Contrary to his intentions and to his just expectations, Robert Smith, then secretary of the navy under the administration of Thomas Jefferson, chose to construe this letter into a resignation of his commission as a captain in the navy; and notwithstanding every honorable effort that was then made to restore him to his just rights, the administration of that day sacrificed at one blow the man who had shed such lustre upon the infant navy of our country, but who had the misfortune to belong to a different political school from those who then wielded the destinies of America.
Thus at the early age of forty-seven years, in the prime of manhood, at a period when his former life gave promise of much future usefulness, after many years’ devotion to the navy in which he fondly hoped to close his existence, was the subject of this memoir suddenly cut short in that career in which he had won unfading laurels, both for his country and himself.
He immediately retired to his farm, and like another Cincinnatus, sought in the enjoyment of domestic happiness a solace to the injustice he had met in public life. For many years he continued a citizen of New Jersey, but towards the latter part of his life, he was induced by the claims of his family, to resume his residence in Philadelphia, where his fellow-citizens welcomed his return in the most grateful manner, and as an appreciation of his services, spontaneously tendered him the important office of high sheriff of the city and county of Philadelphia, to which he was elected in the year 1816, by a very large majority. Soon after the expiration of his term of office in 1819, his health began to decline, until finally in May, 1822, he closed his earthly pilgrimage.
Commodore Truxtun has left several children, but neither of his sons now survives. The only grandchild bearing his name, is a midshipman in the navy. The same service also numbers three other grandsons, one of whom, Edward F. Beale, has recently proved, by his gallant conduct under Commodore Stockton, that he inherits the blood of his illustrious grandsire.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MEDAL.
Occasion.—Capture of the French frigate La Vengeance.
Device.—Head of Captain Truxtun.
Legend.—Patriæ patris filio digno Thomæ Truxtun.
Reverse.—Two ships of war, the French a two decker; both much shattered; the rigging of both much cut up.
Legend.—The United States frigate Constellation, of thirty-eight guns, pursues, attacks, and vanquishes the French ship La Vengeance, of fifty-four guns, 1st of Feb. 1800.