UNITED STATES NAVY.
The spirit of devotion to this country and its interests always manifested by its Jewish inhabitants has not failed to leave its impress on the rolls of the United States Navy. From the time of the organization of that branch of the national defense many Jews have been present in the service. That they did their full duty the records indisputably show, and from the man before the mast to flag officer, from stoker to chief engineer, sons of Israel have given their efforts in behalf of the American cause. At the time of our Civil War their ranks were especially reinforced, and at the present day a considerable number of Jews are at posts of duty on the vessels of our navy.
Instances of personal distinction on the part of these defenders are numerous, but specific reference need here be made only to the great advance accomplished by Uriah Phillips Levy in behalf at once of the Navy and of humanity at large, by the abolition through his influence of the degrading practice of corporal punishment in the navy of the United States. He had long opposed the brutal system of flogging, and when promoted to the position of Flag Officer—the highest rank registered before the Civil War—he used his authority to promote the self-respect and well being of the sailors of his fleet. The records of others besides Commodore Levy are creditable in a high degree, and all comprised in the list are examples of men who devote to the cause in which they are enlisted "their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor."
S. American, U. S. Gunboat Seneca.
Benjamin Abrahams, Acting Assistant Paymaster.
Simon Arnbach, Mexican War.
Solomon Asher, U. S. Gunboat Wissahickon,
promoted to Acting Assistant Yeoman (1862-1863).