Naval officer; born in Bergen Point, N. J., Sept. 27, 1803; entered the United States navy as
[
164]
midshipman at twelve years of age, and became commander, Oct. 28, 1842.
He saw much active service on the
California coast during the war with
Mexico, clearing the
Gulf of
California of
Mexican vessels.
He was promoted to captain in 1855; and in October, 1861, he proceeded, in command of the South Atlantic squadron, to capture
Port Royal Island, on the
South Carolina coast, to secure a central harbor and depot of supplies on the
Southern shores.
In July
Commodore Dupont was made a rear-admiral, and in April, 1863, he commanded the fleet which made an unsuccessful effort to capture
Charleston.
Admiral Dupont assisted in organizing the naval school at
Annapolis, and was the author of a highly
commended report on the use of floating batteries for coast defence.
He died in
Philadelphia, June 23, 1865.
