He was born in Montpelier, Vt., December 26, 1837, and is the third son of Julius Yemens Dewey, M. D., a prominent physician of Montpelier, who founded and was for many years president of the National Life Insurance Company of that city. Young Dewey, in his boyhood, seems to have engaged in about as many fights as General Sherman, and to have thus early in life acquired the habit of coming out as victor. His early school-life was spent in the Washington County Grammar School, of Montpelier. The scholars there had the reputation of being hard to manage and were engaged infrequent conflicts with their teachers, in which young Dewey seems to have figured prominently.

He entered the naval academy at Annapolis, was made acting midshipman September 23, 1854, and lieutenant, 1861. He was ordered to the steamer "Mississippi" in the West Gulf squadron and served under Farragut.

During the Civil War he displayed marked coolness and heroism, and was a great favorite with his commanders and fellow-officers. It is interesting to note that in the battle of Manila, Captain Coghlan of the "Raleigh," Captain Dyer of the "Baltimore," and Captain Gridley of the "Olympia," Dewey's flagship, serving under him, had also served with him an apprenticeship under Farragut.

Made a commodore and placed in charge of the Asiatic squadron, he worked long and hard to put it in shape for the coming struggle with Spain which he saw was impending. The result shows how thorough was his preparation. The day before the formal declaration of war was made, Secretary Long cabled Dewey to Hong Kong as follows:

"War has commenced between the United States and Spain. Proceed at once to the Philippine Islands. Commence operations at once, particularly against the Spanish fleet. You must capture vessels or destroy them. Use utmost endeavors."

May 1st he could report the Spanish fleet as annihilated. In a few days after receiving news of his great victory, he was sent the following despatch:

"WASHINGTON, May 7.

"Dewey, Manila: President, in the name of the American people, thanks you and your officers and men for your splendid achievement and overwhelming victory. In recognition he has appointed you Acting Admiral and will recommend a vote of thanks to you by Congress. LONG."

Admiral George Dewey
Commodore Winfield Scott Schley
Admiral William T. Sampson
Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan
US Navy Pay Rates and Prize Money

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