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Matthew Calbraith Perry[Note 1] (April 10, 1794 – March 4, 1858) was a Commodore of the United States Navy who commanded ships in several wars, including the War of 1812 and the Mexican–American War (1846–48). He played a leading role in the opening of Japan to the West with the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854.
Perry was interested in the education of naval officers, and assisted in the development of an apprentice system that helped establish the curriculum at the United States Naval Academy. With the advent of the steam engine, he became a leading advocate of modernizing the U.S. Navy and came to be considered "The Father of the Steam Navy" in the United States.
Naval career
In 1809, Perry received a midshipman's warrant in the Navy, and was initially assigned to USS Revenge, under the command of his elder brother. His early career saw him assigned to several ships, including USS President, where he served as an aide to Commodore John Rodgers. President was in a victorious engagement over a British vessel, HMS Little Belt, shortly before the War of 1812 was officially declared. Perry continued aboard President during the War of 1812 and was present at the engagement with HMS Belvidera. Rodgers fired the first shot of the war at Belvidera. A later shot resulted in a cannon bursting, killing several men and wounding Rodgers, Perry and others.[6] Perry transferred to USS United States, commanded by Stephen Decatur, and saw little fighting in the war afterwards, since the ship was trapped in port at New London, Connecticut.
Following the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war, Perry served on various vessels in the Mediterranean. Perry served under Commodore William Bainbridge during the Second Barbary War. He then served in African waters aboard USS Cyane during its patrol off Liberia from 1819 to 1820. After that cruise, Perry was sent to suppress piracy and the slave trade in the West Indies. Later during this period, while in port in Russia, Perry was offered a commission in the Imperial Russian Navy, which he declined.
Opening of Key West
Perry commanded USS Shark, a schooner with 12 guns, from 1821 to 1825. In 1763, when Britain possessed Florida, the Spanish contended that the Florida Keys were part of Cuba and North Havana. Certain elements within the United States felt that Key West (which was then named Cayo Hueso, meaning "Bone Key") could potentially be the "Gibraltar of the West" because it guarded the northern edge of the 90 miles (140 km) wide Straits of Florida—the deep water route between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.
In 1815 the Spanish governor in Havana deeded the island of Key West to Juan Pablo Salas of Saint Augustine. After Florida was transferred to the United States, Salas sold Key West to American businessman John W. Simonton for $2,000 in 1821. Simonton lobbied the U.S. Government to establish a naval base on Key West both to take advantage of its strategic location and to bring law and order to the area.
On March 25, 1822, Perry sailed Shark to Key West and planted the U.S. flag, physically claiming the Keys as United States territory. Perry renamed Cayo Hueso "Thompson's Island" for the Secretary of the Navy Smith Thompson and the harbor "Port Rodgers" for the president of the Board of Navy Commissioners. Neither name stuck however.
From 1826 to 1827, Perry acted as fleet captain for Commodore Rodgers. Perry returned to Charleston, South Carolina for shore duty in 1828, and in 1830 took command of a sloop-of-war, USS Concord. He spent the years 1833–1837 as second officer of the New York Navy Yard (later the Brooklyn Navy Yard), gaining promotion to captain at the end of this tour.
Perry was interested in the education of naval officers, and assisted in the development of an apprentice system that helped establish the curriculum at the United States Naval Academy. With the advent of the steam engine, he became a leading advocate of modernizing the U.S. Navy and came to be considered "The Father of the Steam Navy" in the United States.
Naval career
In 1809, Perry received a midshipman's warrant in the Navy, and was initially assigned to USS Revenge, under the command of his elder brother. His early career saw him assigned to several ships, including USS President, where he served as an aide to Commodore John Rodgers. President was in a victorious engagement over a British vessel, HMS Little Belt, shortly before the War of 1812 was officially declared. Perry continued aboard President during the War of 1812 and was present at the engagement with HMS Belvidera. Rodgers fired the first shot of the war at Belvidera. A later shot resulted in a cannon bursting, killing several men and wounding Rodgers, Perry and others.[6] Perry transferred to USS United States, commanded by Stephen Decatur, and saw little fighting in the war afterwards, since the ship was trapped in port at New London, Connecticut.
Following the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war, Perry served on various vessels in the Mediterranean. Perry served under Commodore William Bainbridge during the Second Barbary War. He then served in African waters aboard USS Cyane during its patrol off Liberia from 1819 to 1820. After that cruise, Perry was sent to suppress piracy and the slave trade in the West Indies. Later during this period, while in port in Russia, Perry was offered a commission in the Imperial Russian Navy, which he declined.
