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the destruction of the pirate ‘
Alabama,’ by the ‘Kearsarge,’ near
Cherbourg, France.
The commander of the ‘Kearsarge’ was
John A. Winslow,
U. S.N., a citizen of
Roxbury, Mass. The ‘Kearsarge’ returned to
Boston shortly after the engagement, and the ship, officers, and crew received a hearty welcome.
The authorities of the city of
Boston extended a public reception to
Commander Winslow, the officers, and crew of the ship; and
Governor Andrew caused the
Adjutant-General to issue a
general order, from which we make the following extract:—
The Commonwealth also desires to express its admiration of the conspicuous gallantry of this distinguished citizen of Massachusetts, and his brave companions; and its gratitude for the result of the brilliant exploit which recalls the deeds of our naval heroes now canonized in history, and has rendered the name of the “Kearsarge” as precious to the memory of every American patriot as those of the “Constitution,” and the “United States.”
It is therefore ordered, that a national salute of thirteen guns be fired upon the Common in honor of Commander Winslow, his officers, and men, as they pass with their escort.
Captain Lucius Cummings, commanding First Battery of Light Artillery, M. V.M., is charged with the execution of this order.
The merchants of
Boston also gave
Commander Winslow, and the other officers of the ‘Kearsarge,’ a public dinner, to which
Governor Andrew was invited, but was prevented from attending by pressing official duties.
On the 14th of November, the
Governor wrote to
George B. Upton, of
Boston, informing him of his inability to attend the dinner, saying,—
I regret very much that I am unable to accept the invitation; not alone on account of the personal pleasure I should take in uniting in any such testimonial of regard for Captain Winslow, but also, and especially, on account of my cordial sympathy with the significance of the occasion of celebrating one of the most satisfactory triumphs of our flag.
On the 19th of November, the
Governor wrote to
Assistant-Secretary Harrington, that there was an application somewhere on file in the Treasury Department for the appointment of
