George Coleman De Kay
Encyclopedia
George Coleman De Kay was a naval officer.
to South America
. He volunteered in the navy of the Argentine Republic, then at war with Brazil
, and was given command of a brig in June 1827. After taking several prizes, he accepted a captain's commission, which he had declined on entering the service, preferring to win it by promotion. In an engagement with the brig “Cacique,” commanded by Capt. Manson, that vessel was captured, though twice the size of De Kay's, and much more heavily armed. When returning to Buenos Aires
in June 1828, his brig, the “Brandtzen,” was driven inshore in the Rio Plata by a Brazilian squadron. He scuttled the vessel to prevent her capture, swam ashore with his crew, and on reaching Buenos Aires was made commodore.
After the peace, he delivered a corvette to the Ottoman Porte for Henry Eckford. He was with him in Constantinople when he died, Eckford at the time being superintendent of the Ottoman shipyards. Returning to New York, De Kay married in 1833 Janet, only child of Joseph Rodman Drake
, the poet. In 1847 he took the U. S. frigate “Macedonian”
to Ireland
with supplies for the sufferers from the famine, having exerted himself to secure the passage of an act of Congress
permitting a government vessel to be so employed.
. George De Kay's son was the poet Charles DeKay
. George De Kay's daughter, Helena de Kay, an artist, married Richard Watson Gilder
, an editor, poet and political activist.
Biography
He was prepared for college, but ran away to sea. He became a skilful navigator, and took vessels built by Henry EckfordHenry Eckford (shipbuilder)
Henry Eckford was a Scottish-born shipbuilder, naval architect, industrial engineer, and entrepreneur who worked for the United States Navy and the navy of the Ottoman Empire in the early 19th century.-Early life:...
to South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
. He volunteered in the navy of the Argentine Republic, then at war with Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, and was given command of a brig in June 1827. After taking several prizes, he accepted a captain's commission, which he had declined on entering the service, preferring to win it by promotion. In an engagement with the brig “Cacique,” commanded by Capt. Manson, that vessel was captured, though twice the size of De Kay's, and much more heavily armed. When returning to Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent...
in June 1828, his brig, the “Brandtzen,” was driven inshore in the Rio Plata by a Brazilian squadron. He scuttled the vessel to prevent her capture, swam ashore with his crew, and on reaching Buenos Aires was made commodore.
After the peace, he delivered a corvette to the Ottoman Porte for Henry Eckford. He was with him in Constantinople when he died, Eckford at the time being superintendent of the Ottoman shipyards. Returning to New York, De Kay married in 1833 Janet, only child of Joseph Rodman Drake
Joseph Rodman Drake
Joseph Rodman Drake was an early American poet.- Biography :Born in New York City, he was orphaned when young and entered a mercantile house. While still a child, he showed a talent for writing poems. He was educated at Columbia. In 1813 he began studying in a physician's office...
, the poet. In 1847 he took the U. S. frigate “Macedonian”
USS Macedonian (1836)
The second USS Macedonian, was a three-masted, wooden-hulled sailing frigate bearing 36-guns of the US Navy and was rebuilt from the keel of the first at Gosport Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia, beginning in 1832; and was launched and placed in service in 1836, Capt...
to Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
with supplies for the sufferers from the famine, having exerted himself to secure the passage of an act of Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
permitting a government vessel to be so employed.
Family
His brother was the naturalist James Ellsworth De KayJames Ellsworth De Kay
James Ellsworth De Kay was an American zoologist.-Biography:...
. George De Kay's son was the poet Charles DeKay
Charles DeKay
Charles Augustus DeKay was a linguist, poet, critic and a fencer. He was a son of George Coleman De Kay, a naval officer. He was best known for founding the National Arts Club and the Fencers Club. He was inducted into the United States Fencing Hall of Fame in 2008...
. George De Kay's daughter, Helena de Kay, an artist, married Richard Watson Gilder
Richard Watson Gilder
Richard Watson Gilder was an American poet and editor.-Life and career:Gilder was born at Bordentown, New Jersey. He was the son of Jane Gilder and the Rev. William Henry Gilder, and educated at his father's seminary in Flushing, Queens. There he learned to set type and published the St. Thomas...
, an editor, poet and political activist.
Further reading
- Fitz-Greene HalleckFitz-Greene HalleckFitz-Greene Halleck was an American poet notable for his satires and as one of the Knickerbocker Group. Born and reared in Guilford, Connecticut, he went to New York City at the age of 20, and lived and worked there for nearly four decades. He was sometimes called "the American Byron"...
, Outline of the Life of Com. George C. De Kay (New York, 1847)