Jenkins, Thornton A. (1811-1893) to A. Jamieson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03479.29 Author/Creator: Jenkins, Thornton A. (1811-1893) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 31 October 1861 Pagination: 1 p. ; 25 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy
Written in a secretarial hand and signed by Jenkins as Secretary of the Lighthouse Board to Jamieson as the Superintendent of Lights at Alexandria, Virginia. References Jamieson's letter of 30 October which stated that two boxes of old materials from Jones Point Light House has been sent.
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 against 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 served primarily in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron of David Farragut, he commanded Oneida. 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. Jenkins was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
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