Dewey and Other Naval Commanders

In Short

This book provides a series of focused biographical and tactical accounts of American naval history, beginning with the career of Admiral George Dewey and reaching back to the foundations of the service. Through portraits of figures like Paul Jones, Stephen Decatur, and David Farragut, the narrative traces the rise of the United States as a maritime power. Written at the turn of the 20th century, it captures the spirit of naval heroism and the transition from wooden sailing ships to the age of steam-powered ironclads and modern cruisers.

The Story

The narrative arc begins with George Dewey, framing his rise to prominence during the Spanish-American War as the culmination of a long tradition of American naval excellence. By starting with Dewey’s upbringing and his early baptism of fire under Farragut on the Mississippi River, the reader gains a sense of the endurance and cool-headedness required of a naval officer. Once Dewey’s legacy is established, the scope shifts backward to the origins of the American Navy during the Revolution.

The story follows the exploits of early leaders like Paul Jones, whose daring maneuvers and ship-to-ship combat established a template for later generations. The narrative then moves through the Barbary Wars, highlighting the work of Decatur and Bainbridge in securing American interests against Mediterranean powers. These chapters emphasize the transition from the "infant navy" to a force capable of standing up to established European fleets.

The War of 1812 provides the central drama of the book, showcasing the triumphs of the Constitution and the resilience of commanders like Porter and Stewart. Through these accounts, the reader witnesses the shifting fortunes of war, where victories like the capture of the Guerriere are tempered by the loss of vessels like the Chesapeake. The narrative continues into the Civil War, detailing the ironclad battles on the Mississippi and the river campaigns that turned the tide for the Union.

Finally, the book circles back to the end of the 19th century. It recounts the destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila and the intense pursuit of Spanish ships off Santiago. The conclusion links these modern victories to the ancestral spirit of the navy, asserting that the same virtues—chivalry, technical mastery, and aggressive daring—that defined Paul Jones also propelled the American fleet to victory in 1898. The ending highlights a sense of national achievement, framing the U.S. Navy as a constant and reliable protector of the Republic, grounded in a lineage of heroes who refused to surrender even in the face of impossible odds.

How It Unfolds

The rise of Admiral Dewey The account begins by charting the early life of George Dewey, moving quickly to his service in the Civil War. It emphasizes his performance during the passage of river forts and his subsequent command at the Battle of Manila.

The birth of the Navy The narrative shifts to the Revolutionary era to introduce Paul Jones, focusing on his tactical brilliance and daring raids. This section establishes the foundational ethos of the American naval officer.

War in the Mediterranean The text turns to the conflicts with the Barbary States, detailing the loss of the Philadelphia and the subsequent daring exploits of Decatur. These chapters illustrate the necessity of protecting American commerce through decisive naval action.

The War of 1812 The middle chapters provide a catalog of famous engagements, including the duel between the Constitution and the Guerriere. It contrasts these successes with the occasional disaster, maintaining a balanced view of naval history.

The Civil War and beyond The focus shifts to the era of ironclads, highlighting the bravery of commanders like Walke and Cushing. It tracks the technological changes in warfare, culminating in the destruction of the Spanish fleet in 1898.

The People

George Dewey stands as the modern exemplar, characterized by his steady nerves and ability to maintain discipline under fire. He represents the professionalization of the naval officer, moving from a subaltern under Farragut to an Admiral of the Fleet.

Paul Jones serves as the archetypal hero, combining a high degree of technical "seamanship" with a "dauntless courage." He is presented as the gold standard of character for all who follow him.

Stephen Decatur appears as a man of action who "would rather fight than eat." He is defined by his chivalry—refusing to bully those weaker than himself—and his iron will when dealing with foreign powers like Algiers.

David Porter and his son, David Dixon Porter, represent the hereditary nature of naval service. The father embodies the cunning of the War of 1812 era, while the son demonstrates the transition to modern, steam-powered combat.

Charles Stewart provides a bridge between the generations. As a man who drank wine with George Washington and lived to see the late 19th century, he serves as the living memory of the Republic's early naval struggles.

In Its Own Voice

"Gridley, you may fire when ready."

This command, famously issued by Admiral Dewey at the start of the Battle of Manila, signals the beginning of the decisive engagement that brought him international fame.

"The manoeuvring of the American ships led the breathless swarms on shore to believe they were suffering defeat, and an exultant telegram to that effect was cabled to Madrid, nearly ten thousand miles away, where it caused a wild but short-lived rejoicing."

The author provides this context while describing the confusion caused by American tactical movements during the Spanish-American War.

"I have taken Paul Jones as the highest type of the infant American navy."

This statement appears as the author transitions into a summary of the Revolutionary period, setting up his argument that Jones defined the standards of the service.

What It's Really About

The central theme is the development of a national naval identity through the consistent application of tactical aggression and professional discipline. The book argues that the American Navy is not merely a collection of ships, but an institution defined by a specific type of character—cool under pressure, chivalrous in victory, and relentless in the face of superior numbers. It explores the question of how a young, developing nation can project power across the globe, suggesting that the answer lies in the quality of the men at the helm. By framing history as a series of personal triumphs, the author asserts that the success of the nation is inextricably linked to the individual virtues of its naval commanders.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in the history of naval warfare or the evolution of American patriotic literature will find this book a revealing look at how the 19th century perceived its own rise to power. It is a straightforward, action-oriented account, focused on the mechanics of naval combat and the biographies of those who led the ships. Those who appreciate the grit of early naval history will enjoy the vivid descriptions of wooden-ship maneuvers and the later transition into the steel-clad age.

However, readers should be aware that the book is a product of its time. The prose reflects the period’s unabashed nationalism, and the descriptions of foreign powers—particularly the Barbary States—carry the biases of late-Victorian American perspectives. The author’s writing is earnest and warm, often relying on anecdotes from personal acquaintances to build a sense of historical continuity. It is not an analytical or critical history, but rather a celebratory one. If you are looking for a detailed, technical analysis of naval strategy, you may find the narrative too anecdotal. Yet, for those who want to understand the heroic mythology that the American public held regarding its Navy at the turn of the century, this volume remains an essential and accessible document.