Person Information

Biography

Du Pont was born in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Victor Marie Du Pont and the grandson of Pierce Samuel Du Pont De Nemours who were both writers and well known and respected statesmen of France. They were also both well respected in the United States after they emigrated in the late 18th century. He became a midshipman in 1815. In 1826, after serving on several ships, he was promoted to Lieutenant. Nine years later he became Executive Officer of several ships until the tour ended in 1841. He was then promoted to Commander in 1842, sailing on the "Perry" for China. However, he was ill and was forced to return home, giving up his command. In 1845 he served in the Pacific as a Commander under Commodore Stockton, serving in the war with Mexico and other military movements. He returned home in 1848 and in 1855 became a Captain. From 1857-1859 he went on a special mission to China, visiting Japan, India, and Arabia as well. In June 1861 he was made president of a board designed to plan naval action against the rebelling southern states. In September of that year he was promoted to flag officer and led a large fleet, the largest to that point, from Norfolk, attacking Port Royal Harbor in November. In 1862 Congress thanked him for his service and appointed him Rear Admiral, placing him in command of the Monitor. In 1863 he was relieved and sent to Washington to perform other duties. 

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Biography and Citation Information:
Biography: 
Du Pont was born in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Victor Marie Du Pont and the grandson of Pierce Samuel Du Pont De Nemours who were both writers and well known and respected statesmen of France. They were also both well respected in the United States after they emigrated in the late 18th century. He became a midshipman in 1815. In 1826, after serving on several ships, he was promoted to Lieutenant. Nine years later he became Executive Officer of several ships until the tour ended in 1841. He was then promoted to Commander in 1842, sailing on the "Perry" for China. However, he was ill and was forced to return home, giving up his command. In 1845 he served in the Pacific as a Commander under Commodore Stockton, serving in the war with Mexico and other military movements. He returned home in 1848 and in 1855 became a Captain. From 1857-1859 he went on a special mission to China, visiting Japan, India, and Arabia as well. In June 1861 he was made president of a board designed to plan naval action against the rebelling southern states. In September of that year he was promoted to flag officer and led a large fleet, the largest to that point, from Norfolk, attacking Port Royal Harbor in November. In 1862 Congress thanked him for his service and appointed him Rear Admiral, placing him in command of the Monitor. In 1863 he was relieved and sent to Washington to perform other duties.
Citation Type: 
Website
Citation URL: 
http://books.google.com/books?id=OEMrAQAAIAAJ&pg=PR51&lpg=PR51&dq=Commodore+Samuel+Francis+Du+Pont+September+27,+1803&source=bl&ots=C3uD74gUwy&sig=HTmRBFiAqq579UJmjKL81hjY2H0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=d11aU5LRKOu62gXb8YD4BA&ved=0CEQQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=Commodore%20Sam
Title of Webpage: 
http://www.nytimes.com/1865/06/24/news/obituary-admiral-samuel-francis-dupont.html
Website Viewing Date: 
Friday, April 25, 2014 - 09:00
Website's Last Modified Date: 
Friday, April 25, 2014 - 09:00
Citation for Birth Info:
Citation Type: 
Website
Citation URL: 
http://books.google.com/books?id=OEMrAQAAIAAJ&pg=PR51&lpg=PR51&dq=Commodore+Samuel+Francis+Du+Pont+September+27,+1803&source=bl&ots=C3uD74gUwy&sig=HTmRBFiAqq579UJmjKL81hjY2H0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=d11aU5LRKOu62gXb8YD4BA&ved=0CEQQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=Commodore%20Sam
Title of Webpage: 
Google Books
Website Viewing Date: 
Friday, April 25, 2014 - 09:00
Website Last Modified Date: 
Friday, April 25, 2014 - 09:00
Citation Notes: 
Life of the Late Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat, p li
Citation for Death Info:
Citation Type: 
Website
Citation URL: 
http://www.nytimes.com/1865/06/24/news/obituary-admiral-samuel-francis-dupont.html
Website Viewing Date: 
Friday, April 25, 2014 - 09:00
Website Last Modified Date: 
Friday, April 25, 2014 - 09:00