9, 1813, says: — "The British papers call Commodore Rodgers the Julius Caesar of America ; and, on its being reported that he w^as captured by a seventy-four, say (and we believe truly) that few events would give more satisfaction than a visit from the Commodore."

The Register quotes also the following from the London Courier of July 20, 1813, to show what efl'orts to capture Rodgers were made by the enemy: — "Several small squadrons have been detached in search of Commodore Rodgers. Lord A. Beauclerk sailed from St. Helens, on Thursday, with the Royal Oak and Sea Horse; the Hon. Captain Paget is gone from Plymouth with the Superb, llenelaus, and Fly ; and Admiral Young has detached several frigates to go north about."

It will be observed that, although it was known, from the numerous captures made by the President, that she was cruising in the neighbourhood alone, the British frigates detached in pursuit of her sailed in companies of two or more, and appeared by no means willing to encounter Rodgers, unless with a force decidedly superior.

Though diligently scouring the seas for five months, and frequently sailing in sight of the shores of Great Britain and Ireland, the President could not succeed in bringing any British frigate to action. "Wherever such a vessel was seen, she was always found under the protection of a seventy-four.*

The President, on the 5th of December, after a few weeks' visit in port, again spread her sails on a winter's cruise to the West Indies. She was again unable to meet an adversary willing to engage her. Impatient and chafing with his ill luck, the Commodore, as he was entering the harbour of New York, came across the

* Commodore Rodgers's letter to Secretary of Navy, September 27, 1813.

OFFERS BATTLE TO A BRITISH SEVENTY-FOUR. 17

British seventy-four-gun ship Plantagenet, and offered her battle for five consecutive hours, often approaching so near that an engagement seemed inevitable.*

During the exciting preparations for the expected action, Mr. Stockton was stationed in the maintop, in command of twenty men, with rifles and two howitzers ; and at a period when the guns were ordered to be manned, and the Commodore supposed the engagement was about to commence, be hailed the maintop, saying, " Mr. Stockton, I expect a great deal from your maintop to-day." Stockton replied, "Only get near enough, Commodore, and we will give a good account of ourselves."