“Most Awful and Most Lamentable Catastrophe - President John Tyler and the U.S.S. Princeton" Pt. 2

The Princeton conducted her sea-trial on October 17 in which she engaged in a speed contest with the British steamer SS Great Western, beating the fastest recorded ship at the time easily.  The Princeton sailed for New York on January 1, 1844, where she received her two main guns, named Peacemaker and Oregon.

             In order to demonstrate the power of their new vessel, the Navy sent the Princeton to Washington D.C. in late January 1844, with the ship arriving on February 13.  The ship was extremely popular among the populace of the capital, with Stockton (now commander of the Princeton) giving three trial trips with passengers throughout the month.  Reporters who were invited to take part were glowing in their reviews.  A correspondent for the Ohio Statesmen wrote, “…it is impossible to tell you the half that we saw and heard and enjoyed in this excursion…” 

 The display was not without its critics however, with former president John Quincy Adams among the most ardent.  He accused Stockton of using the ship, “to fire their souls with a patriotic ardor for a naval war.”  Adams felt that the name of the guns “Oregon” and “Peacemaker” reflected the desire of some to settle the dispute in the Pacific Northwest with Britain in a less than peaceful fashion.

 

U.S.S. Princeton

            Despite Adam’s objections, the Washington elite were thrilled by the visit and lobbied Stockton to hold a ball on board his vessel.  Stockton refused, but as a compromise agreed to a final excursion on the Princeton, with entertainment on board.  The number of invitations sent out exceeded 400 with half of them being sent to ladies.  Among the luminaries invited was social icon Dolly Madison.  Not everyone was completely caught up in the festive nature of the event.  According to Congressman George Sykes, Capt. Stockton was concerned about having so many luminaries on board and had a feeling that something might go wrong.  Stockton wrote to his wife the night before the event, “Tomorrow – Tomorrow – Oh that tomorrow were past and I could say All is well.”

The Princeton at this time made a most beautiful appearance…

            Whatever trepidations Stockton might have had, they were not reflected among the revelers as there was a festive atmosphere on the morning of February 28.  Sykes would later write, “The day was mild and serene without a cloud – the company were all dressed in their very best and every one seemed pleased and happy.”  The quests were transported from the Washington wharf by steamboat to the Princeton, which was moored six miles downstream.  All the guests were onboard by noon and the fateful cruise got underway shortly after.

            For some two hours or more the quests were entertained by the repeated firing of the “Peacemaker,” and the other guns of the ship’s battery, afterward which they went below decks and were treated to a massive feast which was highlighted by generous amounts of champagne (Tyler’s favorite libation).  Amid the festive and alcohol fueled atmosphere, President Tyler began a series of toasts to the Navy, Stockton, and the Princeton and then guests broke into spontaneous song.  The atmosphere on the nation’s greatest warship was equal to any ball held in the capital at that time, with every guest enjoying the voyage to the utmost.

 The Princeton had come about for her return journey and at approximately four o’clock was passing Mount Vernon again when an officer whispered in Stockton’s ear that one of the guests wanted the gun fired again.  At first Stockton refused, but when he heard the request was from Secretary Gilmer, he consented.  Over one hundred of the guests made their way back on deck where Captain Stockton prepared to pull the gun’s lanyard himself.  President Tyler was making his way toward the deck, when his son-in-law William Waller began singing a “old-fashioned national song”, and turning to Congressman Sykes stated, “ When I was a young man that was one of the most popular songs in Virginia – and as I have not heard it for 20 years or more I prefer returning to the cabin and listening to it instead of seeing the gun fired again.”  It might be added that Tyler was also involved in an exchange with the beautiful Julia Gardiner* and one can understand his desire to remain in her company.  These momentary diversions may have very easily saved his life.

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* The widower Tyler was courting Miss Gardiner, a captivating beauty known as “Belle of Long Island.”  Gardiner was half Tyler’s age which resulted in much tongue-wagging among the Washington elite.