The citizens of his native town determined to pay to his remains every possible respect; and his funeral was an imposing pageant, uniting with the solemnities of religion masonic and military pomp and show. Business and labor were entirely suspended, and the population of Portland and the neighborhood, moved by a common impulse, and forming a large assemblage, devoted Thursday the 27th to the sad duty of his burial. It was known at Boston, that the funeral services would occur on that day, and the usual mourning honors were accordingly paid by the shipping in that port. Intelligence of his death reached Washington on the 1st of September, a few minutes. past noon, and, says the National Intelligencer of the 2d of that month, "Immediately the flags of the frigates in ordinary, and at the marine garrison, were struck half-mast; at half past noon, one gun was fired at the navy yard, which was repeated every five minutes, till seventeen minutes before sunset, at which time commenced a discharge of seventeen minute guns; when, with the departing sun, the colors were struck amidst the sincere regrets of his brother officers." The event was suitably noticed in other places, while the newspaper press, and the private letters of distinguished citizens, bewailed "the loss of so much professional

talent, ardent patriotism, and civic worth, at so critical a juncture." The master spirit of our navy of that period had indeed fallen; but the young men whom he had trained, and to some of whom there is proof before me he had fulfilled the duties of a father, or of an elder brother, lived to do him honor, and to win for themselves imperishable names.

Mrs.

At the time of his decease, Commodore Preble had nearly completed a large and elegant mansion house at Portland, where, in possession of sufficient wealth, and the society of his family and friends, he hoped for happiness and repose. He left a wife and one son. Preble, a lady of great excellence of character, and now venerable in years, has remained a widow. Edward Deering Preble, the son, an infant at his father's death, died at Portland of consumption, February 12th, 1846, aged forty years. Many of the Commodore's professional friends were desirous that Edward should enter the navy, and such was probably his own inclination. But the intention was abandoned; and having, in 1825, completed his education at Bowdoin College, he went abroad, and before his return visited several parts of Europe. Much of his time while absent was passed at the seats of learning. His tastes were decidedly literary, and for the bustle and excitement

of active life he had no relish.

Nor did he

care to mix with men, or to hold converse with the world. He loved books, and possessed a choice collection. He read those of several foreign languages. In his manners he was reserved, but courteous and urbane, and manifested the breeding of a gentleman. His natural powers were much above the ordinary cast; but, nurtured in the lap of affluence, born to a name which had been distinguished in two generations, and having neither fame nor wealth to earn for himself, the motives, which actuate those whose position in society leaves everything to be accomplished by their own exertions, were wanting. Beyond the immediate circle of his few intimate and numerous family friends he was but little known. these his memory will be cherished. wife, a son, and two daughters, survive.

By

His

CHAPTER XI.

Character of Commodore Preble.

IN many things Commodore Preble was a remarkable man. He died before his powers

were fully tried or matured.

Though he did

but little to attract the popular eye, he is still to be regarded as the most considerable naval character of his time in America. His personal courage is a point upon which we need not dwell. Disregard of danger and of death is too common a quality in the human race to deserve the high and unqualified praise which it has received. A man of weak understanding may fight a good battle, and win renown by his victories.

Commodore Preble's claims to consideration rest on higher grounds. He possessed a fruitful, vigorous, and comprehensive mind; and that he was equal to accomplishing the most important enterprises, there seems no room to doubt. He reached in a moment the results, which in ordinary men require long and calm reflection; and he carried through the plans which he conceived, with a promptness and self-confidence, that inspired and insured success. He acted upon the principle, that "the boldest measures are the safest ;" and yet circumspection and prudence were distinguishing traits. His perseverance was not lessened, but rather increased, by the neglect of his government and the obstinacy of his foe. Pain and sickness did not overcome his energy, and his activity continued until nature was fairly exhausted. Qualities like these, and his

devotedness to duty, the disinterestedness which impelled him to accept of a perilous command when disease was preying upon his frame, and when the prolongation of his life imperatively demanded of him to seek repose in a home of tranquillity and ease, and recovery in the attentions of devoted friends; his sincerity and benevolence, his disregard of money except as a means of doing good, and his many benefactions to officers and others, less favored by fortune than himself, entitle him to the remembrance and gratitude of his countrymen.

During the last years of his life, and especially after his return from the Mediterranean, his opinions were solicited on the most important and delicate subjects, and in a manner which shows that his advice was to be regarded as decisive. Of naval men generally, and upon naval affairs, he appears to have been the common adviser; and private wrongs and griefs, and public embarrassments and perplexities, were alike submitted to his honor and discretion. The true character of this faithful and unwearied servant is imperfectly known to the present generation; but it was well understood by those who directed our public affairs at the opening of the century, that, to elevate his favorite arm of the national defence, to render