AMERICAISr AND EUROPEAN SWORDS 107 



are separated by shields installed on each side of the blade and 

 decorated in high relief with a foul anchor, upon which is super- 

 imposed a star. The scabbard, which is covered with blue velvet, is 

 almost entirely enveloped by three long, highly ornate, gilt openwork 

 floral scrolls. 



The recipient of this sword was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1818. 

 After making a cruise as acting midshipman in the European Squad- 

 ron in 1832, he was appointed midshipman in 1834. He was made 

 passed midshipman in July and was connected with the coast survey 

 during the period 1845-46. He was promoted to the rank of lieuten- 

 ant in February, 1847, and in that year served in Mexican waters 

 on the Saratoga. From 1853 to 1857 he was again attached to the 

 coast survey service and in 1856 rendered the assistance to the British 

 barque as the result of which he received the sword from the British 

 Government. He was attached to the Powhatan during her diplo- 

 matic cruise to China and Japan in 1857-1860 and then acted as aide 

 to Commodore Josiah Tatnall. During the early part of the Civil 

 AVar he served on the Rhode Island., which was attached to the 

 North Atlantic Squadron. In 1862 he was promoted to the rank of 

 commander, and he participated in the bombardments and the cap- 

 ture of Fort Fisher. He was made captain in 1866, commodore in 

 1871, and rear admiral in 1875. He commanded the North Atlantic 

 Squadron in 1876-1878, and died in New York city in 1883. His 

 sword was presented to the National Museum in 1895 by Edward 

 Trenchard. 



SWORD OWNED BY LIEUT. COMMANDER GEORGE F. MORRISON 



The Museum contains a sword ®^ of the same design as the one 

 just described that was presented by the British Government, in 

 commemoration of the same event, to Lieut. Commander George F. 

 Morrison, United States Navy. The obverse of the blade is inscribed : 

 " Presented by the British Government to Mr. JNIorrison, Master of 

 the United States Survejdng steam vessel " Vixen " in grateful 

 acknowledgment of prompt and efficient services rendered to the 

 British barque Adieu August 14, 1856." About the inscription is 

 entwined a wreath of oak leaves, and near the hilt is a group of 13 

 stars. The reverse of the blade bears a trophy of flags flanked by 

 floral scrolls. The grip and pommel are similar to those of the 

 sword just described. Both the obverse and the reverse shields bear 

 an anchor upon which is superimposed a marine monster. This 

 sword was lent to the National Museum in 1928 by Mrs. Martha 

 Morrison Sinks, 



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

 Manufacturers, London." 



