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William Howard Allen was a lieutenant in the United States Navy and a native of the city of Hudson, New York. As a child, he was sent to school in London, England, but returned to Hudson only a year later. He attended the Hudson Academy for Boys before continuing his education at the seminary in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, where he completed his studies.
Intelligent, ambitious, and driven to succeed, Allen was appointed a midshipman in the United States Navy in 1808. In 1811, his dedication and hard work earned him a commission as a second lieutenant, after which he was assigned to duty aboard the USS Argus.
On August 13, 1813, while patrolling its assigned course, the Argus encountered the British sloop-of-war Pelican. As American and British naval forces were still under standing orders to engage enemy vessels on sight, the two ships prepared for battle.
The Battle of the Argus
"Although this vessel was superior to her in size, men, and metal, the battle was long, severe, and bloody. Early in the action, Captain William Henry Allen was mortally wounded and carried below. Shortly afterward, the first lieutenant, William H. Watson, was severely wounded and taken to the wardroom. Command of the Argus then devolved upon Lieutenant William Howard Allen. His conduct was cool, deliberate, and worthy of the admiration of the crew and the praise of his superior officers."
After further resistance became impossible, the shattered Argus was surrendered to the Pelican. Lieutenant Allen was taken to Ashburton, England, where he remained a prisoner of war for eighteen months. He was eventually exchanged before the close of the war and returned aboard a cartel ship to Norfolk. However, due to an unusually long passage of nearly ninety days, he did not arrive until after peace had been declared.
In 1816, Allen sailed to Dublin as master of the brig Henry Clay, entering merchant service for a time. During the following two years, he served aboard the frigate United States and the ship Independence.
Service in the East Indies
In the spring of 1819, the United States frigate Congress departed on a cruise to the Chinese seas. Allen served as her first lieutenant, and his conduct during the voyage was considered highly meritorious.
As the first American warship of her class to visit the East Indies, the imposing appearance of the Congress reportedly astonished local populations. Allen later described the impression the vessel left upon those who witnessed her, reinforcing their perception of the growing strength and power of the United States.
In May 1821, Allen returned aboard the Congress and remained attached to her until early 1822, when he was transferred to the ship Columbus in Boston. In June of that year, he received command of the United States schooner Alligator.
The Anti-Piracy Campaign
On August 3, 1822, Allen sailed from New York on a mission to combat piracy in the West Indies. The assignment was exceptionally dangerous. Tropical disease had already claimed the lives of many sailors and officers, including several of Allen's close friends and companions.
The campaign also brought him into direct conflict with Caribbean pirates who preyed upon merchant shipping through robbery and murder. These pirates had become notorious enemies of American merchants, officers, and citizens.
Upon arriving in Havana, Allen learned that a pirate force had captured several merchant vessels and established itself in the Bay of El Juapo near Matanzas. Without delay, he set out in pursuit.
Allen soon discovered three heavily armed pirate vessels manned by more than one hundred pirates. Their black flag flew defiantly above the captured ships, while several American citizens remained imprisoned among the seized merchantmen.
Because the waters were too shallow for the Alligator to approach, Allen ordered his boats manned with roughly thirty sailors and personally led the assault. The pirates resisted fiercely, but Allen and his men succeeded in boarding and capturing the lead pirate vessel.
As the remaining pirates fled to their other ships, Allen pursued them through heavy musket fire. During the attack, a musket ball struck him in the head, yet he continued forward, rallying his men. Moments later, a second shot pierced his chest.
Mortally wounded, Allen continued encouraging his crew as they carried him aboard the captured schooner. Even while dying, he calmly gave instructions regarding the prizes and the rescued merchant vessels.
"He hoped that his friends and his country would be satisfied that he had fought well. He said he died in peace with the world and looked for his reward in the next."
Despite terrible pain from his wounds, Allen reportedly never complained. He died approximately three hours later, remembered by his men as courageous and composed to the end.
His body was taken to Matanzas, Cuba, where he was buried on November 11, 1822, with honors befitting his distinguished service.
Public Mourning and Return of His Remains
News of Allen's death cast a deep gloom over the city of Hudson. On December 5, 1822, citizens gathered at city hall in one of the largest public meetings the city had ever witnessed.
The meeting was chaired by Alexander Coffin following a motion by Elisha Williams, while Dr. Samuel White served as secretary after nomination by Ambrose L. Jordan. Reverend B. F. Stanton opened the proceedings with prayer, after which the Honorable James Strong delivered a moving eulogy honoring Allen's life and sacrifice.
Several years later, the Common Council of Hudson petitioned the Navy Department to return Allen's remains from Matanzas to New York aboard a public vessel. The request was approved.
On December 15, 1827, the schooner Grampus arrived in New York carrying the remains of the fallen officer. The city of Hudson dispatched representatives to escort him home.
A solemn procession accompanied the remains from the Brooklyn Navy Yard through New York City. Naval officers, marines, city officials, and large crowds of citizens joined the procession as flags flew at half-mast and salutes were fired in his honor.
Allen's remains were then transported by steamboat to Hudson, where additional military honors awaited. Upon arrival, a national salute greeted the procession, and the remains were escorted to the home of Captain Alexander Coffin.
Funeral Procession Order
- Hudson City Guard
- Columbia Plaids
- Athens Lafayette Guards
- Military forces under Colonel William A. Dean, with standards furled and drums muffled
- The Reverend Clergy
- The coffin, borne by naval officers and midshipmen
- Mourners of the United States Navy
- Hudson Military Association
- Brigadier-General Whiting and his staff
- The Mayor and Recorder
- Aldermen and Assistant Aldermen
- City and County officials
- Committee of Arrangements
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