106 BULLETIN" 16 3, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM 



the Constitution. The Levant sought safety in flight, but she was 

 overtaken and captured during the evening. The Constitution then 

 proceeded with her two prizes to Porto Praya, Cape Verde Islands. 

 "Wliile there they encountered three British ships of war and the 

 Levant was recaptured. The Cyane, however, escaped and reached 

 New York several weeks later. 



The recipient of this sword was born on Bulls Island, S. C, in 1790. 

 He entered the Navy as a midshipman in 1806 and was promoted 

 to the rank of lieutenant in 1813, He served with credit during 

 the War of 1812 and in 1820 received his commission as master 

 commandant. He was made captain in 1831 and during the period 

 1838-1840 he commanded the West India Squadron. During the 

 war with Mexico he played a j^rominent part in the naval activities 

 along the Pacific coast, and in November, 1847, he captured the city 

 of Mazatlan. In 1858 he was appointed to command a fleet of 19 

 vessels to Operate against Paraguay for the attack made upon the 

 United States steamer Waterwitch. He obtained an apology and 

 an indemnity from the Government in February, 1859. Southern 

 efforts failed to induce him to join the Confederate cause in behalf 

 of his native State, and in December, 1861, he was placed 

 on the retired list. He served, however, as chairman of the light- 

 house board until 1870. He died in Washington, D. C, in 1874. His 

 sword was lent to the National Museum in 1907 by Mrs. T. E. 

 Bayard. 



SWORD OWNED BY REAR ADMIRAL STEPHEN D. TRENCHARD 



Another presentation sword in the national collection of great 

 historical interest is an ornate and expensive weapon presented by 

 the British Government to Rear Admiral Stephen D. Trenchard, 

 United States Navy, when lieutenant, in recognition of the assistance 

 rendered by him to the British barque Adieu in 1856. The blade of 

 this sword ®^ is long and wide with a deep curve. The obverse is 

 decorated with a series of laurel sprays intertwined with the inscrip- 

 tion : " Presented by the British Government to Lieutenant S. 

 Decatur Trenchard, commanding the United States surveying steam 

 vessel Vixen in grateful acknowledgment of prompt and efficient 

 services rendered to the British barque Adieu, August 14, 1856." 

 The reverse is decorated with marine trophies and floral and scroll 

 designs. The grip is made of ivory with the sides and bottom 

 carved in the form of an eagle's plumage, and the top is surmounted 

 , by a gilt strip similarly decorated and terminating in an eagle's head. 

 The quillons are made of gilt braid in the form of marine knots and 



*^ Length, 96 cm. Blade, 77.5 cm. long, 3 cm. wide. Marked " Victor Harold & Co. 

 Manufacturers, London." 



