Admiral Samuel F. Du Pont (1803 - 1865) had a long and distinguished career of service in the U. S. Navy. His contributions to winning the late war went far in establishing himself as one of the great naval commanders in our nation's history. The services held recently near the Du Pont ancestral home adjacent to the Du Pont powder mills were conducted here to honor the Admiral's memory.
A mixed Army-Navy Color Guard opened the ceremony with a presentation of the colors. Opening remarks were given by Commander Don Fischer of the USS Lehigh, followed immediately by the Reverend John Holden, who led the Convocation of distinguished guests and visitors in solemn prayer. A brief History of the Admiral was next presented to the assembly by none other than Vice Admiral David Glasgow Farragut [admirably portrayed by Bruce W. Tucker]. Farragut lauded DuPont's distinguished naval career, beginning with his appointment as Midshipman in 1815, his outstanding service in the Mexican War, and DuPont's notable achievements in subduing the Rebellion before his untimely demise last June.
At the commencement of the Rebellion, Admiral Du Pont, then a Captain, was President of the Board that convened in Washington in 1861 to plan the war's naval operations and was subsequently promoted to Flag Officer in September of that year. This reporter had the honor of sailing with Flag Officer Du Pont's fleet to Port Royal, South Carolina, and was present for his singular victory over the rebel forts there and the establishment of an important coaling station for vessels of the Union blockade along the Atlantic Coast. Given the Thanks of Congress for this remarkable exploit, Du Pont was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral to date from 16 July 1862. When ordered to conquer and hold for the Union the City of Charleston in April 1863, the so-called "Cradle of Secession," Du Pont objected to the plan, insisting that the city could only fall with combined Army-Navy co-opertation. Consequently when Du Pont was unable to take Charleston with naval power alone, he asked to be relieved, leaving his command 5 July 1863. Ultimately, Du Pont was proven correct: the mighty monitors lacked the requisite firepower to reduce the formidable batteries that ringed Charleston harbor. Though seriously ill, Admiral Du Pont continued on active duty, serving on boards and commissions for the duration of the war.
After the conclusion of Admiral Farragut's speech, a floral wreath was presented by representatives of the family - Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Francis DuPont Bayard. Mr. DuPont, great-grand nephew of the Admiral then gave an interesting discourse recalling the life, childhood and upbringing of young Samuel F. Du Pont.
A rousing cannon salute, followed by the playing of "taps," preceded Final Remarks given by Commander Fischer. A recession to the accompaniment of the Navy Hymn concluded the program.
- H. J. W.
 |
| Mr. Samuel Francis DuPont Bayard speaks at the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Life of Admiral DuPont. (Photo courtesy of William Myers.) |
[Editor's Note: For more information regarding Admiral Du Pont, see Boatner, Mark M. III. The Civil War Dictionary. David McKay Company, Inc.; 1959:252. "Henry" apologizes for neglecting his blog for so long. With the end of the war, he hasn't had much to write about, and he his been busy working on a biography of Brigadier General Charles G. Harker.]
