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Thornton A. Jenkins





EARLY LIFE AND CAREER

Born at Orange Court House , Virginia , 11 December 1811 , Jenkins entered the Navy as a Midshipman 1 November 1828 and served first in the West Indies in an expedition against pirates and slavers. Examined for a commission as Lieutenant , he placed first among 82 candidates.

Prior to the Mexican War, Jenkins served with the Coast Survey and with the Brazilian and Mediterranean Squadrons. During the war with Mexico , as executive officer of ''Germantown'' , he led landing parties from his ship at Tuxpan and Tabasco . Later, he commanded Hospital Ship ''Relief'' and the Supply Station at Salmedena Island . In the interval between the wars, he served in the receiving ship at Baltimore , returned to the Coast Survey, and was Secretary of the Lighthouse Board .


CIVIL WAR SERVICE

His Civil War record was distinguished. Serving primarily in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron of David Farragut , he commanded ''Oneida'' . He served as chief of staff to Farragut, and was later wounded while commanding a convoy escort group. As Senior Officer Present, in command of ''Richmond'' , he received the surrender of Port Hudson 9 July 1863 . He later commanded a division of the Squadron.


POST-WAR ACTIVITIES

Jenkins was Chief of the Bureau Of Navigation , from 1865 to 1869 , and he commanded the Asiatic Station from 1870 until his retirement in 1873 . Rear Admiral Jenkins was President of the Naval Institute from 1883 to 1885 , and died 9 August 1893 .


EXTERNAL LINKS



REFERENCES

  • Marshall, Amy K. ''FREQUENTLY CLOSE TO THE POINT OF PERIL: A HISTORY OF BUOYS AND TENDERS IN U.S. COASTAL WATERS, 1789 - 1939.'' April 1997. Thesis, Master of Arts in Maritime History/Nautical Archaeology, East Carolina University. Online. December 1999. U.S. Coast Guard. Viewed 1 March 2006. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/Amy_Marshall_Chap_1.html