Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Paul Ereaut and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net [Illustration: ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY, U.S.N.] DEWEY AND OTHER NAVAL COMMANDERS. BY EDWARD S. ELLIS, A.M. Author of "A History of the World," "The People's Standard History of the United States," "A History of the State of New York," "Deerfoot Series," "Log Cabin Series," Etc. NEW YORK HURST & COMPANY PUBLISHERS Copyright, 1899, BY JOHN HOVENDON. CONTENTS. Page. Introduction 5 CHAPTER I. Admiral George Dewey--The Birth and Boyhood of George Dewey. 7 CHAPTER II. Dewey in the War for the Union. 17 CHAPTER III. Dewey in the War with Spain. 35 CHAPTER IV. The Revolutionary Battles--Birth of the American Navy--The Privateers--Capture of New Providence, in the Bahamas--Paul Jones--A Clever Exploit--A Skilful Escape--Fine Seamanship--An Audacious Scheme. 52 CHAPTER V. A Daring Attempt by Captain Paul Jones--Why It Failed--A Bold Scheme--Why It Did Not Succeed--The Fight Between the _Ranger_ and _Drake_. 63 CHAPTER VI. One of the Most Memorable Sea Fights Ever Known--The Wonderful Exploit of Captain Paul Jones. 71 CHAPTER VII. Our Naval War with France--The Tribute Paid to the Barbary States by Christian Nations--War Declared Against the United States by Tripoli--Bainbridge, Decatur, Stewart, Dale and Preble. 88 CHAPTER VIII. The First Serious Engagement--Loss of the _Philadelphia_--The Scheme of Captain Bainbridge--Exploit of Lieutenant Decatur. 97 CHAPTER IX. Bombardment of Tripoli--Treacherous Act of a Turkish Captain--A Quick Retribution at the Hands of Captain Decatur. 108 CHAPTER X. The Bomb Ketch--A Terrible Missile--Frightful Catastrophe--Diplomacy in Place of War--Peace. 114 CHAPTER XI. The War of 1812--Cause of the War of 1812--Discreditable Work of the Land Forces--Brilliant Record of the Navy--The _Constitution_--Captain Isaac Hull--Battle Between the _Constitution_ and _Guerriere_--Winning a Wager. 122 CHAPTER XII. Jacob Jones--The _Wasp_ and the _Frolic_--James Biddle--The _Hornet_ and the _Penguin_--A Narrow Escape. 133 CHAPTER XIII. Captains Carden and Decatur--Cruise of the _Macedonian_--Battle with the Frigate _United States_--Decatur's Chivalry. 142 CHAPTER XIV.