Memoirs of the Generals, Commodores and other Commanders, who distinguished themselves in the American army and navy during the wars of the Revolution and 1812, and who were presented with medals by Congress for their gallant services

Jacob Jones was the son of an independent and respectable farmer, near the village of Smyrna, in the county of Kent, in the state of Delaware, and was born in the year 1770. His...

The little force that Congress was enabled to detach for that service--their limited means of annoyance--the treachery and ferocity of their barbarous antagonists, created a dee...

Gates, on the contrary, finding his forces largely increasing, being plentifully supplied with provisions, and knowing that Burgoyne had only a limited store, and that rapidly l...

At a consultation among the generals it was determined that at this post they should take their stand. After reconnoitering the fortifications, and finding them so well prepared...

“Vast quantities of provision were left behind and destroyed; also, an immense quantity of bomb-shells, cannon-balls, grape-shot, ammunition, flints, &c. &c.; intrenching tools...

At the interposition of the Marquis Lafayette with his government, a French fleet, consisting of three thousand troops, were equipped and dispatched to the assistance of struggl...

In July, 1779, Congress passed a vote of thanks to Colonel De Fleury, with a gold medal (_see_ Plate II.) for his bravery and courage at Stony Point. During the two years De Fle...

When the prisoners were embarked on board the transport to be conveyed to Boston, they were first mustered on the deck by British officers, and every man whose accent betrayed h...

To encourage and animate the men, Colonel Miller himself frequently went into the water to assist at the boats, as did every other officer, and for several successive days, had...

Although the losses in these smaller actions amounted to considerably more than those sustained in the battle of the 15th, still they were carried on in a spirit and temper, evi...

Such is the unadorned narrative of this brave and gallant soldier. At the battle of Hobkirk’s Hill, he also ably distinguished himself. At Eutaw he had the command of the second...

Extract of an official letter to the secretary of war, after the sortie of Fort Erie:--“On the morning of the 17th, General Miller was directed to station his command in the rav...

On approaching the mountain, the two centre columns displayed to the right and left, formed a front, and commenced an attack; while the right and left wings were marching to sur...

Although his first visit was of but short duration, he appears to have become greatly prepossessed in favor of America. These feelings he fostered under circumstances which made...

“Those who were acquainted with his early life, spoke of Midshipman Macdonough as a young officer of great promise; but he had no opportunity of being made known to the public u...

Charles Stewart was born in Philadelphia, on the 22d of July, 1776. Both his parents were natives of Ireland. His father came to America at an early age, and followed the busine...

Commodore Decatur died the same evening. In the enjoyment of his country’s highest regard and confidence, he added his before unsullied name to the list of victims who died slav...

On the 5th of July, 1814, was fought the battle of Chippewa, the first in that series of battles by which the American army so eminently distinguished itself. The British comman...

It appears that it was customary in the navy for commanding officers of squadrons, to have assigned to them during their command, an officer who, being entrusted with the charge...

Americans, proud of the achievements of their countrymen, who in the field of honor have fought with superior valor for the independence or glory of their native land, will look...

Having lost his father at an early age, he was placed under the care of a guardian who superintended his education, and upon learning the determination of his young charge to le...

At Gibraltar he was transferred to the frigate Chesapeake, then on her return to the United States. In 1803 he again sailed in the schooner Vixen, Captain John Smith, to join th...

The Wasp went to sea on the 13th of October, 1812, and on the 18th fell in with six sail of the line of British merchant vessels under convoy of the Frolic sloop-of-war. An atta...