Rear Admiral Charles Wilkes, 

 U.S. Navy (1798 - 1877) 



In 1838 Wilkes, then a Lieutenant, was placed in command of 

 the first scientific expedition sent out by the United States, the 

 U.S. Exploring lixpcNjition which ended four years later after 

 having sailed completely around the world. He served with the 

 Coast Survey from 1842 (o 1843 and advanced to the rank of 

 Commander. Ihe years 1844 to 1861 Wilkes spent on special 

 duty preparing the report of his expedition. Wilkes was 

 commissioned Commodore in 1862 and placed in command of a 

 squadron sent to the West Indies to protect V. S. commerce. His 

 zeal for pursuing Confederate raiders offended several foreign 

 governments and resulted in his court-martial and suspension 

 from duly in 1864 for insuhordination and conduct unhecoming 

 an officer. In 1866, however, he was promoted to Rear Admiral 

 on the retired list. 



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