Had he not been made of the right stuff he never could have held such a position when a very young man.
[Illustration: COMMODORE EDWARD PREBLE.] Another hero was Commodore Edward Preble, born in 1761 and died in 1807.
When only sixteen years old he joined a privateer, and at eighteen was active in the attacks of the _Protector_ on the British privateer _Admiral Duff_.

He was on the _Winthrop_, and fought bravely in the battle which resulted in the capture of a British armed brig.

He was commissioned lieutenant in 1798, and the year following commanded the _Essex_.
From what I have told you, it will be seen that it was a gallant band that our Government sent into the Mediterranean in 1801 to chastise the barbarians and compel them to respect the Stars and Stripes..