Existing comment:
Lieutenant John Percival, USN (1779-1862)
by Ethan Allen Greenwood, 1817
Among the most colorful and admired figures of the old Navy, Percival went to sea in merchant ships at age 14 and was impressed into the British Navy where he served in Admiral Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory. He escaped to an American naval vessel at Madeira and had service briefly during the Quasi War with France before being discharged as a midshipman in 1801. Rejoining the merchant trade he earned the nickname "Mad Jack" before re-entering the Navy in 1809. During the 1812 War, he served on USS Peacock during its battle with HMS Epervier; and he was awarded a special presentation sword by the Congress of which he was most proud. Not long after this portrait was recorded, he commanded USS Dolphin, Pacific Squadron, and made a notable visit to the Sandwich Islands (later Hawaii). In the 1840s and in command of the famous US Frigate Constitution, he circumnavigated the world protecting and promoting American interests in many ports. |