CDV OF REAR ADMIRAL CHARLES WILKES OF TRENT AFFAIR FAME

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Item Code: 431-38

CDV photograph of Union Rear Admiral in uniform. Charles Wilkes is standing in this studio view with cap in hand next to him, double-breasted frock with dress shoulder scales, belt, and sword hanging at side. Image contrast is very good.  Charles D. Fredericks & Co., New York b/m.

Charles Wilkes (April 3, 1798 – February 8, 1877) was an naval officer, ship's captain, and explorer. He led the United States Exploring Expedition (1838–1842). During the Civil War, he commanded USS San Jacinto during the Trent Affair in which he stopped a Royal ship and removed two Confederate diplomats, which almost led to war between the United States and the United Kingdom. He was officially thanked by Congress "for his brave, adroit and patriotic conduct". However, his action was later disavowed by President Lincoln due to diplomatic protests by the British government (Mason and Slidell were released). His next service was in the James River flotilla and he was placed on the retired list on December 21, 1861. Subsequently, after reaching the rank of commodore on July 16, 1862, he was assigned to duty against blockade runners in the West Indies. One historian speculated that Wilkes' obsessive behavior and harsh code of shipboard discipline shaped Herman Melville's characterization of Captain Ahab in Moby-Dick.

Wilkes died in Washington, D.C., with the rank of Rear Admiral. In August 1909, the United States moved his remains to Arlington National Cemetery. [jet] [ph:L]

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