CHAPTER VII

. THE FIRST SUBMARINE WARSHIP 157

It was Small and Ineffective, but it Contained the Germ of a Mighty Power that is as yet Undeveloped--When Nicholas Biddle Died--He was a Man of the Spirit of an Ideal American Naval Officer--Fought the Ship against Overwhelming Odds till Blown out of the Water--The Loss of the _Hancock_--An American Captain Dismissed for a Good Reason--Captain Rathburne at New Providence--Loss of the _Virginia_--Captain Barry’s Notable Exploit--With Twenty-seven Men to Help him, he Captured a Schooner of Ten Guns by Boarding from Small Boats in Broad Daylight, although the Schooner was Manned by 116 Sailors and Soldiers.

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