Semmes

semz, Raphael (1809-1877), a Confederate naval commander. He was a native of Maryland. He entered the United States navy as a midshipman in 1826. He served with ability during the Mexican War from 1859 to 1861. He was an efficient member of the lighthouse board charged with the construction of lighthouses and signal stations along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. At the outbreak of the Civil War he resigned his commission and was given the command of the Sumter, the first privateer fitted out by the Confederacy. He captured many American merchantmen. He is charged with the deception of displaying the British flag in order to approach his victims without awakening their suspicion. Later he was placed in command of the Alabama. At the conclusion of the war, he practiced law in Mobile, Alabama, for a time. See Alabama Claims