EDWARD RUTLEDGE MCCALL was born in Charleston, South Carolina, August 5, 1790. He entered the navy in January, 1808. In 1813 he was first lieutenant of the Enterprize, under Lieutenant Burrows, in the action with the Boxer, took the command after that officer fell, and captured the British vessel, for which gallant deed Congress gave him a (p. 172) vote of thanks and a gold medal. He afterward served in the Mediterranean under Commodore Perry, was promoted to the rank of master-commandant in 1825, and to that of captain in 1835. He died in Bordentown, New Jersey, July 31, 1853. _____ ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. _Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Lieutenants McCall, Burrows, etc._ _Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the President of the United States be requested to present to the nearest male relative of Lieutenant William Burrows, and to Lieutenant Edward R. McCall, of the brig Enterprize, a gold medal, with suitable emblems and devices; and a silver medal,[83] with like emblems and devices, to each of the commissioned officers of the aforesaid vessel, in testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of the gallantry and good conduct of the officers and crew in the conflict with the British sloop Boxer, on the fourth of September, in the year 1813. And the President is also requested to communicate to the nearest male relative of Lieutenant Burrows the deep regret which Congress feel for the loss of that valuable officer, who died in the arms of victory, nobly contending for his country's rights and fame. [Footnote 83: The silver medals are copies of the one in gold given to Lieutenant McCall.] Approved January 6, 1814. _____ _Captain Hull to the Secretary of the Navy._ To the Honourable United States Navy Yard, Portsmouth, William JONES, September 14th, 1813. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Sir: I have the honour to forward to you, by the mail, the flags of the late British brig Boxer, which were nailed to her mast-heads at the time she engaged, and was captured by, the United States brig Enterprize. Great as the pleasure is that I derive from performing this part of my duty, I need not tell you how different my feelings would have been, could the gallant Burrows have had this honour. He went into action most gallantly, and the difference of injury done the two vessels proves how nobly he fought. I have the honour to be, &c., Isaac HULL. _____ _Lieutenant McCall to Captain Hull._ (p. 173)