more than commonly placable and forgiving in his disposition, he was still subject to outbreaks of anger, which, if not ungovernable, were highly undignified. Self-control is a great virtue. Indulgence of passion is a great fault. History has recorded some instances, and tradition has preserved others, in which Preble failed to command his temper; and though such tales have lost nothing in transmission, enough seems to be certain to warrant the conclusion, that self-conquest was not among his achievements; and that his feelings, which were naturally high toned and impetuous, and which the usages on shipboard were in no way calculated to repress, were never equable, or properly restrained. But it is due to truth to say, that so serious a defect was not without some extenuating circumstances. In his latter days, ill health undoubtedly increased his irritability, and lessened his power to subdue it; and it is no less certain, that the position which he occupied in public affairs had many trials for a much more patient man. In closing this brief account of his life, it should be recorded, that, whatever might be the violence of his resentment for the instant, he possessed a rare faculty of making and of retaining friends; that no bitter feuds occurred among his officers; and that, during his com mand in the Mediterranean, there was neither a court-martial nor a duel. Men, who met him and one another as strangers, parted as near kinsmen. His most confidential papers have been open to my inspection. They contain autograph letters from persons who occupied the loftiest stations, and whose names will ever appear on the pages of history. They contain, too, letters from the humblest, from the sick, the poor, the disabled in their country's service. The latter have riveted my attention far more than the former, for they show how one, who has often been called "the father of the American navy," was regarded by the friendless and the sorrowing. APPENDIX. No. I. The relative Force of the four Squadrons sent to the Mediterranean. The First Squadron, under Dale. Guns. President, (flagship,) . . 44 . . James Barron, Philadelphia, Essex, Enterprise, The Second Squadron, under Morris. Chesapeake, (flagship,) 38.. Isaac Chauncey, . . $220,677 80 38.. Alexander Murray,.. 314,212 15 Constellation, The Third Squadron, under Preble. Constitution, (flagship,) 44. . Edward Preble, . . . $302,718 84 |