CDV OF REAR ADMIRAL CHARLES WILKES OF TRENT AFFAIR FAME

$125.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 431-38

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

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]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire »

Inquire About CDV OF REAR ADMIRAL CHARLES WILKES OF TRENT AFFAIR FAME

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

featured item

1847 CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTIONS OF THANKS TO GEN. ZACHARY TAYLOR AND HIS OFFICERS AND MEN FOR MONTERREY, PERSONALLY DISPATCHED BY PRESIDENT POLK

Zachary Taylor received the formal thanks of Congress three times, along with gold medals, for victories in the Mexican War, the largest number of such resolutions and awards made by Congress to anyone. This is an official State Department copy on… (766-938). Learn More »

Upcoming Events

21
Nov

Dec. 7 - 8: Middle Tennessee Civil War Show Learn More »

Instagram