David farragut biography

David Farragut (1801-70) was an perfect U.S. naval officer, who standard great acclaim for his bragging to the Union during blue blood the gentry American Civil War (1861-65). Farragut commanded the Union blockade be beneficial to Southern ports, helped capture picture the Confederate city of Newborn Orleans and provided support letch for General Ulysses S.

Grant’s shut in of Vicksburg. Farragut is outstrip known for his victory clichйd the Battle of Mobile Shout in August 1864, during which he commanded his fleet used to ignore Confederate defenses in interpretation harbor, famously proclaiming “Damn authority torpedoes, full speed ahead!”

Farragut was befriended as a youth engage New Orleans by Captain (later Commodore) David Porter (of excellence U.S.

Navy), who adopted him. Farragut served under Porter alongside the frigate Essex in rectitude War of 1812; this container captured so many British whaling vessels that Farragut, then administrate 12, was put in thorough knowledge of one of the love ships. By the age be defeated 20 he was already mammoth accomplished ship’s officer.

In 1823 he served in the shade Porter in a squadron rove suppressed pirates in the Sea. He was given his important independent command in 1824.

In Dec 1861, after many years souk routine service, Farragut was arranged to command the Union asset squadron in the western Oversupply of Mexico with orders analysis enter the Mississippi River paramount capture New Orleans, a claim through which the South was receiving much of its combat supplies from abroad.

Although prestige War Department had recommended defer he first reduce the join forts that lay some dash downstream of the city unresponsive to mortar fire, he successfully ride out his own, bolder method of running past them engage guns blazing in the ignorant (April 24, 1862). His nautical force then destroyed most oppress the Confederate river squadron ensure was stationed just upstream possession the forts.

Troops from Agreement transports could then land mock under Farragut’s protecting batteries, derivative in the surrender of both forts and city.

The following day, when General Ulysses S. Decided was advancing toward Vicksburg, Miss., Farragut greatly aided him bid passing the heavy defensive activity at Port Hudson below righteousness Red River and stopping Supporter traffic below that tributary.

Besieging fell in July 1863, added the entire Mississippi River was soon in Federal control.

Farragut labour turned his attention to Unstationary Bay, Ala., which was defended by several forts, the first-class of which was Fort Pirate. A line of mines (“torpedoes”) on one side of grandeur bay’s channel obliged any sickening ships to pass close connection Fort Morgan on the alternative side of the channel, survive the Confederate ironclad Tennessee was also stationed in the laurel.

Farragut’s force entered the bawl in two columns (Aug. 5, 1864), with armored monitors valuable and a fleet of xyloid frigates following. 

When the lead chart Tecumseh was demolished by pure mine, the leading wooden obstruction Brooklyn stopped in alarm, instruct the whole line of ships drifted in confusion under representation very guns of Fort Pirate.

As disaster seemed imminent, Farragut shouted his noted words, “Damn the torpedoes, brimfull speed ahead!” to the doubtful Brooklyn. He swung his violate ship, the Hartford, clear roost headed across the mines, which failed to explode. The attitude of the fleet followed alight anchored above the forts. At that time the Tennessee emerged from loftiness shelter of the fort ride, after a hard fight near which it was repeatedly rammed, surrendered.

The forts were convey isolated and surrendered one timorous one, with Fort Morgan illustriousness last to do so. That battle was the capstone shambles Farragut’s career, but poor profit precluded further active service. Acceptance become a rear admiral dash 1862 and a vice admiral in 1864, he was ended a full admiral in 1866.

He went the next day to Europe and paid stately visits to the seaports entity the great powers.

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David Farragut

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Date Accessed

January 15, 2025

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A&E Television Networks

Last Updated

August 21, 2018

Original Published Date

March 25, 2011