Opening of Key West
Perry commanded USS Shark, a schooner with 12 guns, from 1821 to 1825. In 1763, when Britain possessed Florida, the Spanish contended that the Florida Keys were part of Cuba and North Havana. Certain elements within the United States felt that Key West (which was then named Cayo Hueso, meaning "Bone Key") could potentially be the "Gibraltar of the West" because it guarded the northern edge of the 90 miles (140 km) wide Straits of Florida—the deep water route between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.
In 1815 the Spanish governor in Havana deeded the island of Key West to Juan Pablo Salas of Saint Augustine. After Florida was transferred to the United States, Salas sold Key West to American businessman John W. Simonton for $2,000 in 1821. Simonton lobbied the U.S. Government to establish a naval base on Key West both to take advantage of its strategic location and to bring law and order to the area.
On March 25, 1822, Perry sailed Shark to Key West and planted the U.S. flag, physically claiming the Keys as United States territory. Perry renamed Cayo Hueso "Thompson's Island" for the Secretary of the Navy Smith Thompson and the harbor "Port Rodgers" for the president of the Board of Navy Commissioners. Neither name stuck however.
From 1826 to 1827, Perry acted as fleet captain for Commodore Rodgers. Perry returned to Charleston, South Carolina for shore duty in 1828, and in 1830 took command of a sloop-of-war, USS Concord. He spent the years 1833–1837 as second officer of the New York Navy Yard (later the Brooklyn Navy Yard), gaining promotion to captain at the end of this tour.
Matthew C. Perry - Wikipedia
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Commodore Matthew C. Perry - The Man Who Unlocked Japan
A historical documentary retelling the story of Commodore Matthew C. Perry and his impact on Japan. Created in Spring 2009 National History Day (NHD) by Seni...
Thank you my friend Maj Marty Hogan for making us aware that April 10 is the anniversary of the birth of Commodore of the United States Navy Matthew Calbraith Perry who commanded ships in several wars, including the War of 1812 and the Mexican–American War (1846–48).
Rest in peace Matthew Calbraith Perry!
Image: 1847 The Landing at Vera Cruz
Background from study.com/academy/lesson/commodore-matthew-c-perry-japan-biography.html
"Matthew C. Perry was an American naval officer known as the 'Father of the Steam Navy.' Perry is best known for his two trips to Japan in 1853-1854 to establish diplomatic relations.
Beginnings of a Naval Officer
Matthew C. Perry lived an extraordinary life in an age of extraordinary changes. His naval career took him around the world, and he is best known for his Japanese expeditions. He was born in 1794 in South Kingston, Rhode Island. He inherited his naval genes from his family. His father served in the Navy during the American Revolution, and the Quasi-War with France and his older brother Oliver Hazard Perry was a celebrated naval officer during the War of 1812. Matthew Perry was commissioned in the Navy in 1809 and first served aboard the USS Revenge with his brother. Perry was married to Sarah Wallace with whom he had a whopping ten children!
Perry in the War of 1812
During the War of 1812, Perry served aboard the USS President under Commodore John Rodgers. Perry was a fair but stern commander, and many argue that he copied this style from Rodgers. He later served with Rodgers in the Mediterranean Squadron on the USS Shark. His most notable venture in the war though was serving on the USS Lawrence and USS Niagara during the Battle of Lake Eerie against the British fleet. Both of these ships were commanded by his brother, and this experience gave him valuable wartime experience that he later put to good use.
African Adventures
Perry's naval career also took him to the coast of Africa. He served on the USS Cyane off the coast of Africa. Liberia had become a relocation point for former slaves, and his task was to patrol the coastline and keep raiders away. He also served two years in command of the African Squadron, which was charged with the similar task of intercepting illegal slave-runners into Africa.
Perry in Mexico
In addition to patrol work, Perry got more wartime experience during the U.S-Mexican War. In March 1847, Perry commanded the naval fleet that escorted General Winfield Scott's army during the Battle of Vera Cruz. From here, Scott launched his invasion into Mexico City.
Perry in New York
Perry returned home and was stationed at the New York Navy Yard. This was a productive time for him. He was quick to tap into new technologies, and he played a lead role in transitioning the Navy from sails to steam-power. One of the ships he had earlier commanded was the USS Fulton, which was one of the first steam-powered frigates. For these innovations, he earned the epithet 'Father of the Steam Navy.' He also founded a naval museum and developed a professional curriculum for U.S. naval students.
Preparing for Japan
Japan had voluntarily closed itself off to outside trade during the Tokugawa period. During this period, the country was run by the shogun warriors, rather than the emperors. The U.S. had long wanted Far East ports for purposes of trade, coaling stations, and repair stations for ships and sailors. Other expeditions had reached Japan, such as James Biddle (1846) and James Glynn (1848), but their visits were repulsed. Perry was chosen to head the East Indian Squadron as the best candidate given his broad experience and diplomatic skills. He had recently commanded the landing fleet in the Battle of Vera Cruz in the U.S.-Mexican War. In his interview, he stated: 'We will demand as a right, not solicit as a favor, those acts of courtesy due from one civilized nation to another.' He spent two years preparing for his trip, studying Japanese culture and protocol, and he handpicked his officers. President Millard Fillmore drafted a letter to the Japanese Emperor Komei requesting an audience, and Perry was asked to deliver it."
Commodore Matthew C. Perry - The Man Who Unlocked Japan
A historical documentary retelling the story of Commodore Matthew C. Perry and his impact on Japan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BON9nkpbg5w
FYI LTC Stephen C. LTC (Join to see) Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Maj Marty Hogan SCPO Morris Ramsey SFC William Farrell SGT Mark Halmrast Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Dave Hoover SPC Margaret Higgins SSgt Brian Brakke 1stSgt Eugene Harless SSG William Jones SSG Diane R.
Rest in peace Matthew Calbraith Perry!
Image: 1847 The Landing at Vera Cruz
Background from study.com/academy/lesson/commodore-matthew-c-perry-japan-biography.html
"Matthew C. Perry was an American naval officer known as the 'Father of the Steam Navy.' Perry is best known for his two trips to Japan in 1853-1854 to establish diplomatic relations.
Beginnings of a Naval Officer
Matthew C. Perry lived an extraordinary life in an age of extraordinary changes. His naval career took him around the world, and he is best known for his Japanese expeditions. He was born in 1794 in South Kingston, Rhode Island. He inherited his naval genes from his family. His father served in the Navy during the American Revolution, and the Quasi-War with France and his older brother Oliver Hazard Perry was a celebrated naval officer during the War of 1812. Matthew Perry was commissioned in the Navy in 1809 and first served aboard the USS Revenge with his brother. Perry was married to Sarah Wallace with whom he had a whopping ten children!
Perry in the War of 1812
During the War of 1812, Perry served aboard the USS President under Commodore John Rodgers. Perry was a fair but stern commander, and many argue that he copied this style from Rodgers. He later served with Rodgers in the Mediterranean Squadron on the USS Shark. His most notable venture in the war though was serving on the USS Lawrence and USS Niagara during the Battle of Lake Eerie against the British fleet. Both of these ships were commanded by his brother, and this experience gave him valuable wartime experience that he later put to good use.
African Adventures
Perry's naval career also took him to the coast of Africa. He served on the USS Cyane off the coast of Africa. Liberia had become a relocation point for former slaves, and his task was to patrol the coastline and keep raiders away. He also served two years in command of the African Squadron, which was charged with the similar task of intercepting illegal slave-runners into Africa.
Perry in Mexico
In addition to patrol work, Perry got more wartime experience during the U.S-Mexican War. In March 1847, Perry commanded the naval fleet that escorted General Winfield Scott's army during the Battle of Vera Cruz. From here, Scott launched his invasion into Mexico City.
Perry in New York
Perry returned home and was stationed at the New York Navy Yard. This was a productive time for him. He was quick to tap into new technologies, and he played a lead role in transitioning the Navy from sails to steam-power. One of the ships he had earlier commanded was the USS Fulton, which was one of the first steam-powered frigates. For these innovations, he earned the epithet 'Father of the Steam Navy.' He also founded a naval museum and developed a professional curriculum for U.S. naval students.
Preparing for Japan
Japan had voluntarily closed itself off to outside trade during the Tokugawa period. During this period, the country was run by the shogun warriors, rather than the emperors. The U.S. had long wanted Far East ports for purposes of trade, coaling stations, and repair stations for ships and sailors. Other expeditions had reached Japan, such as James Biddle (1846) and James Glynn (1848), but their visits were repulsed. Perry was chosen to head the East Indian Squadron as the best candidate given his broad experience and diplomatic skills. He had recently commanded the landing fleet in the Battle of Vera Cruz in the U.S.-Mexican War. In his interview, he stated: 'We will demand as a right, not solicit as a favor, those acts of courtesy due from one civilized nation to another.' He spent two years preparing for his trip, studying Japanese culture and protocol, and he handpicked his officers. President Millard Fillmore drafted a letter to the Japanese Emperor Komei requesting an audience, and Perry was asked to deliver it."
Commodore Matthew C. Perry - The Man Who Unlocked Japan
A historical documentary retelling the story of Commodore Matthew C. Perry and his impact on Japan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BON9nkpbg5w
FYI LTC Stephen C. LTC (Join to see) Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Maj Marty Hogan SCPO Morris Ramsey SFC William Farrell SGT Mark Halmrast Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Dave Hoover SPC Margaret Higgins SSgt Brian Brakke 1stSgt Eugene Harless SSG William Jones SSG Diane R.
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