JAMES BIDDLE was born in Philadelphia, February 28, 1783. He entered the navy as a midshipman in 1800, and went to the Mediterranean with Captain Bainbridge. He was wrecked in the Philadelphia, and was a prisoner in Tripoli for nearly two years; was a lieutenant in 1807, and first lieutenant of the Wasp in 1812, when she captured the Frolic. For his conduct on this occasion he was promoted to the rank of master-commandant. While in command of the sloop-of-war Hornet he captured the British sloop-of-war Penguin, Captain Dickenson, March 23, 1815, receiving for this gallant deed the thanks of Congress and a gold medal. He became a captain in the same year, and commanded (p. 250) the Mediterranean squadron, 1830-1832. He was governor of the Naval Asylum in Philadelphia, 1838-1842; commanded the East India squadron, 1845, and was on the west coast of Mexico during the Mexican war. He died in Philadelphia, October 1, 1848. _____ ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. _Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Captain Biddle, 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, and he is hereby, requested to present to Captain James Biddle, of the sloop of war Hornet, a gold medal, with suitable emblems and devices, and a silver medal,[107] with suitable emblems and devices, to each commissioned officer of the said sloop of war, in testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress, of the gallantry, good conduct, and services of Captain Biddle, his officers and crew, in capturing the British sloop of war Penguin, after a brave and skilful combat. [Footnote 107: The silver medals are copies of the one in gold to Captain Biddle.] Approved February 22, 1816. _____ _Captain Biddle to the Secretary of the Navy._ To the Honourable United States sloop Hornet, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, Off Tristan D'Acunha, March 25th, 1815. Washington, D. C.