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Swinburne (WILLIAM THOMAS an American)

WILLIAM THOMAS, an American naval officer, born at Newport, R. I., in 1847. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1866, and in the same year was appointed ensign. He served on various vessels and duty at the Naval Academy. He became stations, and from 1886 to 1890 was on lieutenant-commander in 1887, and was executive officer on the "Boston" from 1890 to 1893. In the latter year he commanded the battalion landed in Honolulu. After four years further service at the Naval Academy, he became commander in 1896. He served in the North Atlantic Fleet during the Spanish-American War, and took part in several engagements. In 1899 he joined the fleet at Manila under SWINTON Admiral Dewey. He commanded warships, convoys, and troops to the Philippines in the year following. He was promoted to be captain in 1901, and rearadmiral in 1906. From 1906 to 1909 he was commander-in-chief of the Pacific Squadron. In the latter year he was commander of the Naval War College.

He retired from active service in 1909.