Du Pont
SAMUEL FRANCIS, an American naval officer; born in Bergen Point, N. J., Sept. 27, 1803. He was commissioned a midshipman when 12 years old. During the Mexican War, being then a commander, he saw much active and gallant service on the California coast. In 1856 he was made a captain, and the following year was placed in command of the steam frigate "Minnesota," which conveyed Mr. Reed, the American minister, to China. In 1862 he was put in command of the South Atlantic blockading squadron. He sailed from Fort Monroe, Oct. 29, in his flagship the "Wabash," accompanied by a fleet of 50 sail; reached Port Royal Nov. 5, and two days after attacked two DUQUESNE strong forts, on Hilton Head and Bay Point, which were evacuated after a severe engagement of four hours. He was promoted to rear-admiral in August, 1862. He greatly contributed to the organization of the Naval School at Annapolis, and was the author of a very remarkable report on the use of floating batteries for coast defense. He died in Philadelphia, Pa., June 23, 1865.