David Farragut

David Glasgow Farragut (July 5, 1801 – August 14, 1870) was the commander-in-chief of the U.S. Navy during the American Civil War. He was both the first vice admiral and full admiral of the Navy. He is remembered in popular culture for his famous order at the Battle of Mobile Bay, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"

Early life and naval career

Farragut was born to Jordi and Elizabeth Farragut at Campbell's Station, near Knoxville, Tennessee, where his father was serving as a cavalry officer in the Tennessee militia. Jordi Farragut Mesquida (1755–1817), originally a merchant captain from Minorca when the island was under British rule, had previously joined the American Revolutionary cause. David's birth name was James, but it was changed in 1812, following his adoption by future naval Captain David Porter in 1808 (which made him the foster brother of future Civil War Admiral David Dixon Porter).

Related Topics:
Knoxville - Tennessee - Cavalry - Militia - Jordi Farragut Mesquida - 1755 - 1817 - American Revolutionary - 1812 - David Porter - 1808 - David Dixon Porter

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

David Farragut entered the Navy as a midshipman on December 17, 1810. In the War of 1812, when only 12 years old, he was given command of a prize ship taken by USS Essex and brought her safely to port. He was wounded and captured during the cruise of the Essex by HMS Phoebe in Valparaiso Bay, Chile, on March 28, 1814, but was exchanged in April 1815. Through the years that followed, in one assignment after another, he showed the high ability and devotion to duty that would allow him to make a great contribution to the Union victory in the Civil War and to write a famous page in the history of the United States Navy.

Related Topics:
Midshipman - December 17 - 1810 - War of 1812 - Prize ship - USS ''Essex'' - March 28 - 1814 - Union

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~