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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC03479.53 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to the 1880s |
| Title | Thornton A. Jenkins to George B. Patrick regarding an autograph |
| Date | 1 March 1887 |
| Author | Jenkins, Thornton A. (1811-1893) |
| Recipient | Patrick, George B. |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Retired Rear Admiral Jenkins responds to Patrick's request for an autograph. The letter is mounted on another sheet of paper. |
| Subjects | Military History Navy |
| People | Jenkins, Thornton Alexander (1811-1893) Patrick, George B. (fl. 1887) |
| Place written | Washington, D.C. |
| Theme | Naval & Maritime |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1860-1945 |
| Additional Information | Born at Orange Court House, Virginia, 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. In 1831 Jenkins helped to suppress Nat Turner's slave rebellion. 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. His Civil War record was distinguished. In 1861 Jenkins performed secret services for President Lincoln, until he became ill in 1861. After this, Jenkins became a captain and served 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. Admiral Farragut had temporarily gone to New Orleans on business at the time. Jenkins later commanded a division of the Squadron. Jenkins was Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, from 1865 to 1869. Jenkins became a Real Admiral in 1870 and 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. Jenkins was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |