DESCRIPTION OF THE MEDAL.
Occasion.—Capture of the British sloop-of-war Boxer.
Device.—An urn, with the inscription, W. Burrows, on the pedestal; military emblems tastefully arranged on each side; one is a coronal wreath hanging from a trident.
Legend.—Victoriam tibi claram patriæ mæstam.
Reverse.—Two brigs engaged. The Boxer on the larboard side of the Enterprise. Main-topmast of the Boxer shot away.
Legend.—Vivere sat vincere.
Exergue.—Inter Enterprise nav. Ameri. et Boxer nav. Brit. 4th of September, 1813.
Plate 12.
33
34
35
W. L. Ormsby, sc.
LIEUT. EDWARD R. M’CALL.
Edward Rutledge M’Call was born at Charleston, South Carolina, August 5th, 1790.
Having lost his father at an early age, he was placed under the care of a guardian who superintended his education, and upon learning the determination of his young charge to lead a seafaring life, he directed his studies accordingly. At the age of fifteen years, Edward R. M’Call received a midshipman’s warrant, and was ordered to join the sloop-of-war Hornet, Captain John H. Dent. In 1811, he was ordered to join the Enterprise, Captain Blakeley, with the promotion of a lieutenancy on board that ship, where he remained till after the conflict with the Boxer, in which conflict Burrows, who had only a few days previous taken the command, was killed. The following letter from Lieutenant Edward R. M’Call to Commodore Hull, commanding naval officer on the eastern station, gives some account of the action.
United States Brig Enterprise, Portland, Sept. 7th, 1813,
“Sir:—In consequence of the unfortunate death of Lieutenant-Commandant William Burrows, late commander of this vessel, it devolves on me to acquaint you with the result of our cruise. After sailing from Portsmouth on the 1st instant, we steered to the eastward, and on the morning of the 3d, off Wood Island, discovered a schooner which we chased into this harbor, where we anchored. On the morning of the 4th, weighed anchor and swept out, and continued our course to the eastward. Having received information of several privateers being off Manhagan, we stood for that place, and on the following morning, in the bay near Penguin-Point, discovered a brig getting under way, which appeared to be a vessel of war, and to which we immediately gave chase. She fired several guns, and stood for us, having four ensigns hoisted. After reconnoitering and discovering her force, and the nation to which she belonged, we hauled upon a wind, to stand out of the bay, and at three o’clock, shortened sail, tacked, and run down, with an intention to bring her to a close action.
“At twenty minutes past three, P. M., when within half pistol shot, the firing commenced from both sides, and after being warmly kept up, and with some manœuvring, the enemy hailed and said they had surrendered, about four P. M.—their colors being nailed to the masts, could not be hauled down. She proved to be his British-Majesty’s brig Boxer, of fourteen guns, Samuel Blythe, Esquire, commander, who fell in the early part of the engagement, having received a cannon shot through the body; and, I am sorry to add, that Lieutenant Burrows, who had gallantly led us to action, fell also, about the same time, by a musket ball, which terminated his existence in eight hours. The Enterprise suffered much, in spars and rigging; and the Boxer both in spars, rigging, and hull, having many shots between wind and water.
“It would be doing injustice to the merit of Mr. Tillinghast, second lieutenant, were I not to mention the able assistance I received from him, during the remainder of the engagement, by his strict attention to his own division and other departments; and the officers and crew, generally. I am happy to add, their cool and determined conduct have my warmest approbation. As no muster-roll, that can be fully relied on, has come into my possession, I cannot exactly state the number killed on board the Boxer, but from information received from the officers of that vessel, it appears that there were between twenty and twenty-five killed, and fourteen wounded. On board the Enterprise there was one killed and fifteen wounded, two since dead-sixty-six prisoners.
“I have the honor, &c.
“Edward R. M’Call, Sen. Officer.
“Isaac Hull, Esq., Commanding on the Eastern Station.”
After the action with the Boxer, Lieutenant M’Call was transferred from the Enterprise to the sloop-of-war Ontario, Captain Robert T. Spence, and subsequently to the Java, Commodore Perry, preparing for a cruise in the Mediterranean, on which cruise he remained till 1817. On his return home, Lieutenant M’Call was ordered to Charleston to take the command of the sloop-of-war Peacock, also preparing to cruise in the Mediterranean. On his return, in 1831, he obtained leave of absence, and since that time has been waiting orders, till his country is disposed to employ again his admirable capacities for service.
By a resolution of Congress, January 6th, 1814, which states the gallantry and good conduct displayed by Lieutenant Edward R. M’Call, as second in command of the Enterprise, in the conflict with the Boxer, a gold medal (see [Plate XII.]) was ordered to be struck and presented to him with the thanks of that body.