Dewey and Other Naval Commanders | Page 2

the greatest nations in the world without the
help of our heroic navy. Our warships penetrated into all waters of the
globe, and made people, whether barbarous or civilized, respect and
fear the Stars and Stripes.
This is due in a great measure to the bravery of our naval heroes, who
did not fear to meet Great Britain, the "mistress of the seas," when her
navy outnumbered ours one hundred to one. England is now our best
friend, and no doubt will always remain so. Never again can there be
war between her and us, and it will not be strange that one of these days,
if either gets into trouble, the American and English soldiers will "drink
from the same canteen," which is another way of saying they will fight
side by side, as they did a short time ago in Samoa. All the same, our
brethren across the ocean are very willing to own that we fought them
right well. Indeed, they think all the more of us for having done so.
You know that one brave man always likes another who is as brave as
himself, just as Northerners and Southerners love each other, and are all
united under one flag, which one side defended and the other fought
against, through long years, terrible years from 1861 to 1865.
The decks of no ships have ever been trodden by braver men than our
American sailors. There are no more heroic deeds in all history than
those of Paul Jones, Porter, Hull, Decatur, Perry, Cushing, Farragut,
Worden, Dewey, Schley, Evans, Philip, Hobson and scores of others,
who have braved what seemed certain death for the glory of our flag.
Many gave up their lives in its defence, and their names form one of the
proudest and most cherished heritages that can descend to a grateful
country.

So, I repeat, I am sure you will be interested and instructed in learning
the story of the heroes who have done so much for us; and their
example cannot fail to inspire you with loftier heroism, greater
devotion, and deeper resolve to do all you can for our favored land,
which is the fairest that ever sun shone upon.
E.S.E.

ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY.
CHAPTER I.
THE BIRTH AND BOYHOOD OF GEORGE DEWEY.
The name of Vermont recalls the gallant "Green Mountain Boys," who
proved their sturdy patriotism not only in the Revolution, but before
those stormy days broke over the land. In the colonial times the section
was known as the "New Hampshire Grants," and was claimed by both
New York and New Hampshire, but Vermont refused to acknowledge
the authority of either, even after New York, in 1764, secured a
decision in her favor from King George, and set vigorously to work to
compel the settlers to pay a second time for their lands. The doughty
pioneers would have none of it, and roughly handled the New York
officers sent thither. In 1777 Vermont formally declared her
independence and adopted a State constitution. Then, since the
Revolution was on, Ethan Allen and the rest of the "Green Mountain
Boys" turned in and helped whip the redcoats. That being done,
Vermont again asserted her independence, compelled New York to
recognize it in 1789, and she was admitted to the Union in 1791.
It was away back in 1633 that the first Englishman bearing the name of
Dewey arrived in Massachusetts with a number of other emigrants.
They settled in Dorchester, and in 1636 Thomas Dewey, as he was
named, removed to Windsor, Connecticut, where he died in 1648,
leaving a widow and five children. Following down the family line, we
come to the birth of Julius Yemans Dewey, August 22, 1801, at Berlin,

Vermont. He studied medicine, practiced his profession at Montpelier,
the capital, and became one of the most respected and widely known
citizens of the State. He was married three times, and by his first wife
had three sons and one daughter. The latter was Mary, and the sons
were Charles, Edward, and George, the last of whom became the
famous Admiral of the American navy and the hero of the late war
between our country and Spain. He was born in the old colonial house
of Dr. Dewey, December 26, 1837.
George was a good specimen of the mischievous, high-spirited and
roystering youngster, who would go to any pains and run any risk for
the sake of the fun it afforded. This propensity was carried to such an
extent that the youth earned the name of being a "bad boy," and there is
no use of pretending he did not deserve the reputation. He gave his
parents and neighbors a good deal of anxiety, and Dr. Dewey, who
knew how to be stern as well as kind, was compelled