Melancton Smith (1810-1893)
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Melancton Smith (May 24, 1810 – July 19, 1893) was a United States Naval Officer who served in the Union Navy during the American Civil War.
Melancton Smith was born in New York City. He was the son of Colonel Melancton Smith, an officer during the War of 1812, and grandson of Melancton Smith, a Continental Congressman.
The third Melancton joined the U.S. Navy at a young age. He served in the navy during the Seminole Wars. He commanded the USS Massachusetts at the outbreak of the American Civil War and took part in the Battle of Fort Jackosn. He was appointed captain and took part in the naval part of the Siege of Port Hudson. He was senior naval officer of a small fleet in Albemarle Sound where he attacked the Confederate ram CSS Albemarle at the battle of Albemarle Sound. He was in command of the frigate USS Wabash during both attacks on Fort Fisher. He was chief of the bureau of equipment and recruiting in the navy department after the war and was in charge of the New York navy-yard until his retirement.
|Smith died in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
[edit] Appointments and ranks
- Midshipman — March 1, 1826
- Passed Midshipman — April 28, 1832
- Lieutenant — March 8, 1837
- Commander — September 14, 1855
- Captain — July 16, 1862
- Commodore — July 25, 1866
- Rear Admiral — July 1, 1870
- Retired list — May 24, 1871
