Samuel Francis du Pont

[[Image:Samuel francis du pont.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Samuel Francis du Pont by Daniel Huntington

The Mexican War

Du Pont was given command of Cyane in 1846 and quickly showed his skill as a naval combat commander, taking or destroying thirty enemy ships and clearing the Gulf of California in the process. Du Pont captured San Diego and La Paz, and burnt two enemy gunboats in the harbor of Guaymas under heavy fire. He led the main line of ships that took Mazatlan on November 11, 1847, and on February 15, 1848, launched an amphibious assault on San Jose that managed to strike three miles inland and relieve a besieged squadron, despite heavy resistance. He was given command of the California naval blockade in the last months of the war, and after taking part in further land maneuvers was ordered home.

Related Topics:
'' Cyane'' - 1846 - Gulf of California - San Diego - La Paz - Guaymas - Mazatlan - November 11 - 1847 - February 15 - 1848 - San Jose - California - Blockade

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