EDWARD PREBLE. COMMODORE EDWARD PREBLE, one of the most distinguished among American naval commanders, was born August 15th, 1761, in a part of the ancient town of Falmouth, which is now Portland; in Casco Bay, Maine. He was the son of the Hon. Jedidiah Preble, a brigadier-general under the government of Massachusetts Bay, and after the commencement of the revolution a member of the council and senate. He died at the age of 77, in 1783. EDWARD being designed for a liberal education and à profession, was at a suitable age placed at Dummer academy, in Newbury, then under the care of Mr. Samuel Moody, a celebrated teacher. The young gentleman is understood to have been less engaged here, in the interest of his literary pursuits, than in more active and enterprising employments, but he nevertheless gained, during his stay at school, much valuable information and discipline, the effect of which was plainly discernible, as well in the quality of his conversation, as in the phraseology of his official orders and letters. PREBLE is said to have discovered, from his childhood, a disposition for athletic and adventurous exercises, and a firm, resolute, and persevering temper. Tradition reports that his preceptor was much impressed with the last-named trait in his character, and that on one occasion at least, he had a remarkable opportunity of testing it. Our young hero, in an encounter with a school-fellow, had given him a blow, which covered his face with blood. The boy presented himself in this plight to Mr. Moody, and announced the guilt of PREBLE. Mr. Moody, who was unfortunately an irritable person, in the heat of his indignation, seized the fire-shovel of the schoolroom, sprang toward the offender, and aimed a blow at his head, which, however, he took care should just escape on one side of his mark, and fall on the desk. He repeated the movement, bringing down his deadly weapon on the other side, with the utmost violence. PREBLE, meanwhile, never changed his attitude or countenance; but sitting perfectly erect, looked calmly in the face of his nations. On this occasion he commanded the Constitution frigate, and had under him also the frigate Philadelphia, and several smaller vessels. The satisfactory negotiations concluded by him with the emperor of Morocco, and the details of the memorable bombardment of Tripoli, till PREBLE was relieved by the arrival of his senior, Commodore Barron, are familiar to all readers of our history. The value of his services was recognised by a vote of congress, conferring upon him the thanks of the nation, and an elegant medal, which were both presented by the president, with the most emphatic expressions of esteem. The officers of his whole squadron, also, on his leaving them, had joined in a highly gratifying address. Peace was concluded with Tripoli the next year. In the latter part of 1806, the commodore's health began again to fail under his old complaint, a debility of the digestive organs. He struggled with it for some months, indulging a hope of recovery till within ten days of his death, which took place on the 25th of August, 1807, in the forty-sixth year of his age. He regarded the approach of that event with the fortitude which became his character, and his exit was in full correspondence with his life. The inhabitants of Portland united in every mark of respect to his remains. On the day of his funeral business was suspended, and the colors displayed at half-mast in the harbor, and he was interred with military honors. On the intelligence of his decease reaching Washington, the event was commemorated with the testimonies due to the memory of a patriot hero. The private character of Commodore PREBLE was eminently attractive. In authority, indeed, he was rigid, and perhaps sometimes failed in restraining the native impetuosity of his temper; but in domestic life he was placid, affectionate, patient of labor, social, and in business of all sorts remarkable for exactness and despatch. He had been married several years, and left a wife and one son to mourn his loss and inherit the legacy of his fame. |
