Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/231



NAVAL OPERATIONS IN THE GULF.

hen the American people shall forget how freely the generous blood of Lawrence and Decatur was shed in maintaining their rights, and defending their flag,—when the valor and intrepidity of Porter and Hill, of Perry and Macdonouo:h, and the brave associates who shared their dangers, and contributed to their renown, are no longer remembered,—then, but not until then, will the navy upon which they have never yet relied in vain, cease to occupy the prominent place in their estimation and regard, which it has so long maintained. If the country had derived no other benefit from its organization, the security rendered to her commerce would be an ample repayment for every outlay; but, in addition to this, we are indebted to it,' in no unimportant degree, for the deference and respect manifested by the nations of the world in their intercourse with us. The officers and seamen of our navy have shown themselves, on repeated occasions, and under the most trying circumstances, to be prompt and zealous in the performance of their duty. We have learned to look upon them as the appointed guardians