The Life of Silas Talbot, a Commodore in the Navy of the United States (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1850. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. The career of the hero, in whatever sphere, is one of alternate success and disaster; and his very eminence principally consists in the spirit with which he encounters disappointment, rendering it only an impulse to new effort. Two enterprises in aid of the great cause so dear to him, and involving the welfare of his native State, Major Talbot was obliged relunctantly to abandon, in consequence of unforeseen and inevitable obstacles. The first was an attack on the Renown, a famed vessel of the enemy, carrying fifty guns; whose cruising ground, for a considerable time, was off the isle of Providence. This expedition was frustrated by the ice; fortunately, however, its neces sity was soon obviated by the departure of the Renown, she being ordered to another station, and Rhode Island thus again opened to the sea. The British, notwithstanding, maintained a craft of forty-four guns in the vicinity, which occasionally appeared and threatened mischief. The Hawk was reequipped by her former commander, with a view to surprise this vessel; but on their way to sea, the pilot run her on a shoal, and much to the chagrin of Major Talbot, this project was also unavoidably relinquished. A remarkable proof of the self-devotion of the leaders in our revolution, may be found in their willingness to sacrifice official rights to immediate utility. It is an acknowledged fact that professional men, especially those of superior gifts and honorable zeal, are peculiarly sensitive to the recognition both of their rank and character. Indeed a feeling of self-respect is the natural accompaniment of high qualities. There are undoubtedly instances, some quite notorious, of the repudiation of commissions, and the abandonment of the cause, on the part of those engaged in the ...