James Edward Jouett

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Rear Admiral James Edward Jouett (7 February 1826 – 30 September 1902) was an officer in the United States Navy during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. His father was Matthew Harris Jouett, a notable painter, and his grandfather was Revolutionary War hero Jack Jouett.

Born near Lexington, Kentucky, Jouett was appointed Midshipman 10 September 1841. He served on the African coast in Decatur with Matthew C. Perry and in John Adams during the Mexican War.

[edit] Civil War

At the beginning of the Civil War, Jouett was captured by Confederates at Pensacola, Florida but was soon parolled. He then joined the blockading forces off Galveston, Texas, distinguishing himself during the night of 7 to 8 November 1861 in the capture and destruction of Confederate schooner Royal Yacht. Jouett later commanded Montgomery and R. R. Cuyler on blockading duty and in September 1863 took command of Metacomet.

In the Battle of Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864, his ship was lashed to Admiral David Farragut's flagship Hartford as the gallant ships entered the bay. Monitor Tecumseh was sunk by an underwater "torpedo", but the ships steamed boldly on, inspired by Farragut's famous command: "Damn the torpedoes! Four bells! Captain Drayton go ahead! Jouett full speed!" Metacomet was sent after two Confederate gunboats, and in a short chase Jouett riddled Gaines and captured Selma.

[edit] Post-Civil War and last years

Jouett had various commands ashore and afloat after the Civil War, taking command of the North Atlantic Squadron in 1884. In 1889 he commanded a naval force which forced the opening of the isthmus of Panama, threatened by insurrection. Rear Admiral Jouett retired in 1890 and lived for most of his remaining years at "The Anchorage," near Sandy Springs, Maryland.

Three ships in the United States Navy have been named USS Jouett for him.

This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.