Capt. James G. Alden Jr. This is Me

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1. 1. thomaslegion.net

   thomaslegion.net/firstbattleof - [Cached]

   Published on: 2/11/2008   Last Visited: 3/3/2008

   Brooklyn / 26 / Capt. James Alden Colorado / 50 / Commo.

2. 2. Mayflower Quarterly Article - Who Heard That?

   www.alden.org/pilgrim_lore/who - [Cached]

   Published on: 11/28/2007   Last Visited: 12/10/2007

   Leading the assault was the Brooklyn, under the command of Capt. James Alden.
   ...
   The Brooklyn, for some cause which I did not then clearly understand, but which has since been explained by Captain Alden in his report, arrested the advance of the whole fleet while, at the same time, the guns of the fort were playing with great effect upon that vessel and the Hartford. A moment after I saw the Tecumseh, struck by a torpedo, disappear almost instantaneously beneath the waves, carrying with her [her] gallant Commander and nearly all her crew. I determined at once, as I had originally intended, to take the lead: and after ordering the Metacomet to send a boat to save, if possible, any of the perishing crew, I dashed ahead with the Hartford, and the ships followed on, their officers believing that they were going to a noble death with their commander in chief.
   
   At Capt. Alden's command, the Brooklyn had stopped dead and had begun backing up in order to avoid the minefield. The other ships were in line behind her, directly under the guns of the fort. It was at this time that Capt. Farragut was quoted by others as having shouted to Capt. Alden, "Damn the torpedoes.
   ...
   In his own report, Capt. Alden supported the points made by Farragut, adding his own flourishes:
   ...
   Capt. Alden and his crew acquitted themselves to Farragut's satisfaction during the remainder of the battle in the bay. Capt. Alden reported that there were fifty-four casualties aboard the Brooklyn, including eleven killed.
   ...
   James Alden was born in Portland, Maine, in 1810. He was the son of James Alden, b 1775 and Elizabeth Tate Alden , and a direct descendant of Pilgrims John and Priscilla Alden. He was appointed a midshipman in the American Navy in 1828. He served in the Mediterranean, the South Seas, and along the Antarctic continent, and circumnavigated the globe twice. He served in the Mexican War and was in command by the beginning of the Civil War. He was promoted to Captain in 1863 and Commodore in 1866.

3. 3. www.afji.com

   www.afji.com/2007/03/ - [Cached]

   Published on: 3/1/2007   Last Visited: 3/17/2007

   By Capt. James G. Alden