Raphael Semmes Confederate Navy Officer Date of Birth: 01.01.1809 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Naval Career
2. Civil War Service
3. CSS Sumter
4. CSS Alabama
5. CSS Alabama's Demise and Union Service
6. Post-War Life and Legacy

Early Life and Naval Career

Raphael Semmes was born in 1809 in Charles City, Maryland. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. In his spare time, Semmes studied law and briefly practiced before returning to sea. During the Mexican War, he served in the blockade of Veracruz and nearly perished when his ship capsized in a storm.

Civil War Service

In 1849, Semmes settled in Mobile, Alabama. When Alabama seceded from the Union, he traveled to Richmond and joined the Confederate Navy. He was tasked with overseeing the navy's lighthouse service. It is believed that Semmes first proposed the idea of commerce raiders to Secretary of the Navy Stephen Mallory.

CSS Sumter

When the plan to disrupt Northern maritime trade was put into action, Semmes was given command of an old steamer converted into the cruiser "Sumter." In six months, his crew captured 17 Northern merchant ships. However, the ship's condition deteriorated, forcing it to be decommissioned and sold for scrap in early 1862.

CSS Alabama

Semmes's next command was the legendary "Alabama," a state-of-the-art British-built ship. In 22 months at sea, the "Alabama" captured 55 prizes and sank the Union warship "Hatteras." The exploits of Semmes and other Confederate raider captains had a significant impact, forcing Northern merchantmen to either stay in port or sail under foreign flags.

CSS Alabama's Demise and Union Service

The "Alabama's" odyssey ended in June 1864 in a battle with the Union ship "Kearsarge." Semmes was rescued from capture by the British yacht "Deerhound." In February 1865, Semmes took command of the James River Squadron, consisting of three ironclads and three wooden steamers. His squadron saw little action and on April 2, 1865, Semmes ordered the ships scuttled and the crews to join General Joseph Johnston. They subsequently surrendered to William Sherman.

Post-War Life and Legacy

Shortly before the surrender, President Jefferson Davis promoted Semmes to brigadier general, but the Confederate Congress never approved this action. In December 1865, Semmes was arrested and charged with treason and piracy. After a three-month investigation, the charges were dropped and he was released.

Semmes returned to Mobile where he practiced law. He passed away in 1877. Despite his controversial role as a Confederate naval officer, Semmes's seamanship and audacity continue to be admired by naval historians.