Early Life; Service During The War of 1812
Gregory was born in Norwalk, Connecticut. While in the American merchant marine, he was impressed by the British in an incident typical of those which led in part to the War of 1812. After escaping, Gregory was appointed a midshipman on January 16, 1809, by President Jefferson and reported to the Revenge, commanded by Oliver Hazard Perry.
In March, 1809, Gregory was transferred to the Gulf Squadron at New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1811, while serving in the Vesuvius and as acting captain of Gun Boat 162, Gregory participated in three notable actions. On August 7, off Pensacola, Midshipman Gregory attacked and crippled the pirate schooner La Franchise. On August 10, off Mobile, he attached and captured the pirate schooner Santa Maria. On September 11, between Brassa and Barataria, Louisiana, midshipman Gregory and his crew captured the pirate ship La Divina, and the schooners La Sophie and Le Vengeance.
During the War of 1812, he served on Lake Ontario under Commodore Isaac Chauncey and participated in attacks on Toronto, Kingston, and Fort George. In August, 1814, Gregory was captured by the British; refused parole, he was sent to England and remained there until June, 1815, months after the end of hostilities.
Read more about this topic: Francis Gregory
Famous quotes containing the words early, service and/or war:
“Names on a list, whose faces I do not recall
But they are gone to early death, who late in school
Distinguished the belt feed lever from the belt holding pawl.”
—Richard Eberhart (b. 1904)
“The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.”
—Sun Tzu (6th–5th century B.C.)
““... But if you shrink from being scared,
What would you say to war if it should come?
That’s what for reasons I should like to know
If you can comfort me by any answer.”
“Oh, but war’s not for children it’s for men.””
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)