Jenkins, Thornton A. (1811-1893) to the commander of the USS Antona
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03213 Author/Creator: Jenkins, Thornton A. (1811-1893) Place Written: Mobile, Alabama Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 1 December 1864 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 25.3 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Written aboard USS "Richmond." Order signed by Captain Jenkins as the commander of the 1st Division of the Western Gulf Squadron to the commander of the USS "Antona." Says all commanders under Rear Admiral Farragut and Commodore James Palmer must transmit reports relating to the public service through him. Born at Orange Court House, Virginia, Jenkins entered the Navy as a midshipman 1 November 1828, and served first in the West Indies in an expedition againts pirates and slavers. Examined for a commission as Lieutenant, he placed first among 82 candidates. In 1831 Jenkins helped to suppress Nat Turner's slave rebellion. Prior to the Mexican War, Jenkins served with the Coast Survey and with the Brazilian and Mediterranean Squadrons. During the war with Mexico, as executive officer of Germantown, he led landing parties from his ship at Tuxpan and Tabasco. Later, he commanded hospital ship "Relief" and the Supply Station at Salmedena Island. In the interval between the wars, he served in the receiving ship at Baltimore, returned to the Coast Survey, and was Secretary of the Lighthouse Board. His Civil War record was distinguished. In 1861 Jenkins performed secret services for President Lincoln until he became ill in 1861. After this, Jenkins became a captain and commanded the "Oneida," serving primarily in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron of David Farragut. He served as chief of staff to Farragut, and was later wounded while commanding a convoy escort group. As Senior Officer Present, in command of Richmond, he received the surrender of Port Hudson 9 July 1863. Admiral Farragut had temporarily gone to New Orleans on business at the time. Jenkins later commanded a division of the Squadron. Jenkins was Chief of the Bureau of Navigation from 1865 to 1869. Jenkins became a Rear Admiral in 1870 and commanded the Asiatic Station from 1870 until his retirement in 1873. Rear Admiral Jenkins was President of the Naval Institute from 1883 to 1885, and died 9 August 1893. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
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