Naval officer; born in
Barbadoes,
W. I., Aug. 11, 1841; came to the
United States in early life; served through the
Civil War with marked distinction; was promoted lieutenant-commander in December, 1868.
He became widely known in 1880-81 through having charge of the transportation of the
Egyptian obelisk (
Cleopatra's Needle), presented to the
United States by the Khedive of
Egypt, and erected in
Central Park, New York City, Jan. 23, 1881.
The total cost of transportation— $100,000—was paid by
William H. Vanderbilt.
The iron vessel
Dessoug was bought from the
Egyptian government, and a hole was cut in her side, through which the obelisk was placed in the hold.
Gorringe published a
History of Egyptian Obelisks.
He died in New York City, July 7. 1885.