"Old Bruin": Commodore Matthew C. Perry, 1794-1858

by Samuel Eliot Morison

This is the story of a United States naval officer, whose nickname 'Old Bruin' - a tribute of his sailors to a voice whose roar carried through any gale- gives little hint of his extraordinary qualities. In Perry's person were combined the strategical savvy, scientific interest, and diplomatic finesse. Highlights of his career include: Promoting the founding of Liberia; fighting in the war of 1812; fighting pirates in the West Indies; and "opening Japan" without firing one hostile shot. He also worked incessantly for the health and welfare of sailors, for naval education and widespread naval improvements in general.