Farragut, David Glasgow

Life Span
to
    Full name
    David Glasgow Farragut
    Place of birth
    Campbell's Station, TN
    Gender
    Male
    Race
    White
    Origins
    Slave State
    Occupation
    Military
    Military
    US military (Pre-Civil War)
    Union Navy
    US military (Post-Civil War)

    David Glasgow Farragut, Fort Jackson & Fort St. Philip (American National Biography)

    Scholarship
    Farragut required two months to deploy his squadron on the lower reaches of the Mississippi River. Two forts, Jackson on the west bank and St. Philip slightly upstream on the east, a flotilla, and a boom across the river blocked Farragut's route. But Confederate armaments were inferior to those of the Union forces. After a six-day mortar bombardment failed to silence Fort Jackson, Farragut, against Secretary [of the Navy Gideon] Welles's orders and the counsel of his subordinates, decided to run the gauntlet without silencing the forts. He reasoned that more time would allow the Confederates to strengthen their defenses and to complete the ironclad Louisiana. Events justified his decision. More than any other high-ranking Union officer, Farragut would take inordinate risks to obtain monumental results. As with all Civil War commanders during the opening months of that conflict, Farragut initially lacked experience commanding a large force. Unlike others, Farragut overcame his inexperience by means of what Welles described as "innate fearless moral courage" and an ability to focus: "[Farragut] does but one thing at a time, but does that strong and well" (The Diary of Gideon Welles, vol. 1 [1911], p. 230). All except three of his seventeen vessels managed to pass the forts before daylight on 24 April [1862]. The ensuing riverine battle caused the loss of one Union and eleven Confederate vessels. Farragut then arrived at New Orleans the next day. The forts surrendered three days later making his victory complete. Farragut received the thanks of Congress and a commission as rear admiral ranking from 16 July 1862.
    Lawrence L. Hewitt, "Farragut, David Glasgow," American National Biography Online, http://www.anb.org/articles/04/04-00361.html.

    David Glasgow Farragut, Wartime Career (American National Biography)

    Scholarship
    Mobile Bay, coupled with his capture of New Orleans, elevated Farragut to well-deserved preeminence in the U.S. Navy. His willingness to lead where his subordinates feared to follow made these victories his alone. Neither a great strategist nor tactician, Farragut achieved his objectives by boldly relying on his intuition. Congress created the office of vice admiral, and signing the bill on 23 December 1864, President Abraham Lincoln promptly nominated Farragut. Later Congress created the grade of full admiral especially for Farragut, his appointment effective 26 July 1866.
    Lawrence L. Hewitt, "Farragut, David Glasgow," American National Biography Online, http://www.anb.org/articles/04/04-00361.html.
    Date Event
    Union naval units under Commodore Farragut break past Confederate defenses towards New Orleans
    In Louisiana, a helpless New Orleans resists Union demands for its capitulation
    In a defiant New Orleans, a mob tears down a Union flag hoisted over the U.S. Mint
    - In Louisiana, the garrison of Fort Jackson mutinies and the fort surrenders soon after
    Major General Benjamin Butler begins his notorious eight months as military governor of New Orleans
    In Mississippi, the mayor and defenders of Vicksburg reject U.S. Navy demands for the city's surrender
    Union troops land below Port Hudson seeking to make contact with Admiral Farragut's naval force
    - A powerful Union naval bombardment fails to silence the defenses of Port Hudson, Louisiana
    - In Louisiana, Union forces advance to surround the Mississippi River fortress at Port Hudson
    In Louisiana, Confederate defenders of Port Hudson beat back an all-out Union assault
    Afro-Creole Captain Andre Cailloux falls at the head of his troops in the attack on Port Hudson
    African-American troops perform well in the abortive attack on Port Hudson and earn wide praise
    - In Louisiana, the Siege of Port Hudson continues
    In Louisiana, Confederate defenders of Port Hudson beat back another all-out Union assault
    - In Louisiana, the Siege of Port Hudson continues
    In Louisiana, General N.P. Banks accepts the surrender of Port Hudson after a seven week siege
    In Mobile Bay, Alabama, U.S. naval forces win a comprehensive victory over the Confederate fleet
    David Farragut becomes the United States Navy's first full Admiral.
    President Andrew Johnson's "Swing Around the Circle" speaking tour travels across New Jersey to New York City.
    With impressive ceremony in Brooklyn, 3000 Long Island veterans are presented with service medals
    Chicago Style Entry Link
    Symonds, Craig L. Lincoln and his Admirals: Abraham Lincoln, the U.S. Navy, and the Civil War. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008. view record
    How to Cite This Page: "Farragut, David Glasgow," House Divided: The Civil War Research Engine at Dickinson College, https://hd.housedivided.dickinson.edu/node/5645.