David Farragut

David Glasgow Farragut

(1801-1870)

David Farragut was a Union captain in the naval forces of the United States. He was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on July 5, 1801. He entered the navy at the young age of 17. During the Civil War he saw his first action of the war in the battle of Cowpens, where he would prove to his colleagues that he was a fine soldier.

After the battle, Farragut was awarded the rank of major. His most remembered action was as one of the two commanders who laid siege upon the city of New Orleans and ultimately took the important city for the Union. His peers considered Farragut at the time, a capable and worthy seaman captain and a fine gentleman.

Farragut was awarded the rank of major, then commander and presented the helm of the Brooklyn, a steam sloop of war in the Civil War. He was a master of the seas and was placed in both land and sea missions by President Lincoln. The trust Lincoln had for Commander Farragut was said to be stuff of legends. This is the respect that Commander Farragut demanded from even his superiors and no one was more superior than President Lincoln. He commanded the naval expedition against the town of New Orleans and did it so well that Lincoln himself personally thanked him.

Commander Farragut displayed both honor and loyalty especially when Union soldiers lives were at risk. The Confederates would grow to attempt to steer clear of any and all action that would involve Farragut or his men. He was that feared and honored. The remainder of his Civil War duties would be long and victory laden. He patrolled the mighty Mississippi River and kept many Union ships safe and protected. The commander was comfortable both on and off the water which made him endearing to anyone he met.

In August 1864, Commander Farragut battled and defeated the Confederate forces at Mobile Bay. This decisive victory would pave the way for many more Union victories in the Delta area of the south. Men such as Farragut were the main reasons behind such impressive tactical victories and the main reason the North won the war in the first place.

